NYCSEA

Abstract: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have made a significant impact on our lives today. Most food products we consume have been genetically modified to enhance certain characteristics. This may include genes inserted to produce proteins that repel insects or enhance nutrient production in the food. Recently, yeast has become the newest organism to be genetically modified. This genetically modified yeast produces thiols, compounds that replace oxygen with sulfur. Thiols are present in industrial brewing and are highly aroma active. They are highly reactive even in low concentrations, making them extremely difficult to analyze thoroughly. However, GMOs, a recently developed technique, lack sufficient long-term research on potential human impacts due to the extended human lifespan. The EU has stringent guidelines on GMOs due to insufficient knowledge about their impact on human health. It is imperative to investigate potential effects of GM foods over generations. The purpose of this research was to determine whether consuming GM yeast would have any effect on fruit flies over several generations. Fruit flies are a model organism, sharing over 60% genetic similarity to humans. They were fed different concentrations of genetically modified yeast, and their reproduction rate and longevity were observed over three generations and compared to control groups. Eggs were counted and survival rates were calculated. The Cosmic Punch yeast (100% GMO) had the highest fecundity rate overall while the British Ale Yeast (Positive Control) had a higher rate of longevity. It was concluded that while the Cosmic Punch yeast enhances reproductive rates, the British Ale Yeast promotes greater survival in fruit flies.

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