The “sharing” of genetic material among living organisms is known to be a natural event. This phenomenon is known to be very evident among bacteria, hence they are called “nature’s own genetic engineer”. Such phenomenon is the inspiration of scientists in this endeavor.
In literature, there are in fact many synonyms of the term “genetic engineering”: genetic modification , genome manipulation , genetic enhancement , and many more. However, this term shall not be confused with cloning
Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating an organism’s genome using biotechnology and the products of it are either referred to as “genetically modified” or “transgenic” organisms. Check out the disadvantages of genetically modified foods
How Does Genetic Engineering Work? Basically, genetic engineering is done by inserting a “gene of interest” from sources like bacteria, viruses plants animals
This technology grants us the ability to overcome barriers, exchange genes among organisms, and produce new organisms with “favorable traits”.
For a more detailed explanation of the process, check out this video below:
Now we will dive into the pros and cons of Genetic Engineering now.
Pros of Genetic Engineering / Advantages of Genetic Engineering Supporters of genetic engineering believe that genetic engineering is indeed safe and is still comparable to the traditional process of breeding in plants and animals. Advocates of genetic engineering support the technology primarily because of the following reasons:
1. Production of nutrient-rich foods Golden Rice Golden Rice “. Such discovery is very helpful to the diet of populations that consume rice.
2. Increased resistance of plants to rotting and pests Increased Resistance To Pests
3. Increased Meat Production Belgian Blue Cattle
4. Production of novel drugs and vaccines Novel Vaccine & Drugs
5. Development of new and favorable characters Gene Doping Nature showed that genetic engineering in humans is already being performed in a process called gene doping. Unlike the known process of “doping”, which involves the use of performance enhancing drugs like growth hormones and steroids, gene doping involves the non-therapeutic use of genes and cells to improve athletic performance.
6. Creation of humans with desirable features Designer Baby designer baby ethical debates .
Cons of Genetic Engineering / Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering On the other hand, there are several types of potential health effects that could arise from the insertion of a novel gene into an organism. Critics disagree with the methods of genetic engineering because of:
1. The fear for unintended selection and any unwanted transfer of genes Unintended Growth
2. Health issues like allergic reactions Allergens
3. Development of antibiotic resistance of disease causing organisms Antibiotic Resistance antibiotic resistance “. In this phenomenon, the supposedly target organisms of antibiotics change in a way that they eventually become resistant to the drug. As a result, they will continue to survive, causing greater harm.
4. Loss of biodiversity Loss of Biodiversity study published in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, one major problem regarding the rise of GM organisms is that they can cause a reduction in the biodiversity
5. The fear for the rise of “invasive species” Source: CBC.ca
6. Economic consequences Because of the technology used to create genetically modified crops and animals, private companies that produce them do not share their products at a reasonable cost with the public.
7. Social and Ethical Concerns Bioethics
In addition, they believe that the process is somewhat disrupting the natural way and complexity of life. In addition to this, critics fear the misuse and abuse of biotechnology.
Genetic Engineering – Good, Bad & Ugly – An Infographics Source: Carrington.edu What’s Next?
But there’s really no doubt that with the rapid advancements in technology, the creation of GM organisms are also increasing.
What do you think? Are GM organisms slowly becoming the future?
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This is a great article and it is really informational, I love the videos that it includes to help you better understand the concept
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