Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering involves changing the genetic material of an organism by taking one gene from one organism and transferring it to the genetic material of an another, completely different organism. We can use this technique on a large scale for industrial purposes. We can use bacteria to produce insulin genes for example. In the past, people used insulin extracted from the pancreases of pigs. These are the steps below...
Advantages
Genetic engineering involves changing the genetic material of an organism by taking one gene from one organism and transferring it to the genetic material of an another, completely different organism. We can use this technique on a large scale for industrial purposes. We can use bacteria to produce insulin genes for example. In the past, people used insulin extracted from the pancreases of pigs. These are the steps below...
- Cut out an insulin gene in the DNA of a human cell using enzymes, and at the same time, split open a plasmid (ring of DNA) taken from a bacterium. This is also done using enzymes
- We can now insert this insulin gene into the plasmid using more enzymes.
- The plasmid containing the gene can be taken in by the bacterium which would multiply and reproduce by splitting into two each time. As this happens, insulin is produced very quickly
- We can harvest the insulin which is used for individuals suffering from diabetes.
Advantages
- Crops are genetically engineered to produce their own pesticides so they can kill the insects that attacks them. They can also be resistant to herbicides used to control weeds.
- Producing insulin using bacteria allows us to make insulin on a large scale.
- We use genetic engineering to improve the growth rates of plants and animals. This can improve the food value of crops as genetically modified plants have bigger yields than ordinary plants. These crops can be grown in dry or cold climates so they can solve world hunger.
- Genetic engineering can cure genetic diseases by putting healthy genes into the affected cells so they would work properly.
- No one knows the long-term effects.
- Insects may become resistant to pesticides if they keep eating pesticide-forming plants.
- GM foods may have a bad effect on human health. These crops are infertile so the farmers have to buy new seeds each year.
Some people think that genetic engineering is wrong in food and farming because it goes against nature. A gene from one organism can't be inserted into the genetic material of another organism naturally so there may be some consequences which the animal or plant would have to deal with. This technique is very new to us and can be abused. It gives scientists and others involved more control over life. We have no right to do experiment and manipulate the genetic material of an organism. For example, some people want children with particular characteristics which can be achieved by genetic engineering.