Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering entails manipulating an organism’s gene indirectly using techniques such as molecular cloning to alter the nature and structure of genes. It can change an organism’s characteristics through DNA manipulation. Human beings ought to consider the pros and cons of genetic engineering before using it.

Pros of Genetic Engineering

First, it leads to better growth rate, taste and nutrition of crops like tomatoes, potatoes, rice and soybean. Genetically engineering produces new variants with increased yield and improved nutritional qualities. Genetically engineered crops can survive on lands that are currently not suited for cultivation. Genetic manipulation can be carried out to meliorate the nutritional value and increase the rate of growth of crops. The science of genetic engineering, also referred to as foods Biotechnology, nay be utilized to ameliorate the taste of food.

Genetic engineering produces crops which are pest-resistant and have a longer shelf life. Engineered seeds can endure harsh climatic conditions and are resistant to pests. At-DBF2, a plant gene, can be inserted into tobacco and tomato cells to increase their survival in harsh climatic and soil conditions. Biotechnology may be utilized to slow down food spoilage process. This results in a greater shelf life of vegetables and fruits.

Genetic modification can be utilized to produce entirely new foods. In food, genetic engineering is able to produce completely new substances like proteins and other nutrients. Modification of gene in foods can increase their medicinal value. This makes home-produced edible vaccines.

Another advantage is the modification of genetic traits in human beings. Human genetic engineering science modifies human beings genotypes before birth. This process can be utilized to manipulate some traits in people. Genetic engineering can be employed to suppress negative traits while boosting positive ones. Positive genetic engineering is concerned with the enhancement of positive individual traits. This includes increasing human capacity or longevity. Conversely, negative genetic engineering is concerned with the quelling of negative human traits such as some genetic diseases.

Genetic engineering can in the modification of human DNA. If discovered, genes responsible for particular human qualities can be inserted into the genotypes of other humans by artificial means. This brings about desirable functional and structural changes in such individuals.

Cons of Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering has some cons as well. One, it may impede nutritional value. Genetic engineering in food contaminates crop genes. Crops that are genetically engineered may take the place of natural weeds and thus harm natural plants. Unwanted genetic mutations may lead to crop allergies.

Another disadvantage of genetic engineering is that it may introduce harmful pathogens. Horizontal gene transfer may bring about new pathogens. While it raises plant’s immunity to diseases, the resistant genes may be transferred to harmful pathogens.

Genetic engineering may result in genetic defects. In humans, gene therapy can have various side effects. In an attempt to treat one defect, the therapy may result in another. Isolating cells associated with a single trait is very difficult since each cell influences numerous characteristics.

Genetic engineering is detrimental to genetic diversity. It can hamper human diversity. Cloning may have negative consequences to individuality. What is more, such procedures may not be within the means of everyone. This makes gene therapy unfeasible for the commoner.

As seen in the discussion, genetic engineering is beneficial but it manipulates the natural. It alters what is natural to produce completely new “creatures”. Human beings ought to consider the pros and cons of genetic engineering before using it.