Pros and cons of genetic engineering

GENETIC ENGINEERING:

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of a gene of an organism by using bio-technology. This technology is used to change the genetic make-up of cells. New segment or strands of DNA is obtained by either synthesizing DNA in the labs or isolating and copying the required genetic material using recombinant DNA methods.

It is a perfect example where two sciences from different realms namely- biology and engineering merge together to help solve the upcoming problems of this era. It has a plethora of top-notch applications in agriculture, medical sciences, technology and scientific research.

4 STEPS INVOLVED IN GENETIC ENGINEERING:

1. DNA Extraction
2. Gene cloning and designing
3. Transformation
4. Backcross Breeding

PROS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING:

• One of the greatest achievements of mankind was the production of artificial insulin. Yes, you heard it right! The first insulin production can be credited to genetic engineering which helped scientists to produce insulin from yeast and E-coli.
• The sudden boom in the field of agriculture to feed the growing population is also a gift of genetic engineering. In 1994, the first genetically synthesized foods were made which became an instant hit. This has helped humans to synthesize hybrid superior quality of seeds artificially.
• The role of genetic engineering has been immense to improve the nutrition value, growth pattern and resilience ability in plants like rice, wheat, potato and tomato. These crops are less likely to be infected from those notorious plant pests.
• Sheep can produce milk which contains therapeutic protein which is believed to cure cystic fibrosis in humans. Thanks to genetic engineering!
• The nematode worms- C. elegans has only a few hundred of cells in its nervous tissue which can provide a substrate to study Alzhimer disease.
• Gene transfer by the help of the viral vectors has been proposed as a means of controlling the invasive species and vaccinating the animals [fauna] from any sort of disease.
• Some organisms can be 'tailor made' with the specific characteristic of absorbing more of carbon dioxide and hence reducing the global warming which is indeed a grave issue human civilization is facing at the present times.

CONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING:

• Some people are of the notion that it is not right to interfere with nature in our own ways. Who knows it may do us more harm than good.
• Transfer of selected genes from one species to another may lead to the loss in variety. Nature's survival of the fittest will also be harmed. The power of self evolving might be lost which seems potentially more harmful.
• GM crops are more expensive than regular crops and cannot be afforded by the common man of a developing nation.
• It has been found out that some GM crops cause specific allergy to certain people. Pollens in this plants are usually harmful which may harm the insects pollinating them.

Genetic engineering is a breakthrough in human progress which might help us to find the solutions of the questions which pose a grave threat to humanity.