In the table below you will find some of the important advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering. You will realize that each benefit has a negative aspect. Basically, by modifying the genes, we can improve a condition at the cost of another. The modification of a specimen and its later introduction to the environment can negatively impact the nature.
Faster Growth Rate Animals and plants can be genetically modified to promptly mature. For example, crops can be engineered to increase crop yield. There are crops being engineered to survive unfavorable conditions such as high heat or low light. This gives farmers the ability to expand beyond the traditional locations and use the empty lands for other purpose. Animals can also be genetically modified to improve production. Diary cows can be engineered to produce more milk; sheep can grow wool faster; and animals bred for their meat can be engineered to grow bigger and faster (Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering, 2014). | Less Nutritional Value Concerns regarding the nutritional value of the products stems from the fact that some products can grow big and quickly at the cost of decreasing their nutritional value. |
Pest-resistant and Extended Life This genetic modification is mainly executed in plants. The animal or plant ‘s genes are altered to make them perdurable and resistant to pests and diseases. Plants being cultivated can have built in pest repellents which help reduce the need for harmful chemicals and other pesticides that cause damage to the water supply (Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering, 2014). Figure 5: Pest-resistant Crops. Source:primalsciencehealth.wordpress.com | Risky Pathogens Viruses and bacteria adapt to the environment. If a bacteria cannot get through the natural repellent of the genetically altered plant, there is a possibility that these viruses and bacteria will grow stronger and more resistant negatively affecting non genetically engineered plants/animals. |
New Foods Currently, we can create new types of plants and animals by combining genes from different species. Scientists are taking a potato or soybean and giving the crop more nutrients to increase its value. Figure 6: Anti GE Poster. Source: Cookingwithlittlebudy.com | Negative Side Effects The goal of genetic engineering is to solve an issue by transferring genes to the organism that will help combat the problem. Sometimes, this can cause side effects. For example, you can modify a plant to need less water, but that would make it intolerant to direct sunlight (Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering, 2014). Unfavorable Diversity Genetically engineered species that reach the wild can have a negative impact on the domestic species. Since species that have been modified tend to be stronger, unmodified species would soon disappear because of the introduction of modified species. This would result in a decreased diversity. |
The animal or plant ‘s genes are altered to make them perdurable and resistant to pests and diseases. Plants being cultivated can have built in pest repellents which help reduce the need for harmful chemicals and other pesticides that cause damage to the water supply (Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering, 2014). List of the Pros of Genetic Engineering. It can improve the nutrition, taste, and growth rate of crops. Crops like tomatoes, soy beans, rice, and potatoes are currently going through the genetic engineering process as a way to obtain additional strains that provide better nutritional qualities and increase yields.
Watch the following videos about the pros and cons of genetic engineering:
The process of genetic engineering is not a simple task, it requires complex machinery and innovative minds. Since farming began, humans have been selectively breeding different plants, doing so provided more food and better food for all. This process is genetic engineering in much simpler terms than we think of it today.
Now, when one thinks of genetic engineering, they are more likely to picture a complicated science which involves altering the very building blocks of life. The are several steps in the process of genetic engineering. Scientist follow a step by step process in order to alter the DNA of an organism. In describing the process, the example of a soybean will be used as a guide to each step.
- First, a gene is picked that will be altered, added or removed. This step requires that the wanted gene is found and isolated. If a new breed of soybean were to be given a pesticide, the effective bacteria in the pesticide would be isolated. The bacteria genes are needed in order to be placed in the soybeans genome.
- The isolated gene is copied several times.The DNA from the bacteria is then copied several times. This is done by splitting the DNA down the center of the double helix and pairing it with the appropriate chemical (Goldbas).
- The gene is transferred to the new organism. It is transferred into the tissue of the organism. Since it is impossible to insert the DNA into each cell of an organism, the DNA is now injected into the tissue of the soybean plant. The soybean plant is then grown to maturity in a greenhouse. A technique used today involves shooting DNA from a .22 caliber charge into plant tissue (Goldsburg).
- Create a new plant/animal/trait from the newly modified tissue. Now that the new DNA is present, the soybeans will continue to grow, only now they posses a new trait.
- Check the insertion produces desired results.
- Check that the new gene can be found in the offspring (seeds) of the organism. This is most crucial step in genetic engineering. If the offspring of the genetically modified organism does not posses the traits given to the parent, the engineering has failed and must be done again.
Figure 3: A machine used at Monsanto inc. to study DNA. Source: Popular Science