In this article, we discussed the meaning of genetic engineering, the benefits, furthermore we talked about the ethics.
Definition
Genetic engineering is the process of changing an organism’s DNA to change its inherited makeup. This can be done by introducing, removing, or rearranging specific genes.
Genetic engineering is also known as recombinant DNA technology or genetic modification.
How it’s done
Genetic engineering uses laboratory techniques to manipulate DNA.
This can involve cutting and joining DNA from different species.
The resulting DNA is then introduced into an organism.
Benefits of genetic engineering
Genetic modification is a faster and more efficient way of getting the same results as selective breeding.
Improve crop yields or crop quality, which is important in developing countries. This may help reduce hunger around the world.
Introduce herbicide resistance, which results in less herbicides being used, as weeds are quickly and selectively killed.
Insect and pest resistance can be developed and inserted into the plants. The plant produces toxins, which would discourage insects from eating the crop.
Sterile insects could be created such as a mosquito. They would breed, which would lead to infertile offspring. This may help with spread of diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever and the Zika virus.
Disease Treatment:
Genetic engineering could be used to cure genetic diseases by correcting faulty genes, offering hope for treatments currently unavailable.
Improved Crop Yields:
Genetically modified crops could potentially increase food production and address global hunger concerns.
Organ Transplantation:
Creating genetically engineered organs for transplantation could alleviate organ shortage issues.
Ethical considerations for responsible genetic engineering practice:
Strict Regulation:
Establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to oversee research and applications of genetic engineering is crucial.
Public Engagement:
Open and transparent dialogue with the public is necessary to address concerns and build trust.
International Cooperation:
Collaborating on global standards and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible use of genetic engineering technology.
Multidisciplinary Approach:
Involving scientists, ethicists, legal experts, and social scientists in discussions to fully consider the implications of genetic engineering.
Risks of genetic engineering
Transfer of the selected gene into other species. What benefits one plant may harm another.
Some people believe it is not ethical to interfere with nature in this way. Also, GM crop seeds are often more expensive and so people in developing countries cannot afford them.
GM crops could be harmful, for example toxins from the crops have been detected in some people’s blood.
GM crops could cause allergic reactions in people.
Pollen produced by the plants could be toxic and harm insects that transfer it between plants.
The ethics of genetic engineering.
Interfering with Natural Processes:
Critics argue that modifying an organism’s DNA fundamentally alters its natural state, potentially disrupting ecosystems and leading to unintended consequences.
Designer Babies and Eugenics:
The ability to select desired traits in human embryos raises concerns about creating a hierarchy based on genetic characteristics, potentially leading to discriminatory practices against those without “enhanced” genes.
Equity of Access:
If it becomes widely available, concerns arise regarding unequal access based on socioeconomic status, potentially exacerbating existing disparities.
Informed Consent and Patient Autonomy:
Obtaining informed consent from individuals, especially in cases of germline editing (changes passed on to future generations), can be complex due to the long-term implications and potential lack of understanding.
Slippery Slope Argument:
Some fear that even if genetic engineering is initially used for therapeutic purposes, it could lead to non-therapeutic enhancements, blurring the lines between treating disease and enhancing desired traits.
Animal Welfare:
Genetic modifications in animals raise questions about potential suffering and the ethical treatment of genetically engineered creatures.
Environmental Impact:
Introducing genetically modified organisms into the environment could disrupt ecosystems and have unintended ecological consequences.
Conclusion
Genetic engineering is a process where scientists intentionally modify an organism’s DNA by adding, removing, or modifying specific gene systems, essentially changing its genetic makeup to achieve desired traits, like increased crop yield or disease resistance, by manipulating its genome in a laboratory setting; this can involve inserting DNA from another organism, creating a “genetically modified organism” (GMO) with new characteristics.