DNA

Semester Task: Essay

This article https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/sep/29/so-is-it-nature-not-nurture-after-all-genetics-robert-plomin-polygenic-testing  gave me some food for thought about the original DNA structure of product.

   Nowadays, science allows people to change the original DNA structure of a product and endow in with new characteristics. Many genetically engineered products are already on the market. These include bacteria designed to digest oil slicks and industrial waste products, growth hormones for both humans and cows, drugs such as interferon and insulin, and pest-resistant plants. Some people claim that genetically modified food ought to be prohibited while others do not maintain this idea. Let us look into this controversial issue more thoroughly.

   Firstly, as the technology is a young one, it has many side effects, such as mutations which could be harmful to the environment and our health. For example, they can create new and higher levels of toxins in foods, without long-term testing no one knows if these genetically modified foods are safe.

   Secondly, once genetically engineered organisms, bacteria and viruses are released into the environment it is impossible to contain or recall them. Genetically modified plants may infect normal plants, and some species may become extinct, as natural crops are likely to adopt GM plant’s characteristics in the result of cross-pollination. A «new» plant can even get out of control like it happened with caw parship which is now concerned to be a dangerous weed.

   Thirdly, genetic engineers use antibiotic-resistant genes to mark genetically engineered cells. This means that genetically modified foods contain genes which are resistant to antibiotics. These genes may be picked up by bacteria which may infect us, and we will be resistant to antibiotics, too.

   However, agricultural biotechnology, a science of using genes to alter crops can improve crop yields or design plants that are resistant to pests and disease. It could create crops that grow in desert heat, or without fertilizer. It could make bananas or other fruit which contain vaccines or other medical products. Cows can produce more milk for the same amount of feed.

   Also, genetic engineering can help us advance in medicine. There is an opinion that pest-resistant plants produced with the help of genetic engineering will make using pesticides, which is harmful to our health, no longer necessary. Moreover, we already can synthesize therapeutic molecules for drugs that have never before existed.  

   To sum up, genetic engineering can bring many benefits to mankind, making the whole digital revolution look nothing. The advantages of genetic engineering are really numerous. However, we should bear in mind that a technological advance is not always the same as progress. Genetic engineering brings serious dangers as well. Because many possible negative consequences of genetic engineering many people question both its ethics and safety. The only thing left is to hope that one day it will not present a hazard to humanity.