Pros and Cons of genetic Engineering

The science of indirect manipulation of the genes of
an organism by using some techniques such as
molecular cloning & transformation to change the
structure & nature of the genes is referred to as
genetic engineering. This process can show up
significant transformation in an organism’s
characteristics through DNA manipulation which
can be the same with the code inscribed on each
cell determining the way it functions. Genetic
engineering has benefits and disadvantages just
like the other science.

The 4 Pros of Genetic Engineering

1. Better Flavor, Growth Rate and Nutrition

Crops like potato, soybean and tomato are now
genetically engineered in order to get the new
strains with improved nutritional qualities as well as
to increase yield. Crops that are genetically
engineered are expected to possess the capability
to grow on a land that is recently not ideal for
cultivation. The genes manipulation in crops will
improve the nutritional value as well as the growth
rate of these crops.

2. Pest-resistant Crops and Extended Shelf Life

Engineered seeds can resist pests and they can
survive from harsh weather conditions.
Biotechnology could be used in making the food
spoilage process slow down. It can result to fruits
or veggies with greater and better shelf life.

3. Genetic Alteration to Supply New Foods

Genetic engineering can also be used in producing
completely new substances like proteins or other
nutrients on food. It can be used in increasing their
medicinal worth

4. Modification of the Human DNA

When the genes are responsible for some
exceptional qualities among individuals could be
exposed, these genes could be synthetically
introduced into the genotypes of another individual.
Genetic engineering among humans can be also
used in changing the human DNA to show desirable
structural as well as functional modifications in
them

The 4 Cons of Genetic Engineering

The following are the issues that genetic
engineering can trigger:

1. May Hamper Nutritional Value

Genetic engineering on food also includes the
infectivity of genes in root crops. These crops might
supersede the natural weeds. These can be
dangerous for the natural plants. Unpleasant
genetic mutations could result to allergies among
crops. Some people believe that this science on
foods can hamper the nutrients contained by the
crops although their look and taste were enhanced.

2. May Introduce Risky Pathogens

Horizontal gene shift could give increase to other
pathogens. While it increases the immunity against
diseases among the plants, the resistant genes can
be transmitted to harmful pathogens.

3. May Result to Genetic Problems

Gene therapy on humans can end to some side
effects. While relieving one problem, the treatment
may cause the onset of another issue. As a single
cell is liable for various characteristics, the cell
isolation process will be responsible for one trait
will be complicated.

4. Unfavorable to Genetic Diversity

Genetic engineering can affect the diversity among
the individuals. Cloning might be unfavorable to
individualism. Furthermore, such process might not
be affordable for poor. Hence, it makes the gene
therapy impossible for an average person.