Zambrano 1

Luis Zambrano

Cathy Lason

English 11B

12 December 2019

Genetic Engineering

How would you feel if I told you that a single gene could save several thousand acres of

corn and soy a year? Well, this along with many other genes have been discovered and used

for several years now. In this paper I will be discussing how genetic engineering can be used to

cure diseases, create large booms in the food industry, and help crops survive unfavorable

conditions.

“A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is an organism whose genetic structure has

been altered by incorporating a single gene or multiple genes--from another organism or

species--that adds, removes, or modifies a trait in the organism by a technique called gene

splicing.”(Genetically modified organism) In short, this means that a scientist extracts a single

strand of Dna that codes for a specific trait and puts in into a developing organism so it

recreates that effect in said organism. Genetic engineering techniques have been used for

thousands of years under the name “selective breeding”, but the difference between G.E. is that

we aren’t directly manipulating the organism’s genetic material. (Genetic Engineering?) Modern

forms of genetic engineering are made possible by the creation of recombinant DNA

technology. This allows scientists to edit, remove, or reinsert one or more of another organism’s

traits by combining it with genetic material taken from another organism. In the United States,

there is an ongoing debate on restrictions and the enforceability of this technology, since

federal regulations on genetic engineering only address funding, clinical trials, and product

marketing.
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A type of organism that frequently gets their DNA altered are farm crops. We would call

these plants genetically modified organisms, or GMOs for short. GMOs are created by inserting

a specific sequence of DNA into an organism by using a vector. A vector is an agent that

transfers material, usually DNA, from one host to another. What this vector does is insert a

strand of DNA, so that the foreign DNA is taken on by the cell and replicated. This enables

scientists to insert genes that code for a certain trait not present in the current organism, such

as weather resistance, resistant to certain weed killers, resistant to pests, etc. These GMO

crops make it easier to kill surrounding weeds without harming the crop itself. In turn, this grants

with a more successful yield which can be reintroduced into the market, which grants the farmer

an increase in profit.

Another reason why genetic engineering is beneficial to us, is that it may allow us to

correct errors caused by mutations in other’s DNA. An example of such a disorder, would be

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency or X-SCID. (X-SCID). Boys are mainly born with

X-SCID and cause them to be prone to recurrent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that

cause serious illnesses. If left untampered with, many children die within the first year of life. In

the short article”Introduction to Genetic Engineering: Opposing Viewpoints,” One study took

nine boys with the inherited disorder and put them through gene therapy in an attempt to cure

the condition. The trial was originally successful, but later four of the boys had developed

leukemia. Three of the boys had survived leaving seven out of the nine boys fully recovered.

When no other treatment is available for a fatal illness, a chance at surviving can surely

outweigh the possibility of developing another life threatening issue.

One very controversial topic that usually pops up when speaking of genetic engineering

are GMO animals. To date there is only one GM animal, the AquaAdvantage Salmon, approved

for human consumption. Has Any Human Lived As Well As Fidel Castro’s Favorite Cow?) One
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cow named Ubre Blanka, meaning white udder, is a perfect example of how beneficial modifying

cattle can be. Ubre Blanka was able to produce up to 28.9 gallons of milk on a single day which

is four times more than a typical cow. She was a crossbreed between a Holstein bull and a

zebu, which created a heat resistant and efficient milk producing cow. Such a substantial

difference in production can cause milk prices to drop, and allow many more people in

developing countries to thrive on modified livestock.

Although the technological advances that allow the creation of GMOs are impressive, as

with any new technology, the benefits must be weighed against the possible risks. Genetically

engineered food is now widespread across the U.S, and the number of manipulated genes is

likely to grow in the coming years, which puts consumers who are unaware of GMO products at

possible risk. While this may sound like a structured statement, much of the research around

GMO products show no genetic harms associated with genetically engineered organisms. For

example, it is not true that all genetically engineered foods are toxic or that all released

engineered organisms are likely to proliferate in the environment. Much of the fear risen by Gmo

products can be explained by the term technophobia. A former director of the Office of

Biotechnology says that techno sceptics feared electrocution and such from cell phones. They

were also sceptical about vaccines claiming monsters were to be born out of them. Even today

radical claims about new technology are being made without proper evidence. So a question I

want you to ask yourself is how credible is this other side? (How Will Genetic Engineering Affect

Society?)

So in conclusion, genetic engineering can be used to cure diseases and mutations,

boost the food industry, and help crops thrive in unfavorable conditions. The technology used

can be applied to much more circumstances than described, which only adds to its usefulness.
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Testing is still required to justify its safety, but how do you feel about such technology? Should

we keep progressing with it or should we stop while we are able to?

"Genetically modified organism." Environmental Encyclopedia, edited by Deirdre S. Blanchfield,

Gale, 2011. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2644150611/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=de69e
32d. Accessed 4 Dec. 2019.

"Genetic Engineering." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2019. Gale In
Context: Opposing Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3021900072/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=08923
602. Accessed 27 Nov. 2019.

"Preface to 'What Are the Benefits and Risks of Genetic Engineering?'." Genetic Engineering,
edited by Noël Merino, Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context:
Opposing Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010138187/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=7abee
88c. Accessed 2 Dec. 2019.

"Introduction to Genetic Engineering: Opposing Viewpoints." Genetic Engineering, edited by

Noël Merino, Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing
Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010138185/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=46dcd
988. Accessed 2 Dec. 2019.

"Preface to 'How Will Genetic Engineering Affect Society?'." Genetic Engineering, edited by
James D. Torr, Greenhaven Press, 2001. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing
Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010138110/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=f28e08
ff. Accessed 3 Dec. 2019.

"Genetically engineered organism." Environmental Encyclopedia, edited by Deirdre S.

Blanchfield, Gale, 2011. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints,
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2644150610/OVIC?u=lom_accessmich&sid=OVIC&xid=08e9a
399. Accessed 9 Dec. 2019.