Nagy-Németh Nikoletta

Genetic engineering

What is genetic engineering? Genetic engineering, also called Genetic modification or Genetic
manipulation, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is set of
technologies used to change the genetic makeup cells, including the transfer of genes within
and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. There are three ways
of gene manipulation, extraction from cells, gene isolation and modification. It is used on plants,
animals and also on humans in gene therapies.

Many people have benefited from the use of genetic engineering. It has been used to treat and
sometimes cure diseases. It is most commonly used when there is a genetic fault that could
create a risk for the patient. If a patient has genetic engineering done to them, they will have to
go through gene therapy. Gene therapy is the attempt pf transferring normal genes into only the
tissue that is most affected by the genetic disease.

Food wise, genetically engineering food can help and affect us. The benefits of these food are:
that the food source can create a natural pesticide to get rid of insects rather than using
chemical or unnatural methods, so there is a lower risk of people contracting illnesses from the
chemicals. In addition it may have more nutritional value and may have a longer lofe
expectancy. Scientists believe that it should only be used when it concerns curing genetic
diseases.

Genetic engineering and animals

Scientists are now capable of creating new species of animals by taking material from one, or
more, plants or animals and genetically engineering them into the genes of another animal. This
allows to creat animals that are completely foreign to the earth and specifically tailores to
possess only the traits that humans desire in animals. Genetically engineered animals are
created to help medical researchers to find cures for genetic diseases, like breats cancer.
However, farm animals, such as sheep, goats and cows, can also be genetically modified to
enhance specific characteristics. These can include milk production and disease resistance, as
well as improving the nutritional value of the products they are farmed for. For example, cows,
goats and sheep have been genetically engineered to express specific proteins in their milk.

Negatives of genetic engineering

There is always the harbouring risk of genetic technology potentionally changing the human
species forever. There is a problem that can occur could be the mutation of human or plants.
When it comes to plants, they are easier to genetically engineer as there isn't a human life at
risk. This should also be approached with caution as the mutationn of a plant if allowed to grow
in the environment. How this could happen is that the mutated plant could become a pest to
other plants or to animals in the eco-system and can alter life in that eco-system.

In conclusion, genetic engineering is a scientific breakthrough that has led to developments in

biotechnology. Growth and human consumption of GM crops has beenon the increase dispute
less regard to the consequences. Thus, ethical issues arise as they try to determine if GM crops
are good or bad for humans. Genetic engineering can have very many dangers. But such fears
will reduce once it is realized that everything has the potential to be dangerous or harmful.
Thus, the issues arising due to GM crops can be related to the ethical issues resulting from
science.

1. https://www.animallaw.info/intro/genetic-engineering-and-animals
2. https://www.ukessays.com/essays/philosophy/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-engineering-philosophy-
essay.php
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering
4. https://www.yourgenome.org/debates/is-it-ethical-to-genetically-modify-farm-animals-for-agriculture