Monday, June 22, 2020
Genetic Engineering A Scientific Advancement - Free Essay Example
Genetic Engineering as a Scientific Advancement of the Twenty-First Century Genetic engineering        Genetic engineering is an advanced biological process in which the structure of genes can be changed intentionally by modifying directly the organisms genetic material. There can either be addition or subtraction of genes so as to acquire the desired one(s). Genetic engineering has made it possible to produce organisms that can withstand pests and diseases. Resultantly we are able to curb food shortage for animals and human beings (Gen Cheng, 2000). Positive effects on the society         Genetic modification increases the lifespan of plants and animals by making them highly resistant to disease-causing pathogens and vectors. This, in turn, increases there productivity period making them more economical. Another advantage of genetic engineering is that desired traits can be created. When a specific trait is required, a relevant modification is done so as to produce a plant or animal that carries it. This trait may include; strong muscle tissues to increase locomotion for animals used in transport, high milk production for milk producing animals among others (Mathews Campbell, 2000).        Additionally, genetic engineering may shorten the maturity period for plants and animals. When plants and animals are genetically modified, they may mature early hence meeting the producers needs .This is far much better compared to normal organisms production cycle since there are new traits for plants and animals to persevere unfavorable climatic conditions (Mathews Campbell, 2000).         In addition to the above advantages, there may be a formation of new products. This is because technological advancement has made it possible for farmers to come up with new products such as grafted mangoes which are bigger and sweeter than the indigenous ones. Farmers are also able to come up with more products which have reduced the menace of food insecurity (Mathews Campbell, 2000).        Again, more yields have been realized. The reason for that is that genetic engineering can alter the traits of plants or animals so that they realize higher yields. This improves the aggregate economy for the country. This is done by an automatic decrease in prices of agricultural products due to excess supply and constant demand in the market (Radakovits, Jinkerson, Darzins Posewitz, 2010).          On the side of pollution genetically modified organisms are environmentally friendly. This is because genetically modified products have a high resistance to pests and diseases hence the farmer does not need to apply pesticides and herbicides. This reduces the risk posed to water reservoirs and watersheds (Wang, Vinocur Altman, 2003). Negative effects of genetic engineering on the society          The resultant products of genetic modification  have low nutritional value. Since genetically modified products grow fast, their structures do not have enough time to build up hence producing products with low nutritional value. This can be evidenced by the recent genetically modified broilers which are reared for meat. Another disadvantage is that pathogens adapt to the new genetic profiles (Mathews Campbell, 2000).
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