The Sicence Of The Future

Should Genetic Engineering Be Legal?

The 70s in my opinion one of the most important decade for

the evolution of knowledge about DNA and genetics. The first discoveries were made by Gregor Mendel and his investigations on pea hybridizations were published. Since then, there has been no going back, scientists have been able to clone an entire DNA, to read people’s Genome and transfer them from one cell to another.

I strongly believe, genetic engineering has been one of the best discoveries scientists have made. With this we welcomed the cure to millions of genetic illnesses that when mentioned before scared and brought frustration to parents, making them think that it was their fault and tearing families apart. Right now, genetic engineering is not only a hope for each and every person who is diagnosed, but it’s also  beneficial for all of us living in this world, taking into account that it can be used in food production. This includes an increase in its yield, and as consequence, in its production. 

In addition to the mastering of this science, scientists have managed to improve the taste and nutritional value of food products. And if that wasn’t enough, genetic manipulation reduces the losses caused by various biotic and abiotic stresses, including fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Another advantage this science offers to us, is the recombinant protein production, you obviously might be wondering what this means. In a very simple way, because of the recombinant DNA, we are able to use bacteria to produce proteins for medical purposes. One of them, is the genetically modified human insulin. This has solved the problem of pork insulin intolerance, and has the additional advantage that its extraction is less expensive. A final example is the growth hormone that may be useful in the treatment of bone fractures, skin burns and ulcers bleeding from the digestive tract. 

But clearly in this life nothing can be perfect, genetic engineering has more pros, but it isn’t excepted from the cons. This is a radical technology considering that genes of unrelated different species are combined and in consequence their genetic codes are permanently altered.

These new organisms will pass their genetic changes to their

off springs through inheritance. With this, human beings are becoming the architects of life.

Thus, genetic engineering raises ethical and social concerns. It also poses serious challenges for the environment, human health, and animal welfare, among others.

Currently the biggest disadvantage in genetic engineering is the use of this science to modify crops for the reason that this could cause environmental problems. These could become invasive or toxic for wildlife.

Until now, the most damaging impact of genetic modification has been the phenomenon of resistance to pesticides.

Millions of acres of farmland have become resistant to glyphosate herbicide. The excessive use of a trait designed to tolerate the herbicide has promoted the accelerated development of resistance in several weed species.

To conclude, Genetic Engineering represents one of the most influencing advances and clearly one of the most controverted ones. Since its results may alter for life humans and even their living environment. In my honest opinion, this science is a great discovery for the ratification of the existence of our future generations with the constant need to cure diseases, but it’s really up to us to develop this science in a non-harming way.

Remember  “somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”.

-Carl Sagan