Bioengineering



Bioengineering

Introduction

The world in which we live today is moving at a rapid pace. In this rapidly changing world the only thing that is constant is of change. In order to meet the steps with this change and accelerating world this world is producing new and innovative technologies, processes and methodologies. These technological advancements are taking place in each and every field. The aim and objective of this paper is also to talk about one of the technologies. The latest methodology that is selected for this paper is genetic engineering. This paper makes an attempt to talk about some of benefits as well as detriments of the genetically engineering.

Definition of Genetically Modified Organism

In the genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food crop plants are created for the consumption of human or animal consumption. Genetically modified organisms use the technique of molecular biology. In this engineering process of the organisms certain modifications are done in order to enhance some of their characteristics or traits. These modifications are done so that they can provide better outcomes. A genetically modified organism is one whose genetic material is manipulated in laboratories where it has been deliberately designed or altered to give a specific feature. Genetically modified organisms commonly are called transgenic and are artificially created in laboratories by genetic engineers.

“A genetically modified organism (GMO) is that plant, animal, fungus or bacteria to which an extra genes is added by genetic engineering” (Mirriam, 2010).

Gone are the days when to enhance certain traits of a plant was done by undertaken the procedure of breeding. But, this process of breeding is very time consuming as well as it does not always show or produce the desired outcomes. On the other hand, as compared to the conventional method of breeding, genetic engineering can produce the results as desired and wished. Moreover, this process of genetic engineering is very quick and accurate. For instance, if there is a plant that has very low resistance towards drought then geneticists can isolate a gene that possess the high resistance against the drought and then they can insert this gene in the plant that possesses low resistance against the drought. The technique of genetic engineering not only allows transferring the genes from one plant to another plant but it also allows using the genes of non plant organisms.

Threat to Public Health and Safety by Food Crops Modified by Biotechnology

According to research the usage of the genetically modified food can impose threats on human health and environment. The harm that the usage of the genetically engineered food can cause includes crippling disease of cancer, toxicity, the suppression of immune system, allergies, and resistance to antibiotics.

As far as the environmental impacts are concerned about the usage of the genetically engineered food Center for food safety suggest that:

“It can cause uncontrolled biological pollution and the usage of the technique of genetic engineering can also impose threat on the various microbial, plant and animal species (Center for food safety, ...