Genetic Engineering

Has Genetic Engineering Gone Too Far?

Where is the line between scientific development and permanently changing the DNA of another life form? The use of genetic engineering has become increasingly popular over the years and is used in medicine and agriculture.

What is genetic engineering? Genetic engineering is also known as genetic modification or GM. It is a process that produces a unique set of genes by adding new DNA to an organism and can be swapped across species. Modern genetic engineering first began in 1973 when Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen used enzymes to cut a bacteria plasmid. They then placed another strand of DNA in the gap. Both pieces of DNA were from the same type of bacteria but this opened many possibilities into what seemed previously impossible.

There is shock and surprise when people first hear about genetic engineering as they are amazed that such a technology exists. Some people feel very excited by the almost infinite possibilities of genetic modification. It could help grow important organs such as livers, lungs, kidneys and even hearts. There is a shortage of transplant organs so if this was possible it would be foolish not to take advantage of this scientific breakthrough. It can also be used to repair damaged or replace missing genes in people who have genetic disorders. This would be done in the form of gene therapy.

There are still a high number of people who are strongly against the process and believe it is unethical. The use of genetic engineering has increased significantly over the years. Theoretically any trait occurring in nature can be mixed with another to create a completely new organism. It is unnatural and some people believe it is interfering with nature.

The power of science is l...

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... good for infertile couples who are unable to have children and they are guaranteed to have children with characteristics the same as the parents and they would be able to choose traits. Would this encourage more parents to genetically engineer their baby? What would it be like in the future where your life started with your parents personally designing you? Scientists have only begun to solve the secrets hidden within the human genome.

I ultimately think genetic engineering could do more good than bad. I think it is a potentially life changing technology that could help improve the world. Like with any other new technology it has risks but I think we should continue to develop this remarkable scientific breakthrough. I feel that it should only be used to improve something on a large scale that will improve lives and not because someone wants something changed.