Transgenic Plants Essay

What are the uses of transgenic plants and why are there such large social, legal and ethical issues raised surrounding the topic? In order to understand this question, one must ask themselves what a transgenic plant is. By definition, a transgenic plant are plants that contain foreign DNA that has been incorporated into its genome. (Giuseppe, 2003, p. 306) Plants which contain transgenes, which is the gene sequence inserted in the plant, are often called genetically modified (GM) crops. For example, scientists have discovered a concept of genetically modifying corn so that it discharges a powerful poison that will kill insects which are harmful to the growth of a crop. In order for the scientists to achieve this, they had to genetically modify

The term ethics is meant to describe a set of moral principles that govern a person or a group of people’s behavior. The use of genetic modification is still growing and producing new discoveries, thus the long-term effects have not yet been discovered. This leaves many people cautious and careful when it comes to the topic of genetic modification. As humans, we have a natural fear of the unknown. Since we do not have any knowledge of the long-term health, environmental and economic effects, we proceed with caution. The ethical issues surrounding genetic modification may be split into two categories. The first category is whether or not it is ethical for humans to engage in manipulations that lead to the manufacturing of transgenic plants. It is argued that genetic modification that is used for research and scientific reasons should be treated differently than genetic manipulation to produce plants for human consumption. This is because research does not affect or impose a threat to the human diet or surrounding environment. But on the other hand, many people believe that genetic modification is interfering with the environment and the world that was created for us. In the United States in 2000, groups of people who were opposed to genetically modified food and plants acted unethically by vandalizing laboratories and fields of crops, including some that

No technology, either new or old, is without any controversy. Many people believe that genetic modification is a new, large concept of the future and that we should not ignore a technology that could have vast potential benefits. However, we must proceed with utmost caution to avoid causing harm to human health, the environment and the economy. For the idea of biotechnology, it is important that not only the technical issues are discussed, but the social, ethical and legal implications be discussed as