Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering (GE), or genetic modification, is the manipulation of an organism’s DNA sequence. Using recombinant DNA technology, or gene splicing, segments of a DNA are taken out and replaced changing the genetic makeup of the organism.

Applications of GE include genetically modified foods, gene therapy, germ-line therapy and cloning. Although they have all spurred debate, one topic, which has been particularly controversial, is the use of genetically modified foods.

Genetically modified foods have found their place in today’s world with the decreasing effectiveness of synthetic pesticides used in agriculture and the world hunger crisis. Genetically modified foods can decrease the need for pesticides by increasing the crops resistance to these harmful chemicals. This can increase the harvest of many chief crops, in turn warding off starvation in many global populations.

Despite the benefits of genetically modifying food, critics have numerous concerns. One argument centers on its effect on wild populations, fearing that genetically engineered crops might transmit their modified genes to convention crops or species, creating organisms which humans have no defense for.

Another argument centers on allergenicity. There is the potential for genetically modified foods to contain allergenic proteins, making these foods dangerous for some people.