Genetic Engineering Pros and Cons

Genetic Engineering Position Paper

Genetic engineering is the process of modifying an organism’s characteristics by altering the genetic material within its cells, DNA. DNA contains the genes of an organism, which determine the traits of that being. Genetic engineering takes place when genes from one organism are extracted and inserted into the DNA of another organism. The cell holding the DNA treats the foreign genetic material just as if it were its own, and creates the protein associated with the gene, therefore expressing the genes of another organism. Herb Boyer and Stanley Cohen were the first to use genetic engineering, when they transferred the DNA of a toad into a bacteria’s DNA. Ever since then, genetic engineering has been applied in different organisms, such as animals and plants. Personally, I think that genetic engineering is useful and can solve many of our problems, but some still argue that it shouldn’t be applied to use because we aren’t ready to put it to use.

Genetic engineering has a number of benefits. First off, the process can lead to improved organisms that would aid society in solving many of its problems. For example, crops can be modified so that they are resistant to pests. This increases the supply of the crops, resulting in a mutually beneficial situation for both farmers and consumers. Genetic engineering also has the potential to fight disease, increase our lifespan, and produce new organisms. In addition to enhanced life, genetic engineering also facilitates the production of drugs. Bacteria can be genetically modified to contain the genes to produce drugs such as insulin that are otherwise only available in limited amounts. If genetic engineering is maintained in a safe and protected laboratory environment, it has the potential to change lives with little risk. Despite, all its benefits, though, genetic engineering has limitations and costs.

The process of modifying an organism’s DNA is relatively new. Scientists have not even known about it for half a century. It is argued that we should wait and understand the concept of genetic engineering more before attempting to use to modify any more organisms. There are several ways that it can go wrong. If it is not contained carefully, there is a danger of the organism spreading and causing a danger of contamination. In addition, modifying organisms, especially animals, may cause ripple effects on the ecosystem. Making a certain animal resistant to mosquitoes, for instance, may reduce the number of mosquitoes, as well as the predators of the mosquitoes, and so on. Aside from the environmental risks, genetic engineering also raises an ethical question. Is genetic engineering the correct thing to do? Perhaps what genetic engineering eradicates existed for a reason; eliminating all disease from organisms, for example, may cause overpopulation, which leads to other problems. Perhaps we should abstain from genetic engineering, at least for the moment.

While it is disputed, genetic engineering continues to be used in producing new organisms with different traits. I believe that genetic engineering should be used and applied to solve situations because it is easy, and can benefit life. However, I also understand that there is a possibility that it can go wrong, and hinder society. There is a continuous controversy over whether genetic engineering should be used. However, being aware of both sides of genetic engineering is important to while taking a position on this debated topic.

Works Cited

UNL's AgBiosafety for Educators: “What is genetic engineering and how does it work?”, http://agbiosafety.unl.edu/basic_genetics.shtml

Conserve Energy Future: “Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering”, http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-engineering.php