G ENETIC E NGINEERING

W HAT IS G ENETIC E NGINEERING Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification/manipulation (GM) and gene splicing are terms that apply to the direct manipulation of an organism's genes. Genetic engineering is different from traditional breeding, where the organism's genes are manipulated indirectly. Genetic engineering uses the techniques of molecular cloning and transformation to alter the structure and characteristics of genes directly. Genetic engineering techniques have found some successes in numerous applications. Some examples are in improving crop technology, the manufacture of synthetic human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the manufacture of erythropoietin (a type of hormone which controls the production of Red Blood Cells) in hamster ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the oncomouse (cancer mouse) for research.

A PPLICATIONS OF G ENETIC E NGINEERING Medicines (Insulin, Growth Hormone, Vaccine for Hepatitis B etc.) GMO’s or Genetically Modified Foods (such foods resist insect pests, bacterial or fungal infection, resist herbicides to improve yield, have longer shelf life, or have superior nutritional value.) In materials science, a genetically modified virus has been used to construct a more environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery.

A DVANTAGES OF G ENETIC E NGINEERING The modification of the DNA structures of agricultural crops can increase the growth rates and even resistance to different diseases. GMO’s Reduce the need for chemical applications of pesticides and herbicides so they led to reduced environmental pollution Allow animals to better adapt to their environment Cure certain types of disease Increase the gene pool

D ISADVANTAGES TO G ENETIC E NGINEERING Terrorism Might lead to the destruction of the human society Erroneous genes can transfer causing unforeseen danger which can become fatal One immoral, unethical, and greatly feared outcome of this area of science is the prospect of cloning. Moral questions? (Is it right to patent organisms?)

D ISCUSSION T OPICS Religious aspect Social aspect Ethical aspect Environment aspect