The Bright Future of Genetic Engineering Essay - 2185 Words

The Bright Future of Genetic Engineering Imagine the major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, soybeans - which can resist diseases - and resist pests - and create their own fertilizers - and resist extremes of weather. Imagine potatoes containing more protein, and other vegetables and fruits which contain more nutrients, taste better and resist rot. Can you imagine tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. Imagine what such food crops could mean for a world population which will double in less than 40 years. Imagine a fundamental revolution in health care - with treatments and perhaps even cures for heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer and AIDS. Richard J. Mahoney, 1993 (Wekesser 30) Genetic engineering is a topic which†¦show more content†¦For example, a human gene, which is a portion of the DNA specifically responsible for the manufacture of one protein, can be placed in a bacterium which will then produce that protein and only that protein. In hybrid breeding, the process is limited to plants and animals of similar species, and the results are far less predictable. A hybrid is as likely to have unintended negative characteristics as it is likely to have the positive traits for which it was breed. Through the use of recombinant DNA, scientists have the flexibility to combine desired characteristics from various organisms while retaining complete control of the outcome. Recombinant DNA owes its existence to restriction enzymes. These enzymes which are contained within microbes can separate DNA at any specific segment of four nucleotides. Since there are almost 200 different restriction enzymes, scientists can separate the DNA molecule at almost any point. This process leaves the four nucleotides unconnected to their complimentary set. Referred to as the ‘sticky end,?these four nucleotides will then connect to their complementary pair in another strand of DNA that has been cleaved with a coordinated restriction enzyme. The resulting strand of DNA is physically indistinguishable from any other strand, however, it contains properties which otherwise would not have been present (Rosenthal 315). The process ofShow MoreRelated Genetic Engineering Essay1070 Words   |  5 PagesGenetic Engineering of Humans Human genetic engineering in the world today has become an issue because of its many positive uses and its probable consequences. There is no denying that it could be incredibly useful for preventing diseases such as cancer and others before we are even born. But, with this also comes the ability to give children genes before their born that will give them talent to run faster, jump higher, use more of their brain that will severly distinguish them from the rest ofRead MoreThe Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops1191 Words   |  5 Pagesthe United States are genetically modified strains. Genetic engineering is very important to modern society because of the world’s expanding population and with the arising need of food; it provides an adequate source. Genetic engineering may have both advantages and disadvantages, but the future of mankind may be affected greatly if it is allowed to prosper as a modern science. Several main arguments that many people have about genetic e ngineering are the effects of scientific evolution, cloning experimentsRead MoreEssay about Applications of Gene Modification869 Words   |  4 Pagesleave people upset and not ready for change. One of the most prevalent examples of a controversial science is genetic engineering. The modification of genes is becoming a popular application in science, but some people aren’t ready. Genetic engineering will play a big part in the scientific world in the next few years. 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Over the years mankind has developed and improved technology to save more and more lives through the manipulation of the DNA that makes up all living organisms. However, there are those who oppose this approach. Despite the risks and ethical concerns, genetic engineering holds the potential to benefit humanity through both direct and indirect means. InRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Paper 3. 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Which one is right?† (Bird). Naturally, genetics is the scientific study of inherited variations in the DNA strand. This topic sparked curiosity amongRead MorePros and Cons of Genetic Engineering Essay1733 Words   |  7 PagesThere are many benefits of genetic engineering, but there are many risks too. Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population. Basically, scientists take DNA of one product and put it into another product to get a mixture of traits from both products. It’s like breeding different breeds of dogs to get a certain look or personality. Some people don’t mind what goes into genetically altered foods, while othersRead MoreThe Human Of Germ Line Engineering1523 Words   |  7 Pagestherapies. Where we go from here is up to us. In human germ-line engineering lays the opportunity to end much of the worlds suffering. The United States should not prohibit human germ-line engineering, but instead allow it under s trict regulations and close supervision to maintain optimal safety for future generations and the future of humanity. Those that oppose human germ-line engineering may argue that in changing the genes of future children, the potential for mistakes is present. â€Å"Designer babies†Read MoreGenetic Engineering. Factor X in human beings1515 Words   |  7 PagesRodriguez ï ¿ ½ PAGE * MERGEFORMAT ï ¿ ½1ï ¿ ½ Alex Rodriguez ENC 1102 11/18/2009 Genetic Engineering Were Factor X absent from human beings, all would be deprived of the essential quality underneath that is worthy of a certain minimal level of respect (Fukuyama 149). Factor X is the key factor in human beings that justify our equality. Francis Fukuyama categorizes accidental characteristics by skin color, social class and wealth, gender, cultural background, and even ones natural talents as nonessential