Do you know what genetic modification is?..........Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering or gene manipulation, is a technological process that alters an organism’s genetic material (DNA) to change its features, either deleting or moving in DNA. It changes the genetic makeup of cells, which comprises of the transfer of genetic material across or within the species boundaries to form advanced and unusual organisms. The latest DNA uses either sequestering or duplicating the genetic material of scrutiny by the method of recombinant DNA or synthesizing the DNA artificially. A construct, also known as vector, a molecular biology, is often formed and inserted into the DNA of another organism. As a result, genetically modified organisms (GMO) are formed. Besides inserting genes, the process of removing, or “knocking out” genes are carried out. The latest DNA can be inserted freely, or make a particular part of genome, a full set of DNAS (genetic material) of an organism as a target. Genetic modification can be applied to myriad types of fields. For instance, research, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, gene therapy, biology and biochemistry.
Here is a question, is genetic modification useful or spiteful to our natural world? For the answer, it will be revealed at the last paragraph. Therefore, let’s mention about the boons and banes of genetic modification.
To start with, let’s talk about the advantages of genetic modification. Genetic modification provides attractiveness to yield crops. It enhances the colour of fruits and vegetables to make it more eye-captivating for consumers’ needs. For example, apples and potatoes processed through genetic manipulation have less probability to be rotten, like transforming into brown colour, or bruises on their surfaces. Besides that, this process makes the yield crops more resilient to herbicides, pests, plant viruses and unfavourable environmental conditions, like drought. Genetic engineering helps yield crops to control the weeds simply. Food wastes are mitigated with the presence of genetic modification, thus improving food security. Usage of pesticides are reduced. Food quality is increased too. It also shows that genetic modification enhances the growth and populations of yield crops. With that, worldwide food shortage can be overcome. Therefore, starvation and famines are decreased. Genetic engineering also promotes animals’ growth and breeds more effectively.
In addition, genetic modification enhances nutritional contents of delicacies. Since it does not involve utilization of herbicides and pesticides, the natural nutrition inside the crops is present and increased. There are certain nutrients which are inserted into the crops to improve aroma and nutrition. For instance, golden rice that is genetically engineered consists of high levels of vitamin A. Thus, humans’ health becomes more outstanding when they consume genetically modified food (GMF).
Not only that, but there is also another proof that genetic modification improves humans’ health by the method of gene therapy. This process uses new genes to substitute defective, faulty or missing genes in humans with genetic diseases to increase potentials for cures. For example, human insulins and interferon obtained from genetic engineering are used to treat diabetes and specific types of cancer. Zolgensma, also known as onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, is essential to cure muscular dystrophy, or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that causes the muscles to become weak and unhealthy. This aids in refraining the transmission of contagious or non-contagious illnesses.
Apart from that, genetic modification helps mothers to conceive children more efficiently. This can be shown through in-vitro fertilization method, where sperms are carried out from the male’s body, while secondary oocytes are taken from the female’s body, mixing technologically, then replaced back into the female’s body. Another type that is like this is the cloning method. It helps to obstruct endangered or non-endangered animals and plants from extinction, as younger or future generations may want to observe them. More and more, foods that undergone genetic modification are sold at low cost. Why? They breed to grow productively. For farmers, they can produce similar number of delicacies, besides less water and less pesticides. Thus, they help in saving resources. What’s more, genetic engineering aids in maternity and paternity dispute, and identify criminal cases. Both use DNA to identify. Here is the process how DNA is used in the genetic manipulation process: Biological samples like semen(man), blood, hair and skin are collected from the scene. DNA is extracted from the biological samples. Restriction enzymes in it cut the DNA into diverse fragments. Then, the DNA fragments are sequestered by gel electrophoresis. After that, they are transferred to a nylon membrane. Later, radioactive probes are added to the nylon membrane, followed by the X-ray film. The X-ray film is processed to show the presence of DNA bands to create DNA profile. Lastly, genetic engineering preserves the environment by reducing water pollution. Since it does not use pesticides and herbicides, no toxic liquids are able to flow into the river and ocean. Microbes, or bacteria from genetic engineering method can degrade waste products like faeces and oil spills rapidly. This is also known as bioremediation. For example, Alcanivorax borkumensis. This also aids in conserving natural habitats in water. Air pollution also reduced. Less usage of pesticides decreases carbon dioxide emissions on agricultures. There are GMOs that can enhance health of soil. No-till farming reduces risks of soil erosion.
Even though genetic engineering gives a lot of advantages as shown above, it gives adverse effects too. One of the disadvantages is causing allergic reactions on organisms. There are certain foreign substances, or allergens, like new proteins that are introduced into the body of the organism may trigger the cells and some of them might not adapt to them, thus making allergic reactions to occur. For instance, a gene originated from Brazil that is joined with a soybean. Consequently, the individual may be sensitive towards those cuisines. Additionally, there are specific genes that are resistant to antibiotics. If humans or animals devour genetically modified food that contain these genes, they will enter the humans’ or animal’s bodies directly. Subsequently, the individual or animal may develop antibiotic resistance. The genes can use antibiotics to slaughter plant cells that didn’t take in the latest DNA successfully. There is certain genetically modified food that is harmful to human health. One of the examples of diseases from it is cancer. Foods that consist of DNAs that are inserted into them can survive further and might affect the immune system. This is because they can change the genetic materials in humans’ or animals’ body. There are some GMO foods might harm the kidneys, livers, pancreases, and reproductive systems. Although there are sayings that GMOs are environmental-friendly, but excessive usage may destroy it. The widespread use of GMOs can lead to loss of biodiversity. Over time, resistance of pests and weeds towards the traits of GMOs makes the demands and needs of pesticides and herbicides to increase. There are some GMOs which degrade the soils to make them more infertile.
All in all, genetic modification can be
helpful to organisms if use beneficially, but it may be spiteful if humans
abuse them. So, we should utilize genetic modification technology properly for
establishing a better living, and the pros of this method will conquer the cons.
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