Bread is made using microorganisms. The dough is made using microorganisms called yeast. This is added in order for it to rise. The dough rises because the yeasts ferments the carbohydrates which then produce carbon dioxide which makes the dough rise.
It is beneficially for us to have certain microorganisms added to our food. This is because these microorganisms help with digestion.
Pharmaceuticals:
It was discovered that you can remove DNA from one region of DNA and move it in a controlled way to a different part of the same DNA or moved to a different organism. This means that we can have genes which are can make for a specific reason.
A gene from humans which produces insulin has been put into a bacterium called Escherichia coli. This has been very successful and the bacteria excrete human insulin. This is a much faster way of producing insulin as it bacteria can excrete insulin quickly. The insulin is a complete match for the human insulin so therefore a immune reaction will not happen.
Microorganisms can also be used for the production of antibiotics; leeches are used to clean infectious wounds.
Recycling of Matter:
Composting is an easy way of recycling organic waste such as food waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, wood, feathers and crop residue. It turns the waste products into a organic fertilizer.
Composting is carried out under controlled aerobic conditions ( this means it needs oxygen). Bacteria and fungi break down the waste into simpler substances. In order for this to happen successfully the environmental conditions must be correct for example oxygen, temperature, moisture, material disturbance, organic matter and the size and activity of microbial populations.
When animals and plants die organic molecule for example nitrogen still remains. Microorganisms are able to help with decomposition. This recycles the nutrients and the physical evidence is removed also.
Microorganisms are a huge benefit as without them nothing would decay.
Genetic engineering:
This is also called modification or GM. Genetic engineering produces a unique set of genes. The genes can be swapped across species. Some enzymes can cut pieces of DNA and join them into a gap in the DNA of another organism. This means that the organism with the genes inserted host has a new characteristics for example being able to carry out a new function.
They have researched and are know able to produce bacteria that produce insulin. This is a huge importance to people with diabetes. The insulin is made quickly as the bacteria reproduce quickly.
There is an ethical dilemma around genetic engineering as it has brought around “designer babies”. This allows people to select an embryo with the right chromosomes to produce the child of your chosen sex and have the embryo screened for potential hereditary disorders. We can also choose an embryo that is a genetic match for a sibling. A fictional example of this is the movie my sisters keeper.
There are a number of ways to ensure the sex of the baby. Which are:
- Sperm sorting: this is where the sperm are taking from the man and are sorted into male and female.
- Prenatal diagnosis: an ultrasound of the baby. There is a down side to this method as the only way to not give birth to the “wrong” sex is to terminate the pregnancy.
- Pre-implantation diagnosis: if a person would like to have a child of a certain sex than they must undergo in vitro fertilization treatment. The unfertilized egg is taken from the women and fertilized in a Petri dish. They are brought to the zygote stage when cells are removed and tested using a technique known as pre-implantation.
There are strong arguments for and against genetic engineering. One strong argument for is the fact that they can genetically modify a sheep in order to treat cystic fibrosis. This disease produces thick and sticky mucus in the lungs. We can also genetically modify plants in order for them to glow in the dark when they need water. Some of these examples are benefits and some we are made stop and think about it this really necessary. Some people believe it is unethical and should be banned because they are afraid what might happen in the future.
References:
The compost bin, 2012 <> accessed on 19/01/2012
Genetic engineering-designer babies, 2012
<> accessed on 19/01/2012
