Genetic Engineering - a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms

Geneticists in addition, believe they can improve the foods we eat. For instance, tomatoes cannot endure the hardship of frost so geneticists identified a particular gene that enables a flounder to resist the cold and genetically inserted the gene into the tomato. This makes it possible to extend the growing season of the tomato. Genetic engineering has generated vaccines and altered livestock traits; it has also produced pharmaceutical compounds and increased the disease resistance of crops.

At first glance, this might look exciting to some people but if you take deeper consideration it reveals serious dangers. Such

as, imprecise technology- when a new gene is inserted and disrupts the functioning of other genes essential to the life of the organism. Side effects- geneticists are experimenting with very delicate, yet powerful forces of nature, without full knowledge of the aftermath. They don't know enough about living systems to perform DNA surgery without creating mutations, which could be harmful to the environment and our health. Widespread crop failure- when a farmer plants genetically engineered seeds, all the seeds will have identical genetic structure. As a result, if a fungus or virus attacks the crop, there will widespread crop failure.

Genetics, furthermore, has a large number of health hazards. It can produce unexpected mutations in an organism, which can then produce a higher level of toxins in food. G.E. can also create unforseen and unknown allergens in foods; it can decrease nutritional value and can create antibiotics resistant to bacteria.

Environmental issues are a great concern when it comes to genetics. It is likely to increase the use of herbicides in crops, put more pesticides into our food, damage our ecology and release gene pollution, which is irreversible.

It is estimated that around 37 people died, 1500 were paralysed and a syndrome that was linked to Tryptophan, made by genetically engineered bacteria, temporarily disabled a further 5000.

The use of genetic engineering to create designer babies is considered to be ethically wrong. People disagree with the fact of swapping and changing genes to make the ideal baby. This is also thought to be morally incorrect as God's creations should not be changed and the forces of nature should never be tampered with.

QUOTE: "Once we decide to begin the process of human genetic engineering, there really is no logical place to stop. If diabetes, sickle-cell disease and cancer are to be cured by altering the genetic makeup of an individual, why not proceed to other "disorders": myopia, colour blindness, left handedness. Indeed, what is to preclude a society from deciding that a certain skin colour is a disorder.?"

The story of the great discoveries of genetics and genetic engineering is inspiring in itself. It shows men and women using patience and creativity to unravel one of the central mysteries of life. In addition, it offers hints about way that power given by this new knowledge maybe used- and perhaps misused- in the years ahead. This is an issue that deeply concerns us all.