This is done using the recombinant DNA where by the desirable genes can be transferred from an organism to the crop plant. Using the potato as an example, it used to be very vulnerable to viruses now using the DNA technology the potato can be made resistant to these viruses by transferring the genes which are resistant to the virus into the potato so it is no longer affected by it. Another example is corn, which has become resistant to drought this was also brought about using similar techniques. Having a crop which is resistant to drought would be very helpful as this could be the solution to world hunger as far eastern countries could grow their food all year and not have to worries about hunger. (Reference number 1)
Recombinant DNA is the basis for the most recent scientific advance ‘gene therapy’. This is the current ‘hot spot’ in human gene technology as this could be the solution to curing many of the various human genetic disorders. Gene therapy involves the correcting of ‘unstable’ gene of an organism (most commonly a foetus) by inserting the correct gene into the organisms body by doing this then the organism will grow producing the correct gene which will multiply with the organism and should rectify the problem.
An example of this may be, severe combined immunity deficiency leaves people with almost no functioning immune system, by inserting copies of the genetic code for the enzyme adenosine deaminase into the blood cells of the suffer the problem could be solved.
Another important ethical aspect of GE is its medical purposes. For example cystic fibrosis (CF) maybe cured if a gene can somehow enter the cells that line that lungs, it will begin producing the critical proteins that CF patients lack. Scientists are working on this right now and some patients receiving this treatment have already been able to produce this protein in small quantities. The technique currently being tested is a spray/inhaler that the patients can take which will contain the gene for the protein which the patient lacks. This substance will be sprayed and inhaled into the lungs and the cells, which line the lungs, should take up this substance and they should be able to produce this protein independently.
(Reference number 2)
Although there many very helpful advantages to using recombinant DNA there are many very serious disadvantages which could prove to fatal to many types of organisms, but not only could organisms be affected but the world industry and the environment could be affected as well.
There are many worries about using transgenic organism’s, as the fear is that they will interact with other species. This problem raises a large difference in opinion between many people as it then becomes a question of morals and ethics, which makes it hard to decide on what is and what is not acceptable.
The use of recombinant DNA in reproduction could mean that parents would have the ability to decide what they want their child to physically look like and in some respects “play god”, this would become a very popular area of protest for religious groups. This type of use could also affect the role and nature and survival of the fittest, as doctors would then be able to test the child before it is born and determine whether or not the child has any disabilities etc. This could result in the parents deciding to terminate the pregnancy, which would be seen by many as morally wrong.
The use of recombinant DNA could also be a major problem in farming and industry. Some crop plants that we engineer have been given a gene enabling them to produce pesticides an example of this is the potato crop which is resistant to a virus. With the natural selection of nature, this may increase the rate of evolution of pesticide-resistant insects/ viruses. These insects, once evolved could then harm our environment to a degree where food supplies start to run low.
It may also be the case that GM crops could lead to the demise of other natural plants, as there is concern for organic farms and that GM pollen could infect them and result in a mutation of the organic species, which could result in the organic species becoming extinct.
Companies who deal in Horticulture could use recombinant DNA as a means of increasing profits. This could be done genetically engineering an existing organism to have the qualities that would make it desirable to farmers ie. Grow all season. This quality would make farmers want to but this product so they would make more money as a result of a large yield of crops. But the company could modify this crop so that it did not reproduce i.e. sterile hybrid and as a result the farmer would have to but more seed from this company and as a result they would make a fortune and that farmer would be forced to continue buying from the company in order to turn a profit. If these types of seed were put into action then it could have an massive effect on other plants if they were to cross pollinate with other plants this could bring about the extinction of many different species of plant, this would have a massive impact on the farming industry and those who have strong views against GM crops. (Reference number 1)
One of the biggest fears of genetic engineering is its use in eugenics were a humans appearance can be altered by inserting new genes into humans to gives individuals characteristics which are desirable. The reason that eugenics is unacceptable to many people is because of its use through modern history to eradicate less powerful ethnic groups, the most well known example of this was the Nazis attempt to bring about the end of the Jewish culture. (Reference Number 5)
The biggest concern at present with the use of recombinant DNA is the possibility of cloning human beings. This is a massive area for protest among human rights campaigners were they are arguing that no one has the right to clone someone else as we all have the right to be an individual. It has been made illegal in a lot of countries due to the ethics and morals of those people n the country. It is seen by many people that science has possibly gone too far as scientists are now able and willing to play god by creating and growing human beings.
The uses of Recombinant DNA can be as beneficial as they are deadly but if used in a proper and reasonable manner then it could be prove to be the biggest medical and industrial breakthrough of the 21st century.
Bibliography
- Indge Bill, Rowland Martin, Baker Margaret, (2000), A New Introduction to Biology,
Page 150-156, Book Point, 78 Milton Park Abington,Oxon OX14 4TD
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Understanding DNA and gene cloning, (2001)
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What is DNA And Genetic Engineering, (2001), Chapter 13,
- Microsoft, (2004), Encarta Premium Suite 2004, search keyword “Recombinant DNA”
- Drlica, Karl, (1992), Understanding DNA and gene cloning: A guide for the curious, 2nd edition, pages 204-211
