Genetic engineering: techniques, benefits and risks

Recombinant DNA

Uses plasmids and viruses to insert foreign genes into cells an example of this is bacteria being given the human insulin gene so that when the bacteria multiplies it creates insulin. This means that diabetes can be treated better then before and many people have been saved from diabetes thanks to genetic engineering. Viruses can also be used as a vector by adding a new gene to the genetic material of the virus.

Microinjection

This is a simple procedure where the recipient is simply injected the new gene, however sometimes the injected cells find the host cell genes and incorporates itself with it. This is usually done using an optical microscope setup called a micromanipulator. This process can be used in cell biology and the study of viruses.

Electro and chemical Poration

This technique involves creating small holes in the cell membrane and injection new genes into the hole. This can be done by chemical poration (bathing the cells in special chemicals) or by electro-poration (using a weak electrical currant on the cells).

Bioballistics 

This involves using metal slivers to deliver genetic material to the interior of the cell. A metal plate stops the shell cartridge entering the cell but allows the metal sliver inside to deliver the genetic material. This is usually delivered from a shot gun, once inside the cell it makes its way to the nucleus and assimilates with the host cells.

Benefits and risks of genetic engineering

A very popular benefit of gene therapy is the possibility that genes which have defects can be repaired and made better; this would help sufferers of cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease, However the Catholic Church says that this type of experimenting is wrong because if affects God’s natural plan for the person. Another benefit is the production of new and more efficient pharmaceutical drugs to help people survive diseases. The church once again accused the pharmaceutical companies of using animals or home made humans for testing.  The risk of genetically engineered crops is a problem because the new crop may have a negative affect on the bodies of different people. Also using chemicals on food to make them impervious to disease may spread to the consumer and make him or her immune to antibiotics which could be damaging for his health. Also if a specific virus is created which only targets the genetically engineered crop then entire crops will die and thousands of people will go hungry and die. In my opinion I think that gene therapy is very advantageous but it needs to be altered to reduce or eliminate certain risks to consumers. An American scientist’s report published in the New York Times states that genetically engineered crops do not pose unique risks, that the same risks can be found in crops grown with conventional breeding methods. This shows that scientists on both sides of the argument have pros and cons, however until a genuine life threatening reason can be found genetically engineered crops may be one of the only ways for third world countries to sustain their economy and to feed its people.  

David Farrell

References

1. www.ucsusa.org Page Last Revised: 06/06/07

2. encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia

3. 

4. advanced biology by Mary Jones and Geoff Jones

5. New York Times Monday, February 25, 2008