The Moral and Ethical Issues associated with DNA Technology

The topic of genetically modified crops has been one of popular debate in recent years, there are many different issues that people disagree over and the argument over whether or not they are commercially grown in Europe still continues. “Strong anti-GM technology sentiment in some parts of Europe has been influencing the food supply chains for 3-4 years. This has contributed to the development of distinct non-GM derived food and feed markets and effectively halted the EU wide approvals process for GMOs. On the 17th October 2002 new rules governing the safety approval of field trials and the growing of genetically modified (GM) crops came into force in the European Union (EU). Many people believe that this legislation is an important new step in facilitating the wider commercialisation of GM crops in Europe.”

The first step in genetically modifying a plant is to locate the specific gene that gives the desired trait. The next step is to isolate and extract the gene. The cells have to be broke open, this can be done using chemicals to dissolve the cell walls, with a blender or else mechanically. The procedure, centrifugation separates out the heavier components to the bottom of the tube-DNA and some other large components. The rest of the cell solution is left on top and can easily be poured off. The left over DNA, RNA and protein is then mixed with phenol and then alcohol; this will destroy the protein and remove RNA fragments. A special restriction enzyme is then used to cut the isolated DNA, leaving many short segments. The next step is to clone this DNA to create large numbers of the gene so it can be adjusted later. So that they can be manufactured in bulk the cloned genes need to be mounted on a vector, an example of a useful vector is the E-coli bacteria. This has a small circular DNA and is widely used. Once the gene has been isolated and cloned, several modifications will be made before it can be inserted into a plant. Again enzymes are used to cut the gene apart and insert new sections. A promoter sequence is added, this is the on/off switch that will control when and where in the plant the gene will be expressed. A termination sequence and a selectable marker gene are also added. The marker is needed to identify the small percentage that are able to express the new gene. Selectable markers encode for resistance to substances that would normally kill plants, when this substance is applied only those with the new gene will survive. The gene regions are then rebonded together. The new gene then has to be inserted into single plant cells. The transgene must end up in the nucleus and be incorporated into one of the chromosomes. Every time the cell replicates and divides all the chromosomes are copied including the new gene. By growing new plants from these modified cells the first generation of the genetically modified plants are developed.

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A genuine concern for many people regarding GM crops is how they affect the environment. One of the major concerns is the unpredictable effects of cross-contamination. This is when pollen or seeds are carried from GM plots and could result in genetically modifying populations elsewhere. The GM crops could have a resistance to herbicides, when crossed the new plants could become ‘superweeds’ that we could not control. “There are already conventionally bred herbicide-tolerant varieties of oilseed rape, and the possibility therefore exists for transfer of these genes to produce herbicide-tolerant ‘superweeds’.” . A similar fear is that pest-resistant crops ...

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‘English Nature’ the government advisory body on wildlife, is concerned that such a change to the environment may have an impact on the surrounding wildlife. There are concerns that pest-resistant crops will remove food sources for animals, as many herbicides used along with GM crops wipe out everything except the wanted produce. If the number of insects fall through lack of food or pesticides, there would be a huge knock-on effect on other animals, such as skylarks. “The GM crop BT corn produces a pesticide that is supposed to just kill pests that feed on it. But in 1999, researchers at Cornell University found that it could also kill caterpillars of the harmless Monarch butterfly. When they dusted BT pollen over milkweed – the plant on which Monarch caterpillars feed – half the sample died.”

Some people believe that GM is unethical, it represents a fundamental change in the way we deal with nature. Provided the EU grants licences for genetically modified crops there will be a vast reduction in access to non-GM varieties. Vegetarians would not be able to eat GM foods containing genes taken from animals and many religious groups also have objections to consuming GM foods.

There are worries that European organic farmers will loose their jobs if GM crops are given the go-ahead. ‘Monsanto’ produces more than 90% of crops world-wide and another four companies produce the rest. These multi-nationals may end up with too much control over the food-production market and they are already capable of pressurising governments across the world. Not only do these companies sell the seeds they also make the weedkillers the plants need to be sprayed with. This means they benefit financially twice as much from GM crops. Another possible problem for non-GM farmers is cross-pollination. If their crops are crossed with near-by GM crops they will loose their organic status and their trade will be destroyed. There is currently no compensation for this.

In many developing countries GM crops have greatly increased the yields, especially if they are resistant to pests. However the priorities of people in poorer countries may differ from our own, a risk to the environment may seem worth taking if it ensures a food supply. Every year in Europe farmers produce so much food that it often has to be destroyed. To avoid this they are sometimes paid to keep empty fields and so produce much less. In this respect GM foods seem unnecessary in Europe.

GM foods are not needed for a healthy diet. Although there is little proof that GM crops are unsafe, in the future they may contain a gene from a plant or animal that has never been a part of our diet. This could lead to unexpected health problems, as safety testing cannot be 100% effective. Genes can cross from the food we eat to the bacteria in our stomachs, and these might include antibiotic-resistant genes that have been routinely used as marker genes in GM technology. This could render antibiotics ineffective against human and animal diseases.

The unknown risks surrounding GMOs have not yet been fully understood. If the EU decides to grant genetically modified crop licences in Europe they could be making huge environmental, social, economic and even health problems for future generations.

There is little evidence that GM will offer us a more sustainable future. In fact, the main benefits are solely for the biotechnology companies, the multi-national corporations who have more and more power over our food chain.

The Moral and Ethical Issues associated with DNA Technology

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