Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering (GE) exists virtually throughout the entire world. It has been common knowledge to publics for approximately twenty years. GE helps the consumer by creating more ecologically friendly products, increasing productivity of crops and engineering animals for leaner meat. At the same time, however, there are health risks that can be caused by genetic technologies on food.

 

There are many concerns about genetically modified foods and crops from farmers as well as consumers . Genetic Pollution is a term often used to describe these genetically modified organisms (GMO) which can, “spread through nature and interbreed with natural organisms” (Greenpeace, 2006). Genetic pollution is a key threat as GMOs cannot be recalled once they’re at large in the environment. Below are specific details outlining the concerns.

 

Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs):

 

It is impossible to predict potential allergic reactions GMFs may cause since the levels of toxins in the food are very high. There is also an issue with antibiotic resistance. Scientists use a “marker gene” to see which cells took up the foreign DNA. These markers tend to be antibiotic resistant genes meaning that cells with no foreign DNA are killed by antibiotic treatment (Oshinskie, 2006). In 1999 a series of experiments were released in Britain. They showed that laboratory rats that were fed genetically engineered potatoes had severe problems with their immune responses, digestive tracts, and the development of nearly all their vital organs. Their organs were reduced in size and their endocrine glands were enlarged (Oshinskie, 2006). There was a desperate attempt in the industry to keep this information out of the media.

 

Greenpeace is constantly confronting GE everywhere they can to protect the publics from any dangers. They have participated in many blockades of ships and trains carrying GMFs in order for them to be tested properly. As a result companies suspended making certain products. McDonalds in New Zealand even agreed to seek non-GE chicken (Greenpeace, 2006).

 

Genetic Engineering has provided the world with a great deal of new advantages. The pros of GE are very convincing. The fact that people’s lives can be saved through this science has a huge impact on society. The cons, however, of course tend to be very strong as well.

 

As technology improves any drawbacks will be worked out and GE will assist in bettering science today. Until then, the debate remains whether GE is beneficial to us or creates more harm than good. And although there has been a tremendous revolution in science, there is still a great deal that remains to be discovered.

International, Greenpeace. (September 2006). Say no to genetic engineering.

Greenpeace International. Retrieved October 10 2006, from http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering

Oshinskie, Mark. (March 2006). The Rest of the Story Behind Genetic Engineering. An

interview with Brian Tokar. Retrieved October 11 2006, from

http://online.sfsu.edu/%7Erone/Geessays/tokarinterview.htm

Patel, Rajeev. (October 2005). Genetic Engineering in Agriculture and Corporate

Engineering in Public Debate: Risk, Public Relations, and Public Debate over Genetically Modified Crops. Retrieved October 11, 2006, from

www.ijoeh.com

Submitted by: Rebecca Ford

Edited by:Tara Wood