Genetic Engineering The Tremendous Benefits Outweigh the...

Wouldnt it be great to improve health care, improve agriculture, and improve our quality of life? Genetic engineering is already accomplishing those things, and has the potential to accomplish much more. Genetic engineering, also referred to as biotechnology, is a fairly new science where the genes of an organism are modified to change the features of an organism or group of organisms. Genes are found in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of an organism, and each gene controls a specific trait of an organism. Scientists have discovered what many of these genes control, both in plants and animals. Scientists then can modify these genes to benefit the organism. For example, if a person has a gene that codes for a certain†¦show more content†¦They are being engineered to stay ripe longer so they will stay fresh longer and taste better (Advocates . . .). Coffee will be decaffeinated naturally, popcorn will be given a butter flavor on the cob, and grapefruit sweetened naturally. By the year 2000, it looks as though a fifth of all food will be produced through biotechnology (Dyson). Biotechnology may be able to solve the food shortage problem in many poor parts of the world (Bio technologys . . .). Many people dont realize how much of their food is already enhanced through genetic engineering. Critics believe that using biotechnology in agriculture will pose human health and safety risks such as allergic reactions and biological contamination. This is a reasonable concern, but it isnt likely to happen. Several agencies have developed laws and regulations to ensure that genetically altered foods are safe. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed strict regulatory requirements to make sure genetically engineered foods are safe. Genetically altered foods will be judged based on their individual safety, allergenicity, toxicity, etc. Under the Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA has control over genetically altered products and drugs for humans and animals. Before a new genetically altered food can be accepted, companies must follow a set of seven questions developed by the FDA. To name a few, companies have to ask, Does the genetically-modified plant have a history of safeShow MoreRelatedHuman Genetic Engineering At The Germ Line Of A Family1267 Words   |   6 PagesContinuous advancements have been made in these fields, and thus contribute to human genetic engineering. The method of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, also known as embryonic screening, allows parents at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to ensure their future children are unaffected by the disease. Some say that it would be greatly favorable for parents to have the ability to avoid passing on a genetic disease. 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