Genetic Modification

Gene Technology Research | Jessica Le

Genetic Modification

Purpose

Genetic modification (GM) is a complex biotechnology procedure used to modify certain genes of many organisms. Scientists have been modifying genes, especially in plants, to collect the traits which are most desirable. These traits include better nutritional contents or an enhanced resistance to disease and herbicides. Scientists are aiming to use genetic engineering for reasons such as, creating cures for genetic diseases and grow plants that are engineered to be resistant to insecticides. Genetic modification will benefit people with genetic disorders by altering their genes to treat or fight the disease. Through the modification of a plant’s genome, plants will become better suited to the needs of humans; this will therefore benefit growing populations all around the world. The alteration of genes in plants will financially benefit farmers because there is no need to spend money on pesticides and herbicides anymore. As well as that, crops get better nutritional contents and taste.

Process

Genetic modification follows a complex procedure which involves 4 major steps:

1. DNA extraction – To begin with, scientists need to “extract” DNA from a desired organism. The entire DNA in the organism is taken out and a sequence of steps preformed to remove parts of DNA.

2. Gene Duplication – The second step is to duplicate the gene. Through the use of gene duplication, scientists separate the desired gene from the rest of the DNA and make many copies of the gene to implant it into another organism.

3. Gene Constructing – After producing many copies of the gene, scientists have to design and develop the gene so that it is capable of functioning in different organisms. This i...

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...nst many spiritual beliefs and the way nature functions to create biodiversity. By altering the genes of an organism, many religious groups believe that this, in many ways is ethically wrong because it is supposedly “messing with the creation of God”

Environmental Impacts

When organisms are genetically modified, they can inherit toxins that may be harmful other organisms. Although the initial aim was for the crop to produce its own toxins to kill of pests, the plant may cause harm to non targeted organisms such as bees or butterflies that play a major role in collecting pollen. As the bees collect the pollen, they can end up carrying the DNA in the plant through the air and cause harm to other organisms in the environment. In addition, even though the GMOs can kill pests, over time the targeted pest can slowly adapt to the toxin and the gene will be less effective.