Genetic Modification (Genetic Engineering)

Definition and Purpose

Genetic modification (Genetic Engineering) refers to the process where scientists alter an organism’s genetic material, usually by inserting or deleting specific genes.
The main goal of this technology is to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones, such as increasing an organism’s resistance to diseases or improving its nutritional content.

Identifying Desired Gene: First, scientists identify the gene that codes for the desired trait in a donor organism.
Isolation: The desired gene is then cut out from the donor using special enzymes known as restriction enzymes.
Insertion: The isolated gene is inserted into a vector, typically a plasmid (a small, circular piece of DNA often found in bacteria), which acts as a vehicle to carry the gene into the recipient organism.
Transformation: The vector containing the desired gene is introduced into the recipient organism. The recipient organism’s own DNA incorporates the new gene.

Improved Crop Traits: Genetic modification can improve crop yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional quality.
Medical Advances: Genetic engineering has been used to develop treatments for diseases, including the manufacture of insulin for diabetes and in gene therapy to treat genetic disorders.
Environmental Impact Reduction: GMOs (genetically modified organisms) can reduce the need for harmful pesticides and fertilisers, helping to minimise environmental pollution.

Unintended Consequences: There can be unpredictable effects due to the complex interactions within an organism’s genetic structure.
Loss of Biodiversity: The widespread use of GM crops may lead to reduced genetic diversity and harm beneficial insects.
Potential Human Health Risks: Food derived from GM crops may pose potential risks such as allergenicity.

Safety and Long-Term Effects: There should be rigorous testing for safety and long-term effects before introducing GM organisms into the environment or the food supply.
Ownership and Access: There are issues around patents and who should have access to genetic resources and derived products.
Interference with Nature: Some people argue that genetic engineering is an unnatural interference with the natural order of the world.