what is the usefulness and dangers of genetic engineering?

Answer 1

Genetic engineering, genetic modification (GM) and gene splicing are terms for the process of manipulating genes, usually outside the organism's normal reproductive process.

It involves the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA into cells or model organisms, usually to express a protein. The aim is to introduce new characteristics or attributes physiologically or physically, such as making a crop resistant to a herbicide, introducing a novel trait, or producing a new protein or enzyme. Examples can include the production of human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the production of erythropoietin in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the OncoMouse (cancer mouse) for research, through genetic redesign.

Since a protein is specified by a segment of DNA called a gene, future versions of that protein can be modified by changing the gene's underlying DNA. One way to do this is to isolate the piece of DNA containing the gene, precisely cut the gene out, and then reintroduce (splice) the gene into a different DNA segment. Daniel Nathans and Hamilton Smith received the 1978 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their isolation of restriction endonucleases, which are able to cut DNA at specific sites. Together with ligase, which can join fragments of DNA together, restriction enzymes formed the initial basis of recombinant DNA technology.

Answer 2

In health industries, genetic engineering is used to create new drugs, and also to produce insulin synthetically. It is also applied in agriculture to produce disease-resistant crops.

Some people think that this is wrong, that by modifying the crops in the genetic level might affect how the body will react to it. So far, there were some proofs, but the long-term results is still in debate.

There are worse dangers, though. If you read Richard Preston's The Cobra Event, you'll know that it is possible to create a chimaera, a virus or a bacteria that consists of several aspects of dangerous diseaseses, and use them as bio-terrorism.

It's a double-edged dagger. You either get hurt, or you can use it for good.

Answer 3

The most obvious benefit of genetic engineering is for medical purposes. Diseases can be studied and possibly cured. We can use genetics, for example, to understand resistance against pathogens by studying mutations and sequences in organisms that are resistant. (However, we can't bring extinct species back to life, a common misconception...you need a living cell of the same species to clone. And even if you wanted to try to bring back, say, a dinosaur...you would NOT use frog DNA)

I remember some professor said that they actually found some people in Africa who were exposed to the AIDS virus and were resistant to it (or just didn't catch it after repeated exposure). Imagine what studying their genes could yield...

I think the dangers, aside from angry conservative protesters, are mostly limited to the individual organisms being "engineered" on, and the potential problem of a group or nation creating some ultimate biological weapon. Tampering with nature always has downsides along those lines, but if the experiments are very controlled, it's not a very "dangerous" field (most experiments are carried out to benefit mankind, anyway).

Answer 4

well genetically engineered food can be made disease and drought resistant which could help feed millions.

The interesting thing is that the starving in Africa are not allowed to have genetically engineered food, because they have been convinced it is an American plot. So they die instead. Good plan

Answer 5

Danger, Danger, Danger Will Robinson!!!!

Check how well they did in Australia introducing Rabbits (a well known life form). Imagine how easy it will be to introduce something that has unexpected (and undesirable) effects.

Many folks would say the gain outweighs the risks, but in reality we have no real idea about the risks because we are just babies in the world of engineering life!

Babies should not be allowed to play with sharp objects!

Answer 6

Genetic engineering can work wonders for us like if we created a gene that was resistant to a certain disease, like AIDS or cancer, that would be great, but if you develop humans that have abilities that are uncommon to the rest of us those abilities can be used for evil plans.. Like to take over the world using the awesome power of my bad breath, or something like that.

Answer 7

One of the dangers is that we could end up with a world full of dumba ss blond Barbies.

Answer 8

cloning is one thing it can be very helpful in saving lives if used properly but we are not gods leave the engineering to the only one who knows what he is doing.god.