Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering is a major issue in today’s society. Because of it, things like the Human Genome Project have become a reality. Genetic Engineering is can be defined as the manipulation or alteration of the genetic structure of a single cell or organism. This means that scientists can target a particular gene and make it whatever they want. This technique is becoming so advance that soon people will be able to make their children exactly how they would like them to be. The science behind genetic engineering is simple to explain yet complicated to perform. Simply state, scientists may alter any gene they would like to make it better then it was before. Genetic Enginering holds many promises for the future. It brings with it possibilities of longer, healthier lives, and possibly near-immortality. It has the possibilities of ending world hunger by making cheaper, more nutritious, and faster growing foods. It could also have the ability to bring back species from near extinction and even reintroduce recently extinct species back to our world by using old DNA. With genetic engineering, we would have the ability to clone a loved one or a favorite pet. It would also give us the ability to grow replacement organs, limbs, skin

Not only has genetic engineering affected the people of the world, it has also affected the agriculture. Genetic engineering is being used to create the perfect vegetable or the perfect fruit. A lot of the food people eat today has been genetically engineered and most without them knowing it. However genetically engineered food isn’t exactly perfect. Genetically engineered food could reduce genetic diversity causing the food to be more prone to diseases. Not only does it reduce genetic diversity but it is also an expensive process. Even though this could be a potential end of hunger, there has not been adequate testing to see if it is entirely safe. There hasn’t been any testing to ensure the fact that the gene inserted into the food would have the same effect on the consumer. However, even with this new technology, this may not be the solution to world hunger because it is said that hunger in other nations is a political problem. Even though this may now solve world hunger, it is a step in the right direction to help prevent it.

With the completion of the Human Genome Project, many issues will arise. Some of these issues would be ethical, legal, and social. Knowing a persons genetic code could lead to segregation. AN example would a person trying to get a job. They may not get the job because their genetic code shows some minor defect. People would be judged according to their genetic code. The movie Gattaca focused on people who part of the genetic elite. They were genetically engineered to be perfect before they were born. People who were born naturally were considered “in-valid” and thus not allowed to be a part of higher society. This would be a prime example of genetic segregation.

After the Human Genome Project is finished, what will become of society? People would star