Gene Technology

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are mammals, microorganisms, and plants whose genetic structure has been changed by natural recombination or mating in such a way that the genetic material does not appear as it does in a normal, natural plant. The method of altering an organism’s DNA is known as genetic engineering. A transgenic plant is one whose genetic material has been changed by genetically adding a gene or genes into the plant’s genetic makeup. This method employs biotechnology techniques to transfer genes to the host plant or organism from the same or separate organisms. A vector that may contain other elements like antibiotic resistance, marker genes, viral promoters and transcription terminators is used to insert the gene of interest into the host plant (In Norer, 2016, p.76). The transferred gene affects the functioning of the plant and its characters. After transgenic is created, it can pass on the newly adopted characteristic to its off springs that will follow through pollination or reproduction.

The technique uses the biolistic (gene gun) which shoots the gene of interest in the cells of the organism or plant. The gene gun usually shoots the DNA in the organism/plant cells or tissue subsequently and under high pressure (Halford, 2012, p.164). The accelerated particles are produced by the gun at high pressure and they penetrate the cell membrane and cell wall of the plant cells. The separation of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) occurs, and it is integrated into the host plant inside the nucleus of DNA. The method has been successful especially in monocots like maize, but the main limitation of this technique is that it damages the cellular tissue.

The main aim of this technology is to introduce new plants characteristics that do not exist in natural plants. In most cases, the genetically modified plants usually have more and better traits than the natural plants. One of its objectives is to increase the crop protection. The modified plants can withstand harsh weather conditions making them more preferred in the present days since the weather has become unpredictable. Secondly, the plants can germinate and grow at a higher rate than the natural plants hence there are useful tools for fighting drought. The transgenic plant has another distinctive trait of been resistance against insects. Pest like aphids and cutworms attacks the crop and farmers are required to spray their plants against this insect. The new plants contain a gene that produces toxin and does not need spraying as the pest does not attack them as compared to the natural plants. The world as a whole has been facing the challenge of food crises, and this has been the primary objective that has contributed to the invention of this technology.

Ethical and Social Implications

Genetic engineering of crop plants and organisms has both negative and positive social and ethical implications. One of the positive impacts of Genetically Modified Food is that they help to reduce air pollution from the human. Natural plants usually require regular spraying which pollutes water, air, and the soil. Environment conservation has been an issue that everybody should put in mind. Pollution has caused a lot of harm to the environments examples is some animals have come to extinct due to the changes of the environments, increase in water levels in seas and oceans the due to global warming and unpredictable weather conditions (Ferry & Gatehouse, 2009, p.184).

Secondly, this technology has introduced more varieties of horticultural products that are more designed to fits the expectation of the consumers and are more nutritious since they contain mixed traits. Some of these crops have been sources of vitamins example the Golden rice which has high enrichment of vitamin A. Bio Cassavas are found to have a high concentration of proteins and other nutrients. This Genetically modified organisms and crop products are also cheaper than the natural products which offer them an added advantage to the society. The technology has also played a significant role in fighting the issue of food shortage (“Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide,” 2017, p.2-6). The genetically modified crop plants are found to be more productive, and they can grow within a shorter period. Hunger has been a major problem facing the developing countries, and through the efficient application of this technology, it can help to reduce this issue.

However, although the genetically modified crops and organisms have been beneficial to the society, on the other hand, it has some risks and negative implications associated with it. One of the negative implication is that these crops are found to be carcinogenic. According to various research conducted concerning this foods, found that some genetically modified crops can cause cancer. Secondly, the organism and plants produce an allergic reaction to some people the first incident identified in 1990’s where soybeans developed by HI-Bred were allergic to some people (In Norer, 2016, p.82). Also from the introduction of this new crops and organisms, many people have abandoned their staple foods, and their taste is on these new organism and plants food. These new modified products have an adverse effect on the immune system.

Personal view point

In my own opinion, Genetic engineering like any other innovation it has both the positive and the adverse impact. The technology has more benefits than the negatives that it causes to the society, and the technology has been adopted by many nations both developed and developing. I support the program since it has resolved some of the challenges like food shortage facing many developing countries. The government should regulate this technology to avoid introduction of unverified new crops that may have an adverse impact on human health and the society.

Works Cited

Ferry, N., and A. M. Gatehouse. Environmental impact of genetically modified crops. CABI, 2009.

Halford, N. G. Genetically modified crops. Imperial College Press, 2012.

In Norer, R. Genetic technology and food safety. 2016. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

“Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide.” 2017, cls.casa.colostate.edu/transgeniccrops/faqpopup.html.