Positives of Genetic Engineering
- Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism
- It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases
- Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly
- Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering
- It may become possible to change human’s genetic characteristics
- Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure
- Inherited illnesses would no longer exist
- Genes could be changed before a baby is born
- It could also be possible to clone human organs
- We could all have replacement body part
- Humans could live longer, healthier lives
Negatives of Genetic Engineering
- There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering
- Parents might want to choose their children’s characteristics
- This would be unnatural
- It would be unacceptable in most religions
- Soldiers could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people
- Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs
- Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements
- Society and human evolution would change completely
- Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited
Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Advantages
- Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster
- Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects
- This could be important for food production in developing countries
- Faster growing cereals, fruit and vegetables will mean more profit
- GM foods can be modified to look perfect
- They may be more attractive to customers
Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Disadvantages
- There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of
- GM crops might change whole ecosystems
- Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators
- Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification
- Organic farming may be slower and more expensive
- However, the environment is not damaged by fertilizers or
