Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering
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Genetic engineering is a controversial field of biology that has made major studies in current times with even further developments anticipated in the future. As a branch of biotechnology, genetic engineering comprises of techniques that enable the altering of an organism’s genetic makeup. The techniques facilitate the transfer of genes across and within species attaining improved traits in organisms. It is accomplished by incorporating recombinant DNA formed by isolating molecules from multiple sources and combining into a single DNA molecule. The foreign DNA can also be artificially synthesized. The new DNA is interleaved into a host organism to manipulate the genetic combination of its cells as desired. Genetic engineering also involves the removal or knocking out of DNA molecules to eliminate inferior traits or correcting genetic errors to engineer modified organisms. The gene transfer and editing have allowed for genetically modified livestock, crops and model organisms marking a major accomplishment in science. However, the field has generated divisive opinions about the benefits against the potentials risks and also the ethical concerns. The fears stem from the theory that genetic engineering might bolster unfavorable traits into organisms.
The article “Genetically Modified Plants and Human Health” addresses the benefits and major concerns regarding genetically modified organisms’ impact on human health and the environment.

It examines the application of genetic engineering to enhance nutritional content and crop yields to combat food shortages CITATION Key08 l 1033 (Key, Ma, & Drake, 2008). Also, the recombinant pharmaceuticals production using the GM plants. Furthermore, it highlights some studies and cases that have influenced the negative public opinions of genetic engineering CITATION Key08 l 1033 (Key, Ma, & Drake, 2008). It provides an unbiased review of the current and future progress of the technology on plant modifications.
The article offers detailed insights into the impact of genetically modified plants, significant especially to individuals pursuing careers in various fields of biology. On the risks to human health, it addresses the probability of antibiotic resistance and increased mutation in GM organisms. It assesses that the risks aforementioned to be less-probable in contrast to the current public opinion on GMOs, moreover all commercially produced GM crops have undergone extensive safety tests. For future biologists, information on potential health risks associated with genetic engineering is beneficial for health assessment and improved research executions. On agricultural biotechnology, it highlights the insect and virus-resistant GM crop production and also experimental studies underway to engineer crops resistant to abiotic stresses. It also addresses the ability of the GM application to improve nutritional content in crops as in the case of Golden Rice Project in curbing Vitamin A deficiency. The article can be useful to biologists in executing measures to tackle agronomic and nutrition challenges. In medicine, the article expounds on helpful information about the usage of GM plants in producing pharmaceuticals. Details including the trial molecular farming of monoclonal antibodies, insulin, and vaccines such as hepatitis B vaccines in potatoes can assist future biologists to develop further advancements in pharmaceutical cultivation. The article also rescinds the disputed studies on the negative environmental and health impact of GM plants, which is beneficial in sorting out the facts and the misinformation regarding GM proceeding into a career in biology. The article provides a clear overview of the current and prospective benefits of genetic engineering of plants, bolstering change in public opinion about GM plants and significant insights to biologists.
Reference
BIBLIOGRAPHY Key, S., Ma, J. K.-C., & Drake, P. M. (2008, June 01). Genetically modified plants and. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 101(6), 290–298. Retrieved June 06, 2018, from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1258/jrsm.2008.070372