Issue of Genetic Modification

Document Type:Research Paper

Subject Area:Biology

Document 1

First, Genetic Modification is the direct manipulation of the genes of an organism using current technology. GM can as well be defined as a process that alters the genetic makeup of an organism by either removing or introducing DNA. Berg et al (2010), talks about the broad applications of modifying genes and analysis of the same. He said that "revolutionary breakthroughs in science are triggered primarily by ideas that, by their novelty, transform or replace the prevailing paradigm. " Galison, (2003) acknowledges "the application of existing tools in novel ways often provides the means to explore what was previously impossible. Genetic Modification can be used in various areas as briefly discussed in the table above. These include; one, studying gene functions either loss or gain in research.

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Second, it can be used to produce medicine in the medical field for the mass production of insulin, production of human growth hormones, antibodies production etc. Genetic engineering is also used to create animal models of human diseases example is mice (Freedman, J. Used in the study and model of cancer, obesity, heart diseases and diabetes (Köttgen et. The Genetic Engineers first have to choose which gene they wish to insert into an organism. This is done based on earlier research that they would have conducted. Several screens and tests are then carried out to determine what genes should be picked. Development of technology has made the choosing section much easier than the past. The second step is to isolate the potential gene that has been selected.

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In plants, DNA is introduced via natural insertion of genetic material into plant cells. Genetic Modification has various applications whereby its users. These include applications in medicine, research, agriculture, and industries etc. Genetic modification is also used in research where organisms are genetically engineered to discover the functions of certain genes. This could be the effect on the phenotype of the organism, where the gene is expressed or what other genes it interacts with. The first crops to be genetically modified were found out to be resistant to diseases and also they were tolerant to herbicides hence reducing the people's reliance on pesticides. The invention has made the insect and weed management of crops easier hence can indirectly increase crop yields.

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On the other hand, the book illustrates further about what could be the negative effects of such food to humans. However, "Rise of commercialized genetically modified crops has effects" Freedman (2009). The effects include; One Genetically Modified food safety is a leading concern for critics and also GM food may cause greater risk to human health. The following are the advantages of GM: The invention has made the insect and weed management of crops easier hence can indirectly increase crop yields. Genetic modification is used to insert any genes from any organism and vice versa. Genetic modification is used in mass production of insulin and in the production of human growth hormones. Antibodies production Potential cures can be tested against these mouse models.

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