Question

Biotechnology or genetic engineering can elicit negative responses. Is biotechnology a new or old branch of science? Should there be limitations on how this technology is used? why or why not?

Answer 1

Biotechnology is a branch of science which deals with application of principles of biological science along with engineering used to create new products from the natural biological origin. The term biotechnology was coined by Karl Erkey, a Hungarian Engineer.

This implies use of living organisms to create certain vaccines which helps in quality of human health as well as increasing the food supply in the field of agriculture owing to growing population across the globe. That's a whole lot of benefits. But there are drawbacks and negative effects of biotechnology. Lets go through these negative effects-

• In agriculture , biotechnology is used to create genetically modified crops which may transfer its genetic traits to other natural non modified crops such as weeds wherein herbicide resistant weeds may develop which is again harmful.
• There is still debate and research going on the safety of genetically modified crops that consumption of these crops may lead to side effects on human health and most people do not prefer to consume genetically modified crops.
• Genetically modified organisms can also be used as bioterrorism weapon which may cause extinction of other living organisms on earth and distrupt the ecobalance.
• Genetically modified organisms may escape into the wild causing severe ecological imbalance and it would be impossible to balance it again.

Is biotechnology old or new branch of science :

We can say that biotechnology is used since ages and is as old as the human civilisation is. Wine and beer were prepared by human beings since many centuries ago and studies say that these were prepared as early as 6000 B.C. Curd too was cultured in 4000 B.C. Now, we know it is due to the action of micro organisms.

The new age modern technology allows the genetic manipulations and there has been improvements which are made in the old biotechnological process. Therefore, biotechnology is old branch of science with modern technological improvements.

Should there be limitations on how genetic engineering be used :

Yes, there has to be limitations on how this modern technology is been used. Even though there are alot of benefits from the techniques of genetic engineering there has to be limitations imposed.

• Diseases have been for a reason and we need to fight against them. If the lifespan of the human increases, there would be overpopulation again leading to imbalance .
• Changing of DNA of the cell would may result in whole new trait which could be potentially hazardous and may wipe out the entire population.
• It also affects the gene pool causing lack of genetic diversity.
• Choosing the colour of skin, hair, and even gender of the baby may influence alot on the balance in race and gender giving raise to other new problems . We are going against the nature and not sure is it safe or can turn deadly.

Well , this was the simple explanation to biotechnology- old or new branch of science and its limitations.

Thank you..