Question

Why is genetic engineering such a controversial ethical issue?

Answer 1

Genetic engineering refers to a number of new techniques involving the transfer of specific genetic information from one organism to another. These techniques do not rely on sexual methods, but instead, involve genetic manipulation at the cellular and molecular level.

The technique of genetic engineering includes the creation of recombinant DNA by use of gene cloning and gene transfer.

Genetic engineering is a controversial ethical issue especially in the field of agriculture because of the production of Genetically Modified (GM) foods. controversies surrounding GM foods are as follows:

1. GM food may impact human health as they may act as potential allergens.
2. GM food may act as environmental pollutants.
3. Scientist and researchers play with nature by mixing genes among species, the future impact of this technique is still unknown.
4. This shifts the power from agriculture to biotechnology; this increases the dependence on industrialized nations by developing countries.
5. Enzymes produced by the antibiotic resistance gene could cause allergies.
6. Examples of GM foods: Flavr Savr tomato, Golden rice, Bt cotton, etc.