Genetic Modification

Hiya!
I assume you know what this blog is about based on the fact that you've clicked on it so i'll jump straight in. (Ironically this intro took a lot of modification so no pun needed).

Genetic Modification (GM) is a process where scientists are able to add or change an organisms genes and therefore its characteristics. We genetically engineer an organism by using a number of procedures.

1. Firstly, we identify and select the desired characteristic and what gene is in control if this
2. The desired gene is located in the chromosome of the organism with this characteristic and it is cut out of the gene using specific enzymes
3. The gene is transferred onto another organism where it reproduces

(Ani Kolleshi)

Understanding  the above steps is crucial to genetic engineering as this is general to different types of GM. To consolidate this, we frequently look at the example of artificially producing insulin for diabetics.

1. The human cell with the insulin gene is located and the specific gene for insulin production is located
2. Specific enzymes are used to cut out the gene from the DNA
3. Plasmids (small rings of DNA) are cut out of bacterium cells.
4. The plasmid is split open using enzymes and the insulin gene (cut from the human cell) is inserted into the gap
5. This plasmid is inserted back into the bacterium cell where it can produce insulin at high rates, whilst reproducing more of these cells quickly
6. The insulin gene is switched on and the insulin is harvested

We can also use GM in order to make certain cells resistant to certain substances/diseases. We can insert a resistant gene into a plasmid of DNA and make that plasmid resistant. However, if scientists place the gene in the wrong place or split it up, the gene will not function correctly or at all! GM is a very precise process with complicated implications. There are pros and cons to genetic modification we must consider:

• Improved growth rates of plants and animals (PRO)
• Increased crop yields as GM can help with yield (PRO)
• Crops can be modified to grow in specific conditions (PRO)
• Could potentially help to cure/treat inherited diseases (PRO)
• Can be used for resistance to diseases/ pests (PRO)
• GM is faster with similar outcomes to selective breeding (PRO)

I suggest you plant this in your memory(Chuttersnap)

• 
  Unknown long-term effects (CON)
• Insects can become resistant to pesticides when eating pesticide resistant plants (CON)
• Unknown effects on human health- when we eat crops (CON)
• Wild flowers/plants can be negatively affected by newer, 'better' species (CON)
• Some GM plants are made infertile to prevent unwanted spread- this is bad for poor countries who need constant yield for farming. (CON)
• It's an expensive process so poorer countries can't afford it (CON)
• Some people ethically believe it's wrong to 'play' with nature (CON)