GENETIC ENGINEERING
History
The history of genetic engineering can be traced back to historic times. Animal and plant breeders
have found ways to alter and change genes to their advantage for thousands of years. For example,
yeast fermentation was used to manipulate the seeds. But the actual science of genetic engineering
came much later. Genetic engineering is based on genetics, a science started from the early 1900’s,
based on experiments by the Austrian monk, Gregor Mendel. Genetic engineers in the past have
created important plants, vegetables, grains, cows, horses, dogs, and cats.
Uses
There are many applications of genetic engineering in our everyday life. Progress in this field has
impacted technology in several areas and has contributed towards many benefits of humankind.
Unfortunately, like all science, there are both positive and negative uses.
Medicine - Genetic engineering is able to treat many illnesses and conditions with the human body
which were previously much more harmful. Many medicines and treatments are available only
because of this technology. Today, there are drugs and vaccines which have the ability to treat
cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and arthritis. Genetic
engineering is present in such items like home pregnancy tests too. This industry has the potential to
do things many other drugs can't. Genetic engineering also helps in healthcare through the use of a
bacterium to produce medically useful chemicals.
Agriculture - Much of the food we eat are in some way connected to genetic engineering. In fact,
about 60 percent of our food has some sort of biotechnology in it. By taking traits from one
organism and putting it into a food, the food can be altered in many ways, like having it last longer,
taste better, and grow faster and larger. It can also be designed to be more immune to certain
diseases. With less farmers and a greater need of food, genetic engineering can be the savior for this
very important field.
Industry - The ability of bacteria to produce chemicals can be used in other areas as well, such as
in the cheese industry. Also, genetically related advances and business is booming.
Terrorism – The former Soviet Union used traits in many organisms to make biological weapons
and viruses never before heard of. One scenario is that by using recombinant DNA methods, they
might have taken the lethality of Ebola, combined it with the worst part of anthrax, and to top it off,
made it extremely contagious by including parts of the smallpox virus. In fact, the USSR was so
adept at making biological weapons that they were up to 20 years ahead of the United State's
progress at the time.
Proponent (Pros)
Every new idea is faced with both criticism and applause. Genetic Engineering proves no different,
this revolutionary concept will alter every aspect of life as we seem to know it, and as in most cases
the benefits are accompanied by predicaments. However, when weighed, the advantages seem too
great to be ignored. Genetic Engineering can lead us into a new era of scientific history.
Genetic Engineering can not only alter our surroundings but also enhance them. A genetically
engineered tomato could supply large amounts of nutrients, or an orange could be your daily multivitamin. Genetic Engineering, however, doesn't provide only one route to one success; it's a plan
that works for anybody and everybody at some point or another.
Insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers often taint the crops that grow in the fields of our world. Do
we want to eat food often affected by toxic chemicals? Genetic Engineering provides a solution
again. Crops like cotton, corn, tomatoes, and rapeseed have been genetically engineered, displaying
resistance to commonly used herbicides and pesticides. "Biotechnology has already led to an 80%
reduction in insecticide use in U.S. cotton crops," says Amy Ridenour, Director of the National
Center for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C.
Many diabetic patients suffer due to the expensive, consist treatment. Others bear the side-effects
that accompany this condition. Type 1 diabetes targets many younger people, who often endure
endless side effects that accompany this disease. However, a cure could be on the way due to stemcell research, due to genetic engineering.
Scientists have already cloned a sheep. It's barely a step away to clone cattle, poultry, and other
meat produce. Critics however fear the overwhelming possibilities that could be accompanied by
cloning, especially human cloning. However, human cloning could provide many optimistic results.
For example, a woman could give birth to twins; eliminating the negativities of two pregnancies.
Another beneficiary prospect accompanying human cloning would be the abilities and traits that a
child could inherit from his/her parents.
Overwhelming amounts of various pollutions are leading to the deterioration of our surroundings.
However, petroleum products and forms of garbage can be decomposed by genetically engineered
bacteria.
Opponent (Cons)
Our current age is an age of terror, of fear, and of overwhelming possibilities. The possibilities that
accompany the newest revolution, genetic engineering, could alter every life, in an almost
inexplicable manner. This area is bounded not only by our imagination but by our values, and our
morals.
Many are concerned by an inevitable result of genetic engineering. Terrorism already infects our
globe, and genetic engineering opens yet another door, another method to instill terror amidst the
general populace. Long eradicated diseases like smallpox could spread over the globe faster. It also
offers corrupt scientists the opportunity to create new, unheard of, fatal diseases.
Although genetic engineering is a method to improve human society, it could be the one cause that
might lead to its destruction instead. Genetic Engineering is already being used in various fields of
human life.
Genetically engineered food is slowly gaining acceptance amidst people. An incident known as taco
terrorism enhanced the fact that when foods were genetically engineered to improve their nutritious
value, allergens could be transferred. Although a tiny flaw, similar mishaps of greater magnitude
could prove fatal.
One immoral, unethical, and greatly feared outcome of this area of science is the prospect of
cloning. While this method provides irreplaceable medical uses, recreation of humans is a matter
worth debating. It could lead to the creation of a "perfect race", a resemblance to a Nazi dream of a
globe of people carrying the same characteristics. It could lead to the ultimate annihilation of a
notion that human society thrives upon, individuality. Results could be terrifying yet alluring,
immortality one amidst many.
Some critics argue however that cloning people may result in a replication of the body yet the loss
of the soul. Others doubt the existence of the soul. Cloning isn't just about body or soul, it's about
regulating a part of life that doesn't lay in our hands, some call it 'Playing God'. We do not know
what lies ahead, and in this effort to recreate lives, might we forget the beliefs of the cloned
themselves? What if the new person didn't appreciate the fact that they were a remake, not an
original product?
Ages ago, in ancient countries, girls were considered unlucky, and parents preferred boys - better to
work with. Decades ago, parts of the globe dueled as ethnicity played a large part in the rulers of a
region. Should parents be permitted to customize their child with the 'perfect' characteristics?
Designer children could be the end result of genetic engineering - as parents could be provided the
opportunity to choose what kind of children they wished for. Parents could instill in their children
gifts and talents of their choice. However, would there be any talent if all could obtain it, if all
could acquire every ability? Although laws may not regulate this element of genetic engineering,
morality would suggest otherwise.
Morality left aside, the entire world does not share common values, and scientific hazards could be
part of human cloning. Dolly, the sheep that was cloned suffered some unusual diseases and lived a
life out of the ordinary. She was expected to have a shorter lifespan than most sheep.
Would the effect of human cloning be the same? Many results in Dolly's cloning proved to be
immoral, and unexpected. "Dolly was conceived using an ewe's egg and a cell from another ewe's
body. It is noteworthy that no semen from a ram was involved. If the technique were perfected in
humans, and came into general usage, then there would no genetic need for men."
There are too many unanswered questions that come with this opportunity, and if the end result
could be the demise of reality as we know it, would it really be worth the effort?
Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against genetic engineering. This essay must be at
least 2 pages typed with the following formatting: 1 inch margins, Times New Roman font,
size 12, double spaced. Be sure to include the following information:
Proper 5-paragraph format, at least 5 sentences per paragraph 5 points
No grammatical errors 10 points (One point deducted for each error)
No spelling errors 10 points (One point deducted for each error)
I. Introduction: 5 points
A. Get the readers attention by using a "hook."
B. Give some background information if necessary.
C. Thesis or focus statement.
II. First argument or reason to support your position: 5 points
A. Topic sentence explaining your point.
B. Elaboration to back your point.
III. Second argument or reason to support your position: 5 points
A. Topic sentence explaining your point.
B. Elaboration to back your point.
IV. Third argument or reason to support your position: 5 points
A. Topic sentence explaining your point.
B. Elaboration to back your point.
V. Opposing Viewpoint: (This is optional, however highly recommended, so that the reader will
know you have considered another point of view and have a rebuttal to it.) 5 extra points
A. Opposing point to your argument.
B. Your rebuttal to the opposing point.
C. Elaboration to back your rebuttal.
VI. Conclusion: 5 points
A. Summary of main points or reasons
B. Restate thesis statement.
C. Personal comment or a call to action.
50 Total Points Possible!