| Product: |
GM and cloning |
| Date: |
03/02/08 (133 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: could help third world countries
Disadvantages: long term effects are unknown
Genetic Engineering within crops and the processes involved have come under serious scrutiny over the last several years since GM crops have become widely available. However, considering the ethics, what stance; in favour of or not, should be taken.
Since the development of GM crops, issues of ethical concern have been envoked, particularly with regards to food crops within Christian groups. For example Rev. Roland Lesseps, Zambia, stated within "Church's Social Teaching and the Ethics of GMOs" in conlcusion that that "genetic modification does not meet the tests of the social teaching of the church for genuine integral development that respects human rights and the order of creation."Here it is no doubt that he opposes any form of Genetic engineering. Quite simply, many christians believe that God's creations are being 'disrespected'.
Similarly, many scientists have opposed views. Many of them claim that proteins which cause allergies within plants which are then alterered genetically, may slightly modify the structure (preventing allergy). However scientists state that it is unclear if such a change in protein structure would then induce sections of the polulation to a new unknown allergic response.
Environmental issues are also a cause for concern amongst some, since they have proven, on occasion, to cause harm to other crops unintentionally. For example a study of Bt Corn found that its pollen caused higher mortality rates in monarch butterfly caterpillars, despite the fact that the insect does not eat corn.
There are also worries environmentally that some bacteria will become antibiotic resistant (superbug) making it much harder to treat diseases e.g. tuberculosis, and that insects will become 'out of control' as they become pesticide resistant.
On the other hand, several benefits to GM crop introduction have been discussed, such as the genetic engineering of 'golden' rice. Unlike ordinary rice which lacks many essential vitamins and minerals, the 'golden' form is high in vitamin A. This is particularly significant in third world areas such as India, where rice is a primary food source and the people are therefore left malnourished. Often blindness is a consequence of this. On the surface, golden rice is therefore a solution to malnutrition in LEDCs, so long as it can be distrubuted.
Similarly on a general scale, there is no doubt that GM crops have excellent health benefits in certain situations. This it seems will be come to greater importance since western soceities are developing 21st century epidemics of diseases such as diabetes. Modified staple foods such as barley may then be able to guard against these diseases by reducing the glycemic index of starch within the plant. Likewise, plants can now also be taught to make long chain omega 3 fatty acids that were originally only found in fish. If eaten regularly the increase in cardiovascular related diseases could therefore decline centrefold.
In Conclusion I believe that genetic engineering can be of a benefit to humanity. However a lack of long term research based on the health affects of GM crops I feel are yet to be fully discovered. Therefore until then, the speed at which these new crops are developed should be slowed down entirely. Instead, focus should be applied upon a few crops which can be researched individually to a greater extent. Also any GM crops which do not entail health benefits; only comemercial, should be restricted for now, until several more years of research is completed.
(also on helium as jac22)
Summary: a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of gm crops
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