PREFACE

First of all, thanks to Allah SWT because of the help of Allah, writer
finished writing the paper entitled “Genetic Engineering” right in the calculated
time.
This paper is a requirement to fulfill the assignment from Mrs. Dewi
Lengkawati the English teacher of SMAN 1 Cimahi. Writer also thanks to her for
all the guidance to complete it.

In completing this paper, the writer faced many problems, but with the
help of many people, all the problems could be passed. May Allah SWT give the
blessing for them. this paper provides an explanation of genetic engineering.
Although this paper has many deficiencies in the arrangement and explanation, I
hope that it can be used as a reference for the reader to understand about genetic
engineering.

Cimahi, January 06th, 2018

Auhor

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 CONTENT

Preface ……………………………………………………………………...…...... i

Content…………………………………………………………………................ ii

CHAPTER I

Background……………………………………………………………..... 1

Purpose………………………………………………………………...…. 2

CHAPTER II

Definition of Genetic Engineering…………………………...……..……. 3

Benefit of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture………............................... 6

The Base Technique og Agriculture Engineering………………………....8

The Advantage And Disadvantages Of Agriculture Engineering………... 9

CHAPTER III

Conclusion…………………………………………………………….… 17

Suggsestion……………………………………………………...….........17

SOURCE................................................................................................................18

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background

Genetic engineering (GE), also called genetic modification, is a

branch of applied biology. It is the changing of an organism's genome
using biotechnology. These methods are recent discoveries. The
techniques are advanced, and full details are not given here.

The term genetic engineering initially referred to various

techniques used for the modification or manipulation of organisms through
the processes of heredity and reproduction. As such, the term embraced
both artificial selection and all the interventions of biomedical techniques,
among them artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (e.g., “test-tube”
babies), cloning, and gene manipulation. In the latter part of the 20th
century, however, the term came to refer more specifically to methods of
recombinant DNA technology (or gene cloning), in which DNA molecules
from two or more sources are combined either within cells or in vitro and
are then inserted into host organisms in which they are able to propagate.

Genetic engineering techniques have been applied in numerous

fields including research, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and
medicine. Enzymes used in laundry detergent and medicines such as
insulin and human growth hormone are now manufactured in GM cells,
experimental GM cell lines and GM animals such as mice or zebrafish are
being used for research purposes, and genetically modified crops have
been commercialized.

Critics have objected to use of genetic engineering on several

grounds,including ethical concerns, ecological

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 concerns. Economic concerns are raised by the fact GM techniques
and GM organisms are subject to intellectual property law. Ecological
concerns are more subtle. There is a risk that some genetically modified
(GM) organisms may be better adapted to some niche in nature, and will
take away some the habitat of the regular species.(source:
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering )

we did this research about genetic engneering to fulfill our english

assignment.

B. Purpose
1. To know the definition of genetic engineering
2. To know the benefits of genetic engineering
3. To know the base technique og agriculture engineering
4. To know advantage and disadvantage of agriculture engineering
5. To fulfill the english assignment

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 CHAPTER II
CONTENT

A. Definition of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the

direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a
set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells,
including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to
produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either
isolating and copying the genetic material of interest
using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the
DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into
the host organism. The first recombinent DNA molecule was made
by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey
virus SV40with the lambda virus. As well as inserting genes, the
process can be used to remove, or "knock out", genes. The new DNA
can be inserted randomly, or targeted to a specific part of the genome.

An organism that is generated through genetic engineering is

considered to be genetically modified (GM) and the resulting entity is
a genetically modified organism (GMO). The first GMO was
a bacteria generated by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in
1973. Rudolf Jaenisch created the first GM animal when he inserted
foreign DNA into a mouse in 1974. Then first company focused on
genetic engineering, Genentech, was founded in1976 and started
producing human proteins. Genetically engineered human insulin was
produced in 1978 and insulin-producing bacteria were commercialised
in 1982. Genetically modified food has been sold since 1994, with the
release of the Flavr Savr tomato. The Flavr Savr was engineered to
have a longer shelf life, but most current GM crops are modified for

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increased resistance to insects and herbicides. GloFish, the first GMO
designed as a pet, was sold in the United States in December 2003.

Genetic engineering techniques have been applied in numerous

fields including research, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and
medicine. Enzymes used in laundry detergent and medicines such as
insulin and human growth hormone are now manufactured in GM
cells, experimental GM cell lines and GM animals such as mice
or zebrafish are being used for research purposes, and genetically
modified crops have been commercialized.

WorldWide, almost 90% of the human food supply is .

provided by only 15 crop species and 8 livestock species, small
numqers when compared with the .estirriated 10-30 million species
in.habiting our biosphere (Paoletti and Pimcrntel 1992). Introducing
genes from various organisms into crops and livestock has long been
regarded ·as a promising way to ensure the ~ontinued productivity of
agriculture and forestry (Beringer et al. 1992, Gasser and Fraley 1989,
HarJander 1989, Jensen 1988, Lehrman 1992). Then, too, the
substitution or addition of diverse genes into agricultural and forestry
species may, as Raven (1992) has suggested, be a ,wa y to use the
undiscovered resources of biodiversity in the service ~of social and
economic development. . Genetic engineering technology ~has
dramatically reduced the time required for the development of new
commercial varieties of crops. Some investigators have suggested that
the use of genetic markers could reduce the usual 1 0-15 -year
breeding cycles to only 2-3 years (Kidd 1994). Genetic engineering is
rapidly replacing traditional plant breeding programs and has become
the mainstay of agriculture.

Maurizio G. Paoletti is a professor in the Department of

Biology, Padova University, Via Treste 75, Padova, Italy. David

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Pimentel is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Section
of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. ©
1996 American Institute of Biological Sciences.

Genetic engineering is rapidly replacing traditional plant

breeding programs and has become the mainstay of agricultural crop
improvement agricultural crop improvement. Since 1986, 2053 field
trials have led to the release of transgenic plants into natural
ecosystem~ around the world (Krattiger and Rosemarin 1994). Recent
advances in the genetic engineering of plants, animals, and
microorganisms, including viruses, are encouraging and show promise
for further development (FessendenMcDonald 1992, Gasser and Fraley
1989, Mellon and Rissler 1995, Meeusen and Warren 1989, Moffat
1986). Meanwhile, research efforts are increasing at university,
industry, and government laboratories. In addition to the perceived
benefits of genetic engineering for the industrialized nations,
proponents advocate the use of genetic engineering to improve
agriculture in developing countries. This strategy might help these
countries bypass expensive, high-input crop production and move their
traditional agriculture toward low-input sustainable practices (Odum
1989).

Many scientists, however, have expressed concern regarding

the possible environmental risks of genetically engineered organisms
(Buttel 1995, Buttel et al. 1985, Colwell et al. 1985, Mellon 1988,
Pimentel et al. 1989, Simberloff 1986, Vitousek 1985, Wrubel et al.
1992). Many have asserted that the release of genetically engineered
organisms might adversely affect both tropical and temperate
biodiversity (Altieri and Merrick 1988, Cook et al. 1991, Hanson et al.
1991, Paoletti and Pimentel 1992, Pimentel et al. 1992, Wolf 1985). If,
as expected, the US government deregulates testing, leaving it entirely
to the discretion of those with economic interests in genetic

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 engineering, the release of genetically engineered organisms before
their safety has been ascertained will be a danger. Some proponents of
genetic engineering support deregulation of biotechnology. However,
will reducing regulations, as suggested by Miller (1994), reduce the
risks of genetic engineering? In this article we assess the current status
of the genetic engineering of plants, animals, and microorganisms used
in agriculture. We also analyze the benefits and risks this promising
technology might have for the future of sustainable agriculture and the
environment.

B. Benefit Of Genetic Engineering In Agriculture

The production of technologies based on genetic engineering is

often referred as modern biotechnology. With the improvement of
genetic engineering techniques, the time for generating and evaluating
new germplasm (a collection of genetic resources for an organism) can
be drastically reduced. Genetic engineering may ultimately have their
most significant effect on agriculture. Recent advances have raised
possibility of development of new plant germplasm through
introduction of any gene from any organism into plant.

With respect to agriculture, modern biotechnology has been

considered as the second phase of green revolution. Organisms whose
genes have been altered by manipulation are called genetically
modified organism (GMO). The working of GMO is due to nature of
transferred genes, nature of host organism and food web formed. Some
useful benefits of genetically modified plants in agricultural
biotechnology are:

1. Improved nutritional quality

2. Better Nitrogen Fixation
3. Disease resistant Plant

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 4. Enhanced efficiency of minerals used by plants to prevent early
exhaustion of fertility of soil.
5. Reduced post harvest losses
6. The first genetically modified food was Flavr Savr Tomato which
was resistant to rotting.

Pic Credit : Link

Another genetically modified food is golden rice (Pro Vitamin A

enriched). Several other genetically modified foods include, soybeans,
corn, cotton, seed oil etc have been formed. But many controversies are
associated with genetically modified food including environment and
human safety, ethics, food security, poverty reduction etc.

Some success has been achieved in developing varieties resistant to

herbicides, viral diseases and insect pest. Genetic engineering promises
rapid acceleration of plant breeding efforts for crop improvement. (Source
: http://www.chemistrylearning.com/benefits-of-genetic-engineering/)

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C. The Base Technique Of Agriculture Engineering

One of the best-known and controversial applications of genetic

engineering is the creation and use of genetically modified crops or
genetically modified livestock to produce genetically modified food.
Crops have been developed to increase production, increase tolerance
to abiotic stresses, alter the composition of the food, or to produce
novel products.

The first crops to be realised commercially on a large scale

provided protection from insect pests or tolerance to herbicides. Fungal
and virus resistant crops have also being developed or are in
development. This make the insect and weed management of crops
easier and can indirectly increase crop yield. GM crops that directly
improve yield by accelerating growth or making the plant more hardy
(by improving salt, cold or drought tolerance) are also under
development. In 2016 Salmon have been genetically modified with
growth hormones to reach normal adult size much faster.

GMOs have been developed that modify the quality of produce by

increasing the nutritional value or providing more industrially useful
qualities or quantities. The Amflora potato produces a more
industrially useful blend of starches. Soybeans and canola have been
genetically modified to produce more healthy oils. The first
commercialised GM food was a tomato that had delayed ripening,
increasing its shelf life.

Plants and animals have been engineered to produce materials

they do not normally make. Pharming uses crops and animals as
bioreactors to produce vaccines, drug intermediates, or the drugs
themselves; the useful product is purified from the harvest and then
used in the standard pharmaceutical production process. Cows and

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 goats have been engineered to express drugs and other proteins in their
milk, and in 2009 the FDA approved a drug produced in goat milk.
(source: http://theconversation.com/id/topics/genetically-modified-
organisms-962)

D. The Advantage And Disadvantages Of Agriculture Engineering

Genetically modified (GM) foods are organisms that have had new
genes added to themselves from other organisms. Being around since
1994, they are produced in a way that is very similar to genetic
engineering. The technique used in this type of crop management has
been introduced to ensure farmers and merchants are able to improve
crop or food quality in a more efficient way. Some people arrogate that
this technology will help those in the agricultural industry decrease the
amount of wasted crops and foods. But while there are many benefits
of genetically modified foods, there are also potential drawbacks that
are present. Here are their advantages and disadvantages:

1. List of Advantages of Genetically Modified Foods

a. Insect Resistance

Some GMO foods have been modified to make them more resistant to
insects and other pests. A report from the University of California in
San Diego states that toxic bacteria (yet safe for human use) can be
added to crops to make them repel insects. This means the amount of
pesticide chemicals used on the plants are reduced, so their exposure to
dangerous pesticides are also reduced.

b. Stronger Crops

Another benefit that GM technology is believed to bring about is that

crops can be engineered to withstand weather extremes and

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fluctuations, which means that there will be good quality and sufficient
yields even under a poor or severe weather condition. As populations
across the world grow and more lands are being utilized for housing
instead of food production, farmers are prompted to grow crops in
locations that are originally not suitable for plant cultivation, and
culturing plants that can withstand high salt content in soil and
groundwater, not to mention long periods of drought, will help them
grow healthy crops. Also, animals and plants that have been
genetically modified can become more resistant to unexpected disease
problems. We can just think of the technology as a vaccine for the
species, except that it is encoded into their genes, rather than being
shot into their immune system.

c. Larger Production
It has been easier to raise crops that are classified as genetically
modified because all of their examples have the stronger ability to
resist pests. This attribute helps farmers with producing greater
amounts of crops or foods.
d. Environmental Protection
According to an Oklahoma State University report, the increase of GM
animals and crops often requires less time, tools and chemicals, and
may help with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion and
environmental pollution. This means the general health and beauty of
the environment that surrounds farms will be improved, contributing to
the preservation of better water and air quality, which can also
indirectly benefit every person’s well-being.

e. Extensive Protection for Crops

GM foods were created with the use of genetic engineering—a
technology that was designed to make sure crops will never be
damaged in a fast rate. The method also allows farmers and merchants

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to preserve the good quality of foods more efficiently by using special
substances.

f. More Nutritious Foods

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United
Nations, some GM foods have been engineered to become more
nutritious in terms of vitamin or mineral content. This not only helps
people get the nutrients they need, but also plays a significant role in
fighting against malnutrition in third-world countries. In fact, the
United Nations recommends that rice that is enhanced with vitamin A
can help with reducing deficiencies of such nutrient around the world.
g. Decreased Use of Pesticides
It has been proven that genetically modified crops do not need
pesticides to become stronger against various types of insects or pests
that may destroy them.
h. More Income
With genetic engineering, farmers will have more income, which they
could spend on important things, such as the education of their
children for example.
i. Less Deforestation
To sufficiently feed the growing population of the world, deforestation
is needed. But with genetically modified animals and crops, the use of
this method will be minimized. This would decrease carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere, which would, in turn, slow global warming.
j. Decrease in Global Warming
As more plants and crops can be grown and at more areas, including
those that were previously unsuitable for farming, oxygen in the
environment is increased, decreasing the proportion of carbon dioxide
and, in turn, reducing global warming. In fact, British economists
noted in a study that genetically modified crops have made significant
contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 10 million

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 tons, which is equivalent to removing 5 million cars from the road
each year. This means that people would not have to give up their
vehicles.

k. Decrease in Food Prices

Due to higher yield and lower costs, food prices would go down. As
people in poorer countries spend over half of their income on food
alone, this means automatic reduction of poverty.

l. New Products
New kinds of crops are being developed to be grown at extreme
climates, such as those present in dry or freezing environments. As an
example, scientists have developed a new type of tomato that grows in
salty soil. Another good discovery in genetic engineering of plants is
the exclusion of the gene responsible for caffeine in coffee beans,
creating decaffeinated coffee beans, which can then be grown
naturally.

2. List of Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Foods

a. Allergic Reactions
According to research by the Brown University, resent genetically
modified foods can pose significant allergy risks to people. It states
that genetic modification often adds or mixes proteins that were not
indigenous to the original animal or plant, which might cause new
allergic reactions in our body. In some cases, proteins from organisms
that you are allergic to might be added to organisms that you were not
originally allergic to. This means your range of food choices will be
lessened.

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b. Not 100% Environmentally Friendly

Though it is claimed by many experts that genetically modified foods

are safe for the environment, they actually still contain several kinds of
substances that are not yet proven to be such. And what’s worse?
These substances are remained hidden to the public.

c. Lower Level of Biodiversity

One big potential drawback of this technology is that some organisms

in the ecosystem could be harmed, which in turn could lead to a lower
level of biodiversity. When we remove a certain pest that is harmful to
crops, we could also be removing a food source for a certain species.
In addition, genetically modified crops could prove toxic to some
organisms, which can lead to their reduced numbers or even extinction.

d. Decreased Antibiotic Efficacy

According to the Iowa State University, some genetically modified

foods have antibiotic features that are built into them, making them
resistant or immune to viruses or diseases or viruses. And when we eat
them, these antibiotic markers will persist in our body and will render
actual antibiotic medications less effective. The university also warns
that ingestion of these foods and regular exposure to antibiotics may
contribute to the reduced effectiveness of antibiotic drugs, as noticed in
hospitals across the planet.

e. Unusual Taste

Genetically modified foods are observed to have unnatural tastes

compared with the ordinary foods that are sold on the market. This
could be the result of the substances that were added to their
composition.

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f. Not Totally Safe to Eat

It is proven by scientific studies that GMO foods contain substances

that may cause diseases and even death to several kinds of species in
this world, including us humans. For instance, mice and butterflies
cannot survive with these foods.

g. Cross-Pollination

Cross-pollination can cover quite large distances, where new genes can
be included in the offspring of organic, traditional plants or crops that
are miles away. This can result in difficulty in distinguishing which
crop fields are organic and which are not, posing a problem to the task
of properly labeling non-GMO food products.

h. Gene Spilling

It is unclear what effects, if there are any, the genetic pollution

resulting from inadequate sequestering of genetically modified crop
populations would have on the wild varieties surrounding them.
However, it is stressed that releasing pollen from genetically altered
plants into the wild through the insects and the wind could have
dramatic effects on the ecosystem, though there is yet long-term
research to be done to gauge such impact.

i. Gene Transfer

Relevant to the previous disadvantage, a constant risk of genetically

modified foods is that an organism’s modified genes may escape into
the wild. Experts warn that genes from commercial crops that are
resistant to herbicides may cross into the wild weed population, thus
creating super-weeds that have become impossible to kill. For

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genetically enhanced vegetation and animals, they may become super-
organisms that can out-compete natural plants and animals, driving
them into extinction.

j. Conflicts

GMO foods can cause a lot of issues in the merchants’ daily life. How?
These products might encourage authorities to implement higher tariffs
to merchants, who would be selling them.

k. Exploitations

Some countries may use genetic engineering of foods as a very

powerful weapon against their enemies. It is important to note that
some scientists have discovered that these products can kill a lot of
individuals in the world by using harmful diseases.

l. Widening Gap of Corporate Sizes

This disadvantage can possibly happen between food-producing giants

and their smaller counterparts, causing a consolidation in the market.
There would be fewer competitors, which could increase the risk of
oligopolies and food price increases. Moreover, larger companies
might have more political power and might be able to influence safety
and health standards.

m. New Diseases

As previously mentioned, genetically modified foods can create new

diseases. Considering that they are modified using viruses and
bacteria, there is a fear that this will certainly happen. This threat to

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human health is a worrisome aspect that has received a great deal of
debate.

One way fight against possible patent infringement is introducing a

“suicide gene” into GM animals and plants, which would be viable for
only a single growing season and would produce sterile seeds that do
not germinate, prompting farmers to buy a fresh supply of seeds every
year. However, this would be financially disastrous for them,
especially those in developing countries, who cannot afford to do this
and traditionally set aside a portion of their harvest to plant in the next
growing season.(source: https://connectusfund.org/27-big-
advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetically-modified-foods)

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 CHAPTER III

SUMMARY

A. Conclusion
In conclusion, Genetic engineering entails manipulating an organism’s
gene indirectly using techniques such as molecular cloning to alter the nature
and structure of genes. It can change an organism’s characteristics through
DNA manipulation. Human beings ought to consider the pros and cons of
genetic engineering before using it. Genetic modification can be utilized to
produce entirely new foods. In foods, genetic engineering is able to produce
completely new substance like proteins and other nutrients. Modification of
gene in foods can increase their medicinal value. Thus makes home-produced
edible vaccines.

B. Suggestion
Genetic engineering has its positives and flaws, but if one thinks, is it
really worth the consequences and effects to have genetic engineering done?
Yes it has benefitted us immensely food and health wise, but shouldn't the
line be drawn there? Personally I go against genetic engineering when it
comes to altering your baby and animals. I believe that God should be and is
the only that can create organisms in the image he wants rather the image we
seek and approve of. I believe the only time it should be used is when curing
or helping stabilize genetic diseases and serious illnesses.

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 SOURCE

Dekkers JC, Hospital F. 2002. The use of molecular genetics in the

improvement of agricultural populations. Nat Rev Genet 3:22–32.

Georges M. 2001. Recent progress in livestock genomics and potential

impact on breeding programs. Theriogenology 55:15–21.

Gupta PK, Tsuchiya T. 1991. Chromosome Engineering in Plants:

Genetics, Breeding Evolution. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Larkin P, Scowcroft W. 1981. Somaclonal variation: A novel source of

variability from cell culture for plant improvement. Theor Appl Genet 60:197–
204.

McHughen A. 2000. Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards

of Genetically Modified Foods . New York: Oxford University Press.

https://connectusfund.org/27-big-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetically-
modified-foods

https://www.ukessays.com/essays/philosophy/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-
engineering-philosophy-essay.php

http://www.chemistrylearning.com/benefits-of-genetic-engineering/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering

http://www.bio.unipd.it/agroecology/download/pdf/papers/1996/Gen%20Eng%20
BIOSCIENCE.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215771/

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