Genetic Engineering

Her 2 Outline I. Introduction II. Body 1 A. Engineering B. DNA III. Body 2 A. Scientists opinion IV. Body 3

 Her 3 Table of Contents Genetic Engineering ..............................................................................................................4 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................6

 Her 4 Wonseuk Her Mr. Coyner English 8 4 June 2012 Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering is a modern miracle and a main breach in science community. People are now able to manipulate the DNA to make many adjustments in nature and living organisms. In this century, being the fastest, the smartest, the most efficient, and more have been the center of what is important. Now, people will be able to modify every organism including humans to achieve that goal, but will the repercussions be worth it? The idea of genetic engineering is astounding. Through genetic engineering, people are able to create a better organism or superior beings in nature. However, technology has been growing in at a drastic rate and knowledge on genetics has expanded. Now, people are able to manipulate DNA to create the perfect baby. In addition, scientists are able to cure diseases with genetic engineering, and they are also capable of changing the DNA of plants and animals to create them to withstand certain factors. Even though all these seem to be a good idea, scientists do not have the knowledge of what the effects could do in the long run. Genetic engineering has the potential of causing catastrophe in nature, and the effects of it may be irreversible. Scientists have confidence that if DNA is changed too often, then this can change the whole world and all the organisms in it. This change can be devastating because nature will no longer be what it should be. In addition, tweaking the organisms DNA can bring unwanted complications with nature (Franchino, Jen).

 Her 5 Supporters of Genetic engineering believe that it will bring up new crops that are resistant to pest, able to grow faster, ripen at the right times, etc. This is something that can benefit society. However, we must take account about what will happen in the long run. Scientists are worried that these modified plants can cause imbalances in the ecosystem. In addition, these modified plants create Bacillus Thringens (Bt) toxic genes. These genes are capable of destroying beneficial organisms that surround them. These plants can kill butterflies, ladybirds, bees, etc. However, after the plant withers and dies; its remains will decay into the soil, which is potential danger to all the organisms in the soil (Franchino, Jen). Agriculture plays a major role in society and economy. Agriculture contributes to society by feeding the people and not only that people make a profit out of farming. Genetically engineered plants may produce crops faster and more efficient, however there is a negative side to this. Modified plants will have the same DNA and structure. Therefore, if something was able to destroy these plants, then there will be a disaster. The constant use of genetic engineering will take out the biodiversity in plants therefore there will not be any plants to resist that. This will result in failures in all the crops, which can lead to more problems (U.S. Department of State). Genetic engineering in animals can save the lives of people by using their organs and placing them in humans, however there can be some side effects. The animal may carry a disease and when the organs from that animal are placed in a human it can infect the human as well. This may evolve into a bigger problem. The disease from the animal may contain a pathogen, which the doctors have no cure for, ergo a new pathogen has been introduced to society (Franchino, Jen). The attempts to save one man can cause havoc among society and it was all due to genetic engineering. Conclusion 5

 Her 6 Genetic engineering may provide plenty of chances to advance in science and modify life for something superior. Nevertheless, genetic engineering is not worth all the complications and issues. There will be complexity with the optimistic outcomes that genetic engineering can provide. It can alter the ecosystems, change DNA forever, have irreversible effects, and introduce new disease. So I ask you again. Is it really worth it?

 Her 7 References "Agriculture and the Economy." About.com Economics. U.S. Department of State. n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://economics.about.com/od/americanagriculture/a/agriculture.htm>. Franchino, Jen, Vinnie Verruto, Allison Zuckerbrow, and Jeff May. "The Cons of Genetic Engineering." Cotelligent Genetic Engineering Project. n.p. 2 May 2000. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.udel.edu/physics/scen103/CGZ/cons.html>. Franchino, Jen, Vinnie Verruto, Allison Zuckerbrow, and Jeff May. "The Cons of Genetic Engineering." Cotelligent Genetic Engineering Project. n.p. 8 May 2000. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.udel.edu/physics/scen103/CGZ/consofplants.html>. Franchino, Jen, Vinnie Verruto, Allison Zuckerbrow, and Jeff May. "The Cons of GE of Animals." Cotelligent Genetic Engineering Project. n.p. 8 May 2000. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.udel.edu/physics/scen103/CGZ/consofanimals.html>.