[GHS Biotechnology]

Ethics of Genetically Modified Organism Technology

 

We recently have seen a great deal of debate concerning the use of genetically modified plants and animals in agriculture around the world. There can be considerable benefits as well as considerable risks in the indiscriminate use of such organisms. The potential benefits of using GMOs creates enormous pressure to use GMO technology.

Potential Benefits for the World by using Genetically Modified Organisms

Potential Risks to the World by Using Genetically Modified Organisms
1. Improve health of human population by cheaply producing medicines (like insulin). 1. Recombinant DNA may be spread to other plant species (via pollen or cuttings) with unknown effects.
2. Decrease use of pesticides, herbicides, and use of animals in testing product safety, or use of some animal products. 2. May result in new transgenic products that may be harmful to humans or other species.
3. Increase food production. 3. May have less economic benefit than desired when compared against the expense, need for initial startup capital, & intercompany competition.
  4. Concerns that humans & animals will eat the transgenic DNA as part of their diet. Cooking degrades the DNA.
 

5. Concerns the release of GMOs to the environment may be irreversible.
  6. Concerns that release of GMOs to the environment may be an evolutionary/ ecological "timebomb".
  7. May make the transgenic animals unhealthy (animal welfare & ethical issues).
  8. May result in evolution of insects or bacteria resistant to current control methods.
  9. May creat a monopoly and dependence on the companies that create these transgenic species. Such technologies are protected by patents.

Other Important Facts About Genetically Modified Organisms

1. The recombinant DNA is found in all cells of the genetically modified organism.

2. Transcription occurs only in specific tissues within the GMO.

3. Although produced in certain tissues, the protein that results from the transgenic gene may circulate via sap, blood, or fluids through the body of the organism or may be secreted out of the body (as in milk).

4. In animals, the transgenic gene is only passed from parent to offspring (via chromosomes). Viruses could accidently transfer the recombinant DNA between individuals.

5. The introduced gene may be spread from GMO plants to non-GMO plants (including different species) via pollen and cuttings.

[Genetically Modified Organisms]

[Restriction Enzymes] [Gene Cloning]

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