Genetic Engineering the Process of Altering Genes, Term Paper

Genetic Engineering

The process of altering genes, or genetic engineering, has become a more heated subject as science and technology continue to evolve. In fact, with DNA technology, genetic modifications within plants and other organisms has become a major development, especially in the world of agriculture and medicine. However, there is still the possibility of the inability to contain the spreading and somewhat "tainting" of non-genetically modified organisms, which seem to be the major concerns of scientists, environmentalists, and organic farmers throughout the nation.

The four articles discuss the possible uses of altering an organism's genetic code in order to further production and efficiency. Three of the articles discuss the prospect of genetically altered genes, as well as the arguments for and against such approval of biotech creations. In February, the United States Department of Agriculture approved an otherwise disallowed manufacturing of genetically engineered sugar beets (Pollack, 2011). In the same month, the U.S.D.A. also approved the manufacturing of Enogen, a corn created solely for the industrial production of ethanol (Pollack, 2011).There are also genetically engineered organisms including alfalfa and fast-growing salmon, as well as other resources that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as well as the U.S.D.A (Bittman, 2011). Furthermore, in a study on mice, it has become possible to suppress or express certain genes in order to increase a certain positive trait quality (Bhanoo, 2011).

All four articles focus on the importance of genetic engineering as a major component of study. Using DNA technology to allow the production of positive traits within organisms can speed up production and essentially provide for additional resources. By turning a certain gene "on" in the mice, scientists are able to distinguish, discern, and isolate a trait in order to guarantee the passing on of the gene to the offspring. It is the same premise studied and practiced within the genetically modified plants. The genetically engineered alfalfa, salmon, and beets would….....