The issue of genetically modified organisms is drawing unprecedented media attention due to its potential of bringing about fundamental changes in the genetic make up of living beings. Following paragraphs throw some light on this controversial subject.
What are Genetically Modified Organisms?
The genetically modified organisms or GMOs are the animals and plants that are genetically modified in order to develop the useful or desired traits. The techniques used to carry out genetic modification are known as genetic engineering techniques. The recombinant DNA technology is used for creating a new set of genes by combining the DNA molecules from different sources. The DNA is transferred into the organism in question and it results into the formation of two different types of GMOs (transgenic and cisgenic) based on the origin of DNA being used. Transgenic organisms are formed by inducing exogenous genes called transgenes in an organism. In the process of cisgenesis or the creation of cisgenic organisms, the genes are transferred between organisms that are compatible in terms of breeding.
Pros and Cons of Genetically Modifying Organisms
The idea of modifying an organism genetically sounds exciting however, the genetically modified organisms pros and cons have not been studied on a long term till date. Let us understand the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms with the help of details presented below.
Pros of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering has many applications in different fields like medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, etc. Let us have a look at some of the important applications of this technology which carries out the manipulation of genes.
Production of Human Insulin: Patients suffering from diabetes are not capable of producing enough insulin. So, there arises a need for such people to obtain insulin from external sources. With the help of genetic engineering, human genes can be transferred into other mammals for the