Manipulate The Dna Of Bacteria Essay

“Should we manipulate the DNA of bacteria?” This is a question that has no definite answer, but a limitless amount of controversy. Since DNA is the code within each and every cell that instructs them on how to function and bacteria are rapidly reproducing microbes, genetic engineering is something to be considered. In fact, Bacteria were the first organisms to be genetically engineered. Modifying or manipulating the DNA of microbes and bacteria should continue to be allowed because it can be used for human benefit in regards to pharmaceuticals and as a fuel supply.
Bacteria can be manipulated to create pharmaceuticals that humans can use. For Example, genetically modified Insulin is a synthetic insulin made of manipulated bacteria instead of the original cow or pig pancreas. To create this insulin, the human gene for insulin production must be attached to E.coli bacteria, the microbe that is responsible for most cases of food poisoning. This is beneficial because bacteria have the capability to reproduce faster with fewer resources than mammals so that means it is much more affordable to use
them for insulin production. This also negates the wait for animal maturation, especially their pancreases. Scientists consider the supply of insulin created from bacteria to be unlimited. It is also considered to be identical to the insulin that human pancreases produce naturally which makes it more suitable to use.
The manipulation of bacteria can also result in fuel supply for human uses. E.coli, once again, can be modified for another human benefit. Due to its high tolerance for genetic changes, E.coli can be modified to consume vegetation so that it can produce diesel or other hydrocarbons. Scientists have yet to perfect this modification but claim that it has great promise. If it were to work, this bacteria would be able to supply humans with a constant and seemingly unlimited fuel supply.
Some might say that modifying bacteria is not safe.
In regards to engineering the bacteria for pharmaceuticals, a patient can express severe side effects. Although this is true, most treatments for illnesses can result in side effects either way. For example, radiation therapy for cancer patients does not involve modified microbes, yet can result in side effects such as dry skin, blistering, nausea, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Side effects come along with treatments and in some cases, do not even appear. Another argument against manipulating the DNA of bacteria would be that some believe that modifying creations of God is challenging His authority. However, Genesis 1:26 implies that humans are a part of nature because they are “creatures within creation (Heaf)” so their discoveries can simply be viewed as results from the powers that were given to them by God
himself.
Ethical issues in regards to the impact that genetically modified microbes have include the concern about the extreme adaptability that microbes have. Microorganisms are able to adapt rather easily which means that new genes can be acquired rapidly. This is true, but when it comes to genetic engineering, this could be a good thing. Manipulating the microbe allows the scientists to have control over it which means it will not be able to get out of hand. It is also beneficial that microbes have rapid adaptability because that means they are more tolerant of change which will make manipulating them much easier.
In conclusion, we should be able to manipulate bacteria for our use because the benefits outweigh the costs. Bacteria are tolerant of changes and can be manipulated in such a way that humans can keep control over them. With the help of manipulated bacteria, we are able to treat illnesses like diabetes and we might even be able to create a constant fuel supply. Bacteria can be dangerous, but manipulated bacteria can be advantageous for us and for these reasons, we should continue to be allowed to manipulate bacteria.