What Are The Benefits Of Genetically Modified Animals
Genetically Altered Animals
In 1980, after years of extensive research, Rudolf Jaenisch created the first genetically modified animal using a mouse. Today, the number of genetically modified animals has increased dramatically, especially in agriculture. Currently, farm animals such as sheep, cattle, chickens, and pigs have been genetically modified. More and more animals are being experimented on everyday so that humans can benefit from the advanced products they produce such as better food and medicine. Genetically modified animals could eventually benefit humankind, but as of now, the risks of genetic modification are far too great to allow this kind of procedure to continue. The benefits could potentially outweigh the risks, but genetic modification should not be allowed if even one animal …show more content…
Glow fish are actually just zebra fish that have been genetically modified to reflect fluorescent proteins. When taking genes from jellyfish and sea anemone, scientists incorporated them into the original genes of the zebra fish creating an entirely new species of fish. As of today, scientists have successfully modified over thirty-five different species of fish.
After looking at what scientists have been able to accomplish over the years many people support the progression of genetic modification, especially on farm animals. When asked if the benefits of genetically modified farm animals outweigh the risks, people came up with some pretty good arguments. Some people have said that continuing this research will help improve our knowledge in areas such as industry, food and medicine. In truth, researchers have already found ways to do this. Cows have been engineered to produce as much milk as an entire herd alone. Sheep and goats have also been genetically altered to produce milk with vital medicinal qualities. This procedure has no damaging effects on the animal but it does help treat diseases in
In 1980, after years of extensive research, Rudolf Jaenisch created the first genetically modified animal using a mouse. Today, the number of genetically modified animals has increased dramatically, especially in agriculture. Currently, farm animals such as sheep, cattle, chickens, and pigs have been genetically modified. More and more animals are being experimented on everyday so that humans can benefit from the advanced products they produce such as better food and medicine. Genetically modified animals could eventually benefit humankind, but as of now, the risks of genetic modification are far too great to allow this kind of procedure to continue. The benefits could potentially outweigh the risks, but genetic modification should not be allowed if even one animal …show more content…
Glow fish are actually just zebra fish that have been genetically modified to reflect fluorescent proteins. When taking genes from jellyfish and sea anemone, scientists incorporated them into the original genes of the zebra fish creating an entirely new species of fish. As of today, scientists have successfully modified over thirty-five different species of fish.
After looking at what scientists have been able to accomplish over the years many people support the progression of genetic modification, especially on farm animals. When asked if the benefits of genetically modified farm animals outweigh the risks, people came up with some pretty good arguments. Some people have said that continuing this research will help improve our knowledge in areas such as industry, food and medicine. In truth, researchers have already found ways to do this. Cows have been engineered to produce as much milk as an entire herd alone. Sheep and goats have also been genetically altered to produce milk with vital medicinal qualities. This procedure has no damaging effects on the animal but it does help treat diseases in