Genetic Engineering

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Genetic Engineering and Its Implications on Food
What is genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering, in simple terms, is the direct, conscious human manipulation of an organism’s DNA with modern, evolved DNA technology. Genetic modification (as it is also known) often involves the introduction of foreign DNA derived from another species or organism into the host subject, that is, the subject which is being experimented upon. http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-16692030-digital-illustration-of-a-dna.php?st=2c2ad90
 
The scope of genetic engineering is vast, and this practice is now widely prevalent in the medical and pharmaceutical, industrial, biotechnology, research and development, and agricultural sectors. The field gained worldwide prominence in 1973, which was the year the first organisms- bacteria- were genetically modified. In the following year, mice were successfully genetically engineered.
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-15413262-genetically-modified-food.php?st=f2e19f4
Genetic engineering has received a lot of flak not just from conservationists, but also from a lot of naturalists and health experts who have deemed it detrimental to our health and overall well-being. Genetically modified food, which is also referred to as GM food or GMO food, is the term for produce that is the outcome of genetic engineering. GM foods have had their DNA modified or restructured by way of commonly used genetic engineering techniques such as selective plant breeding, mutation breeding or mutagenesis, and somaclonal variation.
GMO produce first surfaced in the market in the mid-90s, and the most commonly engineered foods today are cotton, cottonseed oil, corn, rice, soybean, and canola. Poultry animals have also been genetically modified for dietary purposes, though the debate over this matter still rages on to this day due to the controversial nature of GM meat. As a result, GM animal products are yet to become commonplace in the market.
 
How does genetic engineering work?
The three main branches of genetic modification are:

1. Applied genetic engineering (transgenesis, cloning)
2. Analytical genetic engineering (computer modeling)
3. Chemical genetic engineering (gene coding, gene mapping, gene interaction)

Transgenesis is the most widely used branch of genetic engineering today, particularly in the realm of agriculture. In this case, a laboratory modified gene or an exogene is introduced in the host so that the organism can either reveal or carry on the specific traits of the exogene to its offspring.
The process starts with the isolation and reproduction of the genetic material of the organism being experimented upon. This is done via molecular cloning, where the extracted DNA is made to create a predetermined sequence induced by specific laboratory methods. This recombinant or laboratory method induced DNA is then replicated within the host organism.
Though molecular cloning is one of the most popular genetic engineering techniques, other methods are also used, such as: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-12367319-genetically-modified-organisms.php?st=ff234a9
 

• Nuclease engineering: Where the chosen genes are either deleted or subject to nuclease modification
• Gene targeting: Where certain genes can be added, deleted, mutated, or had their exons removed. This process can render either temporary or permanent results.

Genetic modification has given rise to whole slew of species like knockout mice and oncomice, which are used particularly for research and experimentation purposes. Genetic engineering in agriculture, on the other hand, has birthed a range of herbicide tolerant, pest-free plants or produce.
Genetic engineering: Advocates vs. detractors
GM foods have come under a lot of fire even though a majority of such plants have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Genetic engineering advocates state that GMO crops are highly beneficial since they are:

• More resistant to pests
• More resistant to chemical herbicides and insecticides
• More hardy against droughts and erratic weather patterns
• More likely to have better nutritional content

Additionally, such produce can be made to consist of specific, preferred genetic traits. For example, genetic engineers can isolate the chromosomes that are more prone to droughts, pest infestations, and the like, and create foods that are likely to last longer, which can be significantly beneficial in times of food shortage.
Genes from non-plant species can also be transferred to crops such as cotton, in which case Bt cotton is becoming widely prevalent due to its resistance against pests. Genetic modifications are also commonplace in American corn, which is being restructured to produce its own pesticides against insect larvae that otherwise wreak havoc on output and yield.
However, detractors state that GM produce is more detrimental to our health and the global economy than widely believed. Genetic engineering and biotech companies like Aventis and Monsanto have been accused of patenting genetic blueprints for profits and monopolization, thereby endangering the well-being of farmers who follow the principles of sustainable and organic agriculture. Critics of GMO foods also insist that regulations pertaining to genetic engineering in agriculture are violated and poorly practiced, thus giving rise to ‘Frankenfoods’ or foods that include non-related genes of bacteria, viruses, yeast, and other organisms.
GE or genetically engineered food products are now under scrutiny for their potential to damage one’s health due to the presence of chemicals and toxins in such items. An infamous example of this is L-tryptophan, a genetically modified health supplement which was held responsible for claiming the lives of 37 Americans and endangering as many as 5000 people with a fatal blood disorder in 1989.
Another instance is that of GE dairy that involves the use of an artificial, chemical hormone injected into dairy cows to facilitate the production of more milk. This hormone, known as rBGH, is manufactured by Monsanto and has been linked to increasing instances of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
Apart from the above, various research studies conducted over the years have found that GE crops can lead to: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-16068398-veterinarian-is-injected-into-cows.php?st=478daaa
 

• Antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals that are fed such produce
• Increased likelihood of allergies
• Widespread death and/or destruction of beneficial organisms and fertile soil
• Environmental hazards in the form of genetic contamination and a direct threat to various food chains and life cycles
• The birth of previously non-existent pathogens, ‘superpests’, and viruses

Summary: The long term implications of genetically engineered foods
Though GMO crops have their share of benefits, their potential risks cannot be overlooked, especially when they are compared to ‘traditional’ produce that contains no modified genetic strains. This is more pronounced in developing nations that reel under the burden of food shortages, famines, and droughts, and where farmers cannot always afford to purchase the more expensive, hybrid variants of conventional crop seeds.
The need of the hour is thorough evaluation and assessment of GMO foods and livestock in comparison to their traditional counterparts. When it comes to environmental hazards posed by GM produce, it would be more pertinent to address the management concerns associated with certain biotechnology methods rather than doubt the technology itself. This also takes into account animal welfare, safety testing, and a comprehensive view of global economic implications.