Current uses of genetic engineering

• Current uses of genetic engineering:
• Genes can be inserted into a genome through genetic engineering
• Diabetes:

  • A serious disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar
  • Blood glucose levels remain too low or too high
  • Can be treated by injecting insulin, a hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood and can be produced by genetically modified bacteria
• Genetically modified crops:

  • Current genetically modified crops include those resistant to insect attack or herbicide resistant, resulting in increased yields
  • Herbicide resistant crops allow them to tolerate the herbicide, killing weeds without needing as much herbicide
• Golden rice:

  • Scientists have added a gene to wild rice that makes it produce beta carotene, important for maintaining health
  • Beta carotene is needed by humans to make vitamin A, essential for good vision
  • Golden rice can help prevent blindness in areas where vitamin A deficiency is common
  • Not grown commercially in many countries due to fears associated with genetically modified crops
• Ethical issues involved in genetic modification:

  • Concerns about possible health risks of genetically modified food, such as allergic reactions or higher levels of toxins
  • Some believe it is ethically wrong to create new life forms or move genes between different species
• Future uses of genetic engineering:

  • Researchers hope to use genetic engineering to overcome inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease