genetic engineering

• genetic engineering: changing the genetic material of an organism

  ->a gene is taken from one organism and transferred into the genetic material of a different organism to obtain a desired characteristic

  • it's also called genetic modification
• uses:

  • genes from jellyfish have been used to produce crops that glow in the dark when lacking water so farmers know when to water them
  • scientists have added a gene to wild rice that makes it produce beta carotene. this changes the wild rice to a golden colour. Beta carotene is needed by humans in order to make vitamin a - which is essential for good vision
• advantages:

  • possible cures for genetic diseases
  • improve the growth rates of plants and animals
  • improve the food value of crops
  • bacteria can make human medicines and hormones
• disadvantages:

  • effect on human health of GM unknown
  • people may want to manipulate the genes of their own children
  • genes from GM might spread to wildlife/environment
  • GM crops are often infertile so farmers would have to buy new seeds each year