Positives of genetic engineering

Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism

It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases

Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly

Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering

It may become possible to change human’s genetic characteristics.

Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure diseases.

Inherited illnesses would no longer exist

Genes could be changed before a baby is born

It could also be possible to clone human organs

We could all have replacement body part

Humans could live longer, healthier lives

Negatives of genetic engineering

There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering

Parents might want to choose their children’s characteristics

This would be unnatural

It would be unacceptable in most religions

Soldiers could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people

Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs

Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements

Society and human evolution would change completely

Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited

Genetically-Modified (GM) foods: Advantages

Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster

Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects

This could be important for food production in developing countries

Faster growing cereals, fruit and vegetables will mean more profit

GM foods can be modified to look perfect

They may be more attractive to customers

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Disadvantages

There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of foods.

GM crops might change whole ecosystems

Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators

Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification

Organic farming may be slower and more expensive

However, the environment is not damaged by fertilizers or pesticides.

Environment

Global warming

Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun

This causes global temperatures to rise

This process is known as the greenhouse effect

Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases

Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes

Many developing countries are becoming industrialized

The number of cars on our streets is growing

Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly