A gene technique known as genetic modification (GM)
Tampers with the genetic code of living things like plants, animals, and microorganisms. Recombinant DNA technology is used to combine different organism genes, and the resulting organism is referred to as genetically modified or engineered as a result (Buiatti, Christou, & Pastore, 2013).
Some GM foods have been demonstrated to be hazardous
Affecting a variety of organs and systems, including the hepatic, pancreatic, and even renal functions. Additionally, there are numerous negative repercussions of genetic engineering on living things and the environment (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). As such laws should be established to control genetic engineering hence reduce health risks, environmental challenges, and also enhance respect for human life.
Problem Statement
In the contemporary world, genetically engineered products are increasingly consumed. For instance, in developed countries such as the USA, the majority of products are genetically modified and are exported as others are imported. According to Norris (2015), the intrusion of genetically modified foods in the normal diet has raised significant concerns regarding their safety. The possible dangers therefore require prompt interventions to limit growing concerns.
Purpose
Identification of the negative impacts of uncontrolled genetic modification is the basis for development and implementation of laws that limit these harmful effects. The findings will also be used to develop specific policies that enhance safety.
Theoretical Framework
Health Risks
Dona & Arvanitoyannis (2009) mention that there have been a lot of health problems resulting from GM products. These issues are due genetic hazards, toxins, and allergens. In the hazardous food, expression of the gene and its products should be put into consideration. There are new proteins that are produced and which may have a risk in health. For example, the bean that was genetically modified to provide cysteine and methionine later was found that the grain had allergic effects and was also toxic for human consumption (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). As a result, the beans were discarded from being used. The presence of laws that require assessment of the effects of genetically modified foods before approval for public consumption will go a long way in reducing possible adverse health outcomes.
Resistant Pests and Weeds
Pests and weeds that resist chemical control methods are known as superbugs and super weeds respectively. Resistance tends to evolve whenever there is selective pressure on the habitat. This resistance is a form of uncontrolled genetic engineering process and the opposition might lead to the evolution of resistant pests some years later. Likewise, if the spray of the herbicide becomes more regular, the surrounding weeds will grow resistant to the it. The farmer will either increase the quantity or change the type of the herbicide. The continued use of pesticides and herbicides in farming directly translates to the consumption of contaminated products which are not only toxic but also capable of causing terminal diseases including cancer (Buiatti, Christou & Pastore, 2013). The organisms which live on the soil such as nematodes and bacterial are also affected since their habitats have been disturbed (Bawa & Anilakumar, 2012). Specific laws should be made to regulate the use of such chemicals that can modify the genetics of plants and pests making them difficult to eradicate.
Pleiotropic Effects
Transgenes encode enzymes that interfere with the enzymatic reactions. This change causes a rise or a fall in specific biochemical pathways. The emergence of new proteins creates a change in the enzymatic substrate. These metabolic changes lead to an increase in toxin concentration. In fact, research show that the rate of toxicity is increasing each day. According to Bawa & Anilakumar (2012), a 2009 report concerning gene encoding shows that four out of seven people experienced changes in metabolism due to genetically modified food consumption. This shift in metabolism shows that GM foods can have adverse influences on human bodies. Relevant laws should therefore be put in place to ensure that encoding of genes is well regulated and monitored.
Significance
The findings from this paper will be directed towards the formulation of specific rules and regulations targeting the control and management of genetic engineering for the safety of human life, animals, plants and the environment as a whole. Specific laws and regulations will also be developed based on the findings to ensure safety and controlled genetic engineering practices.
Methodology
Using existing resources, this dissertation will include in-depth literature review into the topic of genetic engineering to establish the specific areas that require control and regulation. The systematic review will utilize both qualitative and quantitative research studies and resources to provide an exhaustive summary of the genetic engineering challenge. Afterwards, statistical techniques like meta-analysis will be employed to combine results and thereafter provide findings and inferences based on the evidence.
Possible Research Outcomes
Potential findings lean towards support for the monitoring and regulating genetic engineering processes for safety reasons. Additionally, the outcomes will be targeted at the control of genetic engineering processes for the safety and benefits of man and the surrounding.
Open Questions
What is genetic engineering?
Does genetic engineering pose adverse outcomes if not regulated?
What specific issues arise due to genetic modification?
Conclusion
Genetic engineering has become a common technological practice today. However, it is evident that failure to regulate the process can lead to safety issues, adverse agricultural issues and most of all, a danger to humans, animals and the environment as a whole. Stringent genetic engineering is developed purposefully to prevent unethical practices, genetic engineering for selfish reasons and also limits practices that endanger the health of humans. Appropriate policies will ensure that all genetic modifications are necessary and beneficial, with minimal risk of causing harm.
References
Bawa, A., & Anilakumar, K. (2012). Genetically Modified foods, safety, risks, and public concerns. Journal of Food Science Technology.50(6), 1035–1046.
Buiatti, M., Christou, P., & Pastore, G. (2013). The application of GMOs in agriculture and in food production for a better nutrition: two different scientific points of view. Genes and Nutrition, 8(3), 255–270.
Catalano, M. (2012, October 28). The Prospect of Designer Babies: Is it Inevitable? Retrieved from Pitjournal: http://pitjournal.unc.edu/article/prospect-designer-babies-it-inevitable
Dona, A., & Arvanitoyannis, I. (2009). Health risks of genetically modified foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 49(2), 164-175.
Norris, M. L. (2015, August 10). Will GMOs Hurt My Body? The Public’s Concerns and How Scientists Have Addressed Them. Retrieved from Harvard University: http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/
