preview

Genetically Modified Organisms ( Gmo )

Decent Essays

Natural species are the library from which genetic engineers can work. Genetic engineers don 't make new genes, they rearrange existing ones” says George Mason University Professor of Environmental Sciences,Dr.Thomas Lovejoy(TodayInSci, 2014).Genetic Modifications (GM) have been a topical interest among the field of biotechnology, in which modern techniques directly manipulate genomes allowingthe transfer of specific trait genes from one organism to be inserted into another organism changing its genes. In doing so, an organism with the transferred gene may express the traits that it would not have naturally. These Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) or Transgenic Organisms are typically created for the benefits of humansserving in medical use where genetically modified bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.Coli) can mass-producehuman insulin. According to Diabetes Australia,this is used for treatment in approximately 956,000 patients, or over 80% of affected diabetes patients in Australia alone(CSIRO, 2011). The topic has also sparked public concerns upon the matter, evokingethical considerations and public opinion on safety issues associated with it (Macer, 1994). This investigation aims to provide understanding towards the benefits and use of genetic modifications and its relation in medicine along with its controversial publicity in regards of ethics and safety surrounding it. The following investigation will address the curriculum statement M16. Biological Significance:

Get Access