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Genetic engineering Involves changing the basic physical nature of an organism to Improve the end result. However, there are fears from the general community that scientists are over-stepping the fine line between what is natural and what are advances in science. Both scientists and the community do agree however, that society must be kept informed and given a chance to participate. Before discussing the benefits and problems, we had better determine what “Biotechnology” is.
The concept of “Biotechnology encompasses a wide range of reoccurred and techniques for modifying living organisms for human benefit, which can go back to the domestication of animals and cultivation of plants. Modern usage also includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies. The university of New South Wales defines biotechnology as “an applied science aimed at harnessing the natural biological capabilities of microbial plant and animal cells, for the benefit of people” (University of New South Wales). Simply put, Biotechnology Is technology based on biology.
Biotechnology Is used In a wide range of activities that re socially and economically Important. The first Is Agriculture where It Is used for plant breeding and to improve resistances and nutritional and processing characteristics. The cultivation of plants was perhaps the earliest biotechnological activity (Shrubs). Through this, farmers could select the most suitable and highest- yield crops to produce enough food. Farmers have unwittingly modified the genetics of their crops by introducing them to new environments and breeding them with other plants In a process of artificial selection and hyperinflation (Shrubs).
Farmers ACH year lose millions to crop damage from droughts, pest, and poor solo conditions. With modern technology and genetic engineering, farming is more efficient and profitable due to increased crop yield and resistances to disease and pests (“Biotechnology’). Biotechnology is also used in the medicinal industry for the production of vaccines and antibiotics. Advances in neuroscience also hold out the promise of powerful new understandings of mental processes and behavior, as well as remedies for mental Illnesses.
In myriad ways, the discoveries of biologists and the inventions of biotechnologist are steadily increasing our power ever more precisely to intervene into the workings of our bodies and minds and to alter them by rational design (The President’s Council on Bioethics). While its leading benefits and blessings are readily identified, the ethical and social concerns raised by biotechnology are not as easily articulated. The social Implications are concerned with food safety and undetected and unintentional side conspiracy theory where it is believed that the idea of Biotechnology on food is to control the world’s food supply (Shrubs).
However, the single biggest concern for most of society is the idea that scientists are ‘playing God’ or stepping over the fine line of what is natural and what is not which brings up a whole other moral issue (The President’s Council on Bioethics). The fear that our new knowledge and possibilities of Biotech impinging upon the human person, and in ways that may affect our very humanity raises concerns. All things considered, Biotechnology provides opportunities for medical advance; for clean, safe food; for new products, which are lower in chemical makeup; and for n environment that has less pressure.