Answer to Question #182578 in Genetics for Eleine

Question

Can the benefits of genetic modification outweigh its risks? Why or why not? Provide at least two justifications to support your answer. 

Answer 1

The benefits of genetic modification outweigh it's risks.Genetic modification has been used by scientists to modify specific genome of a plant with unusual precision. In this case, new plant varieties have been developed. Advances in genetic science brings in precision by zeroing in on a specific Gene. This is to mean some genes maybe inserted or other silenced therefore genetic modification allows the movement of genes between species for instance a gene can can be withdrawn from a fish and inserted into a plant. In the current crisis of global warming, genetic modification as proven to be substantial. Plants resistant to pests and harsh climatic changes have been developed. This has ensured adequate food production solving the problem of food security with increasing population.

On the other hand, genetic engineering techniques have ensured the accumulation of vast knowledge on cells and functioning of organisms. Thus a deeper understanding on the causes of human disease and the opportunities to cure them or improve human health. For example, mouse models of cancer have been developed to understand how tumors initiate and spread.