Genetic Engineering : A boon or a bane

Genetic engineering is the fruitful outcome of the advancements in biotechnology. In

a simple and comprehensible way it can be generally termed as the process of generating
or effectively developing artificial functioning organisms by specific changes made in a
particular gene, known to man as gene mutation. The process causes a stable variation but
biologists have begun to question the consequences of genetic engineering in the wake of the
advancements made in medicine, diseases like Cancer, Organ transplantation, Plant breeding
and Plant cultivation.
Genetic engineering like Nuclear tech is on course to an enormous potential to both
good and bad. Initially it claims to single handily solve problems of hunger and poverty but on
the other hand tinkering with human genes could inevitably lead to the development of the
human clones and in turn raise questions about the sanctity of life and the moral right to shape
future humans.
Theoretically it is claimed that genetic engineering can lead to an immense gain in drug
production, medical therapies crop improvement etc and diverse research globally have also
opened new and better methods for producing drugs, therapies, test tubes, synthesis of genes
for insulin, antibiotics, hormones, anticancer agents, anti viral agents and improved vaccines for
tropical viral diseases.
Hypothetically speaking most of the potential benefits incorporated with genetic
engineering solely rest on the assumption that an abundance of drugs and sophisticated
diagnostic and therapeutic methods will cure more people more efficiently and that hunger and
poverty would be effectively wiped out with the introduction of the high yield variates of food
crops. This optimistic approach marks certain loop holes that shackle the very foundations of
genetic engineering research.
Firstly it is quite difficult for developing countries to induct and implement scientific
values within their routine life. While the recent economic tug of war would most probably
restrict them to commence any research due to the expensive nature of genetic engineering
development, consequently these nations would turn to the various multinational corporations
for assistance and the required financial aid. This forefront contribution by the multinational
corporations would surely initiate the much feared economic exploitation as the developing
nations would query these industries for the technical know how.
Burdening the environment with hazardous chemicals has also been on of the
drawbacks in recent times. Dioxin, one of the antidotes for chemical pesticides ultimately seeps
down into the soil to function as an effective anti pollutant but in the process it destroys the top
soil and in effect kills cultivations, plants and trees.
Furthermore genetic engineering stimulates various other fears of the development
of biological warfare or the incorporation of genetic disorders within research workers. Bio-
technology is thus not without it;s seamy side. The advantages are numerous but their
true value will depend upon how we adapt our social and economic institutions to ensure
that the gains go to the developing nations and not to the multinational corporations.