Genetic modification
Genetic modification is also called genetic engineeringA process of changing the structure of a particular gene, usually to remove defects.. This process involves moving a gene or genes from one species to another. This is a complicated scientific process which can improve crops and even make bacteria to make medicines like insulin.
Current uses of genetic engineering
Human insulin in bacteria
diabetesA serious disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar. is a disorder in which the body's blood glucoseA simple sugar used by cells for respiration. levels remain too high because glucose is not effectively removed from the blood. It can be treated by injecting insulinA hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood and can be produced by genetically modified bacteria.. The injected insulin acts just as natural insulin and causes glucose to be taken up by the liver and other tissues, which results in cells receiving the glucose they need, and blood glucose levels stay normal.
Bacterial cells have been genetically modified to produce substances such as human insulin.
Genetically modified crops
Current genetically modified crops include those that are resistant to insect attack or are herbicide resistant, this produces increased yieldThe mass of a crop produced.. Herbicide resistant crops allow them to tolerate herbicide, but the weeds are killed by it, therefore less herbicide is needed.
Golden rice
Scientists have added a geneThe basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. to wild rice that makes it produce beta-caroteneA red-orange pigment important in the diet for maintaining health.. This changes the colour of the wild rice to a golden colour. Beta carotene is needed by humans in order to make vitamin A which is essential for good vision.
The advantage of golden rice is that it can be used in areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, so it can help prevent blindness. In many countries golden rice is not being grown commercially over fears associated with genetically modified crops.
Ethics
There are ethicalRelating to right and wrong, eg ethical companies are often ones that act in a responsible way. issues involved in genetic modification, as well as concerns about the possible health risks of genetically modified food. For example, a genetically modified food might contain a substance that causes an allergic reaction in some people, or higher levels of a toxinA type of natural poison produced by an organism, often as a form of protection. naturally found in the food. Others think it is ethically wrong to create new life forms, or to move genes between different species.
Future uses
In the future, researchers are hoping to use genetic engineering to be able to overcome some inherited disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease amongst others.