Risks of genetic engineering

In some circles the expression “human enhancement” is roughly synonymous with human genetic engineering, but most often it is referred to the general application of the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science (NBIC) to improve human performance.

Genetic engineering could also create unknown side effects or outcomes. Certain changes in a plant or animal could cause unpredicted allergic reactions in some people which, in its original form, did not occur. Other changes could result into the toxicity of an organism to humans or other organisms.

• Transfer of the selected gene into other species.
• Some people believe it is not ethical to interfere with nature in this way.
• GM crops could be harmful, for example toxins from the crops have been detected in some people’s blood.
• GM crops could cause allergic reactions in people.

In medicine, genetic engineering has been used to mass-produce insulin, human growth hormones, follistim (for treating infertility), human albumin, monoclonal antibodies, antihemophilic factors, vaccines, and many other drugs. In research, organisms are genetically engineered to discover the functions of certain genes.

10 successful examples of genetic modification

• Mouse-ear cress.
• Western corn rootworm, European corn borer.
• Bananas.
• Abiotic stress.
• Onions that do not make you cry.
• Golden rice.
• Purple tomatoes.
• Carrots that help prevent osteoporosis.

Gene banks are a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material. In an effort to conserve agricultural biodiversity, gene banks are used to store and conserve the plant genetic resources of major crop plants and their crop wild relatives.

DNA Banking allows you to store some of your genetic material in case genetic testing can be offered in the future. We take a small sample of your blood and send it to our Genetics Laboratory. They remove the DNA from your blood and keep it in safe storage.

Genetic banks serve a similar purpose for farmers and scientists who work to conserve rare plants and animals. Researchers or farmers can withdraw samples from these “gene” banks to help rebuild populations of rare plant varieties and animal breeds or to help increase genetic diversity within species.

Disadvantages

• Field gene banks can not cover the entire genetic diversity of a species.
• The germplasm in field gene banks is exposed to pathogens and insects and sometimes is damaged by natural disasters such as bushfires, cyclones, floods, etc.
• Maintenance of germplasm in the field gene banks is costly.

Why do we have seed banks? Globally, it’s estimated that 40% of plant species are vulnerable to extinction. A seed bank is a form of insurance, a way of maximising the number of plant species we can save from this fate. This is more essential now than ever before.

Seed banks provide conditions necessary for the longevity of seeds. Its easy for plants to be stored in their seed form since they are small and therefore they occupy minimum space. Some disadvantages include the limited amount of cannabis you can purchase and the places where you are allowed to smoke.

The basic procedure consists of conserving parts of plants in flasks or tubes in artificial media, under controlled environments, normally in sterile conditions.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Seed banks protect and save plant genetic diversity, which is important for a number of reasons. These saved and viable seeds contain a treasure trove of useful genes that breeders can use for developing improved varieties of our major food crops. Improve resistance to current and emerging plant diseases and insects.