The age of the new generation genetic engineering has come. Genetic engineering is envisioned by many people as a panacea, a cure-all formula for mankind's pains and sufferings. From antibiotics, new vaccines, pesticides-resistant plants to biochips, bioengineered weapons, diagnostic kits, pharmaceuticals and now, the mapping of human genome, genetic engineering provides an almost unlimited number of applications. It is not surprising, then, that over the past years since the first gene was cloned, industrialized countries has become so engrossed with experimental studies related to genetic engineering. In the United States alone, "the Office of Technology Assessment identified 403 companies engaged in research and development activities spending approximately $1.5 to $2 billion annually" (cited in Fox, 1992, p.13). Following the US in the race for technological edge are Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland and France (Fox, 1992). Amidst the excitement, however, numerou!

Objection on the basis of ethical and moral considerations is another likely implications of genetic engineering. Foremost concern involves the propensity of scientists to play God. Scientists maintained that genetic manipulation is a natural consequence of human evolution. Thus, by this kind of reasoning, the value of life is reduced to a chemical level available any time for manipulation (cited in Fox, 1992). Another ethical issue involves "the transfer of genes from animals whose flesh is prohibited to certain religious groups, to animals that are permitted to them as food" (Nottingham, 1998, p.97). Transfer of pig's genes to cows or chickens, for example, would be unacceptable to Muslim groups since they are forbidden to touch anything associated to pigs. Although scientists maintain that most of genes are just copies of the original DNA, people's belief should still be respected and considered.

Fincham, J.R.S. and J.R. Ravetz. (1990). Genetically Engineered Organisms: Benefits and Risks. Toronto and Buffalo, Canada: University of Toronto Press.

Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/develop/info.html

Genetic Engineering Techniques and their Limitations

s concerns are being raised by the other sectors of the society. Opposing camp argues that despite of the technology's remarkable potential people should not overlook possible risks. After all, past experiences should have already taught humanity important lessons. The discovery of substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, for instance, which had been widely utilized before in industrial processes, has now resulted to irreversible damage of the ozone layer. It may have been either difficult for those scientists during that time to foresee the adverse effect of their discovery or that the commercialization of the products were made in such haste that the technology's potential harm was ignored.

Applications and Implications of Genetic Engineering

British Medical Association. (1992). Our genetic Future: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Technology. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.

British Medical Association. (1992). Our genetic Future: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Technology. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.

To evaluate whether it is rational for countries to adapt genetic engineering technology at its present state, this position paper will examine the different techniques and controversial issues involved in genetic engineering. Due to constraints on time and space and considering the magnitude of this area, however, this paper will only discuss genetic engineering technology in the light of the genetic modification of animals.

Fox, Michael W. (1992). Superpigs and Wondercorn: The Brave New World of Biotechnology and Where it All May Lead. New York, USA: Lyons and Burford, Publishers.

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Approximate Word count = 2657
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