These early studies showed scientists that each organism has at least two sets of character determinants, or genes. For example, his/her parents determine a child's eye color. Genes are transmitted through chromosomes, which reside in the nucleus of every living organism cells. Each chromosome is made up of fine strands of deoxyribonucleic acids, or DNA. DNA determines the shape, form and function of the organism offspring. Three scientists, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and James Dewey Watson made the

Agriculture has benefited greatly from genetic engineering, cotton plants have been genetically engineered to resist insect pests, special genes have been engineered into tomato plants to produce tomatoes that have increased flavor, and last longer. (See AGST, 1998: 2) Once scientists have found answers to the moral and safety questions genetic engineering brings forth, then perhaps in the not so distant future, genetic engineering will become a main source in eliminating genetic, bacterial and viral diseases, along with controlling aging, and providing replacements for humans, such as arms, legs and organs. Throughout the centuries disease has plagued the world. Whether viral or bacterial, such diseases are treated with vaccines and antibiotics. These treatments, however, contain many unsolved problems. "The difficulty with applying antibiotics to destroy bacteria is that natural selection allows the mutation of bacteria cells, sometimes resulting in mutation bacterium which is resistant to a particular antibiotic. Genetic engineering is conquering this medical dilemma by utilizing diseases that target bacterial organisms." (Clements, 1996: 1) Current medical capabilities allow for the transplants of human organs, and even mechanical portions of some, such as the battery operated pacemaker. Current science can even re-apply fingers after they have been cut off in accidents, or attach synthetic arms and legs to allow patients to function normally. How much more convenient would it be if the human body could simply re-grow what it needed, such as a new kidney or an arm? Genetic engineering can make this a reality. "Currently in the world, a single plant cell can differentiate into all the components of an original, complex organism." (Wright 1996: 1) Lizards can sh

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1196
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)