What is genetic engineering?
1 Answer
Genetic engineering is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells to produce improved or novel organisms.
Explanation:
Advantages
Genetic engineering has advantages such as being able to produce organisms with desired features quickly. This allows for -- faster growth rates
- extension of life span
- prevention of disease
- increased yields
Animals and plants can be tailor made to show desirable characteristics. It helps to increase genetic diversity and produce more variant alleles.
Disadvantages
The inserted gene may have unexpected harmful effects. Often harmful health risks may arise from genetically modified foods. The nutrient value of food may not be favourable. Pathogens also adapt to the new genetic profiles.
Ethical issues are also involved in genetic modification as some people think that it is wrong to create new forms of life or move genes between different species.
