Proponent
View of Genetic Engineering
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Every new idea is faced with both criticism and applause. Genetic Engineering proves no different, this revolutionary concept will alter every aspect of life as we seem to know it, and as in most cases the benefits are accompanied by predicaments. However, when weighed, the advantages seem too great to be ignored. Genetic Engineering can lead us into a new era of scientific history.
Today, even as some advanced countries are offered the luxury of expending time on scientific progressions, myriad third-world countries apply most of their resources on the mere survival of their population. Genetic Engineering can not only alter our surroundings but also enhance them. A genetically engineered tomato could supply large amounts of nutrients, or an orange could be your daily multi-vitamin. Genetic Engineering, however, doesn't provide only one route to one success; it's a plan that works for anybody and everybody at some point or another.
Insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers often taint the crops that grow in the fields of our world. Do we want to eat food often affected by toxic chemicals? Genetic Engineering provides a solution again. Crops like cotton, corn, tomatoes, and rapeseed have been genetically engineered, ergo displaying resistance to commonly used herbicides and pesticides. "Biotechnology has already led to an 80% reduction in insecticide use in U.S. cotton crops," says Amy Ridenour, Director of the National Center for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C.
Many diabetic patients suffer due to the expensive, consist treatment. Others bear the side-effects that accompany this condition. Type 1 diabetes targets many younger people, who often endure endless side effects that accompany this disease. However, a cure could be on the way due to stem-cell research, due to genetic engineering.
Scientists have already cloned a sheep. It's barely a step away to clone cattle, poultry, and other meat produce. Critics however fear the overwhelming possibilities that could be accompanied by cloning, especially human cloning. However, human cloning could provide many optimistic results. For example, a woman could give birth to twins; eliminating the negativities of two pregnancies. Another beneficiary prospect accompanying human cloning would be the abilities and traits that a child could inherit from his/her parents.
Overwhelming amounts of various pollutions are leading to the deterioration of our surroundings. However, petroleum products and forms of garbage can be decomposed by genetically engineered bacteria.
Sources:
Badertscher, Eric. "The Problem of Cloning." Points of View: Cloning. 2004. 1. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. 13 July 2004. An excellent source for the opposing viewpoints on cloning, a major part of genetic engineering.
Faber, Fames. "Genetically Engineered Controversy." Conscious Choice (Sept. 1999). 20 July 2004 <http://www.consciouschoice.com/issues/cc1209/geneticcontroversy1209.html>. This source explained how genetic engineering could prove to be controversial.
Genetic Engineering. 6 Aug. 2004 <http://library.thinkquest.org/C005816F/>.This source provided different arguments and information relating to genetic engineering.
"Genetic Engineering." MSN Encarta . 5 July 2004 <http://encarta.msn.com/text_761557775__0/Genetic_Engineering.html>. An encyclopedia document, it provided an overall synopsis of genetic engineering and the many areas pertaining to it.
Gert, Bernard. "Genetic Engineering: Is It Morally Acceptable?" USA Today (Magazine) Jan. 1999. 16 July 2004 <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2644_127/ai_53630955/print>. This article further expanded our knowledge about the endless debate about genetic engineering.
Jaret, Peter. "Engineered For Controversy." WebMD Feature Archive . 16 July 2004 <http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/11/1571_50516.htm?printing=true>. This article enhanced the controversy that envelopes genetic engineering.
"The Good, the Bad and the Genetically Engineered." CNN 13 Jan. 2000. 26 July 2004 <http://www.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/diet.fitness/01/13/biotech.food.one.wmd/>. An excellent source for the different prospects on genetic engineering, this explained the controversy surrounding the subject.
Rich, Tamara. What is Genetic Engineering: Pros and Cons . 16 July 2004 <http://ri.essortment.com/whatisgenetic_rbeo.htm>. This source explained another way to look at the often debated issue of genetic engineering.
Wolfson, Adam. "Does Genetic Engineering Endanger Human Freedom?" American Enterprise Oct. 2001. 16 July 2004 <http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2185/is_7_12/ai_78791098/print>. This source provided one of many prospects when dealing with genetic engineering.