Genetic Engineering Transgenesis: Advantages , Assessment of Risks and Ethics

Abstract

Genetic Engineering is defined as modification of the cell genome and transgenesis is define as transfer or introduction of a gene or new DNA sequences into an organism by artificial means.  These technologies have important fundamental (e.g. for genetic and physiological analysis) and biotechnological applications (e.g. in breeding).

 Transgenesis mimics what is going on in nature and, therefore, is not harmful.  Transgenic risk therefore has to be assessed on a case by case basis, depending firstly on the nature of the genetic construct  introduced and secondly on the insertion’s  consequences (as it may inactivate a coding gene or activate another gene which may have dangerous effects).  Assessment unpredictable effects of  transgenesis of the equilibrium of species and the horizontal transfer of DNA to other species.  Some techniques that would make this possible, such as the principle of “substantial equivalence” and the  technique of the “metabolic foot – printing,” are discussed in this paper.

Transgenesis is an efficient technique, and thus its benefits should be obtained.  However , all the necessary precautionary measures should be taken.  This should  ensure safety not only for genetically modified organism but also for other species including the human being and consequently the environmental equilibrium.   Humans are responsible for the plant and are consider as its “trustees” .  At the same time since God authorized us to get benefit from the universe, we are  instructed to respect all the creatures as the are “nations like us”!