The uses of recombinant DNA can only benefit humans
Over the past years technology has rapidly advanced from the computers up to medicine, technology has played a huge part in the progress of the human life cycle. One of the most popular, useful, and highly controversial technology is the recombinant DNA. (2002) discussed that recombinant DNA (rDNA) has different definitions, from simple meanings up to complicated ones, and these are:
· rDNA is a DNA molecule that contains DNA from two or more sources.
· Recombinant DNA is formed from two or more sources that are integrated to create a single recombinant molecule.
· Recombinant DNAs are molecules developed outside the cells of the living thing wherein a natural or synthetic DNA portions are joined to DNA molecules in order to replicate in the living cell.
Recombinant DNA has been useful to humans ever since its discovery in the
1970s. The benefits and advantages that could be gained from recombinant DNA technology are engineering organisms that have potential use and gene therapy. Vento and Gillum discussed that it is a technique wherein it involves the creation and purification of desired genes.
The following benefits that could be obtained using recombinant DNA are discussed by (2007), and these are:
Stronger Plants- recombinant DNAs make plants stronger therefore farmers and the environmentalists benefit more because recombinant DNA biotechnology is one of the latest technology utilised by plant breeders to improve and enhance the survival, growth and availability of plants that later on will benefit more people.
Improved Nutrition- there are particular foods that could be developed to aid in decreasing the rate and correcting malnutrition problems wherein plants could be modified to give stable quantities of important vitamins and amino acids. One example is the genetically modified “golden rice” wherein the rDNA technology was utilised to increase the beta-carotene content of the rice which can aid in overcoming deficiency in Vitamin A.
Higher Crop Yields- humans especially plant breeders and farmers could benefit in recombinant DNA technology through higher yields in crop because through rDNA plants cane be altered in order to grow in areas that have low probability of production and growth.
Reduced Allergenecity- rDNA technology could also decrease or even remove the allergic properties of foods. An example is the decrease of allergens in rice through utilisation of recombinant DNA technology.
Medical Benefits- recombinant DNA could also help in creating new medicines and vaccines that could help cure and prevent diseases that could be fatal to humans.
Healthier Farm Animals- recombinant DNA makes it possible to develop means in enhancing the nutritional content of animal feeds through directing plants to produce more nutritious output. This in turn will benefit humans that consume the farm animals because they are assured that the food they are taking is nutritious.
Environmental Benefits- the humans particularly the farmers and plant breeders will directly benefit from the recombinant DNA technology through the increased resistance from insects. An example is the corn and cotton wherein rDNA of Bacillus thuringiensis genes is utilised to protect from the insects, resist herbicides and viruses that could damage the crops and eventually lose great amount of money.
New Ingredients- the recombinant DNA could aid in enhancing the micro organisms that help convert food such as milk vegetables, cereals, and fermented products. This could be an advantage to humans because the technology could lead to the improvements of the products and nutrients such as vitamins and enzymes.
Food Safety Improvements- a number of studies have shown that recombinant DNA technology have benefits in terms of food safety. According to the US Department of Agricultural Research Service have shown that Bt corn had low levels of cancer-0causing agents called the fumonisin.
Economic Benefits- recombinant DNA also benefits not just the plant breeders and the farmers but the whole economy of a nation as well. An example is in the United States wherein a study from the USDA have shown that through rDNA technology the yield of soybeans have increased fro 13 percent to 18 percent.
If the recombinant DNA has a number of advantages and benefits to human beings it also received numerous criticisms from various sectors of the society.
The cloning of animals has caused issues worldwide, this technological innovation has a huge probability in letting humans understand genetics and reproduction and improve the breeding process of animals, however this abnormal process of reproduction have caused moral, ethical and spiritual questions (1997).
In addition, according to (1981) there are a number of individuals that criticise and express concerns regarding RDNA and these are:
Fundamental Hazards associated with work- the commercialisation and application of products that utilises RDNA poses more complicated problems such as development of new biological pollution. An example is the GE’s Pseudomonas, once it has been utilised it will become a biological pollutant that may have a more negative impact on humans and living things.
Potential dehumanisation of man from specific application of techniques- as new research in RDNA emerges the possibility of reducing or even eliminating human genetic deficiencies and even modification of man in terms of strength and intelligence are most likely to happen and a number of individuals has expressed concern because it crosses the boundaries of spiritual and moral ethics.
Related economic factors- the major economic issue in RDNA technology is in the patent case wherein a number of concerned individuals think that only few and huge companies will dominate the genetic business through the capability of these firms to finance research programs and buy patents from researchers that do not have the capacity to develop their work commercially.
Recombinant DNA technology clearly has a number of benefits to the human beings, from the food and animals that humans breed and eat up to medicines that would help cure and prevent illnesses. However, there are still a number of concerns expressed by different sectors of the society such as in ethics, morals and economics. The government and the genetic industry must first resolve these issues and develop research guidelines that would help the researchers and the public, as well.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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