by George Efstathiou

Created on: December 16, 2006   Last Updated: November 27, 2007

Genetic modification is the use of molecular techniques to alter the genetic information of an organism (bacterium, plant or animal). The target is a particular gene. We either want to add a gene, replace it with a similar one, remove it entirely or even change the amount of protein that particular gene produces. Altering genes is a very promising field with a lot of applications.

Those applications include the production of genetically modified plants (GMPs) which have different properties than the natural ones (increased production, resistance to pests, resistance to cold). Thus, the amount and quality of the product is elevated, without the use of chemical means. Another use of genetic modification is the production of additive value substances which normally do not occur in the modified organism, or is produced in small amounts. Imagine a cow producing large amounts of insulin in milk.

This technique can also be used in humans. Gene therapy has already been applied in adults to replace a gene in order to cure a genetic disease. In the future, gene therapy will probably become an easy tool to cure diseases incurable by conservative medicine. Applications are unlimited. Genetic modification in embryos could be a way to choose the sex, eye color, hair color, height of our children. We might also be able to delete any possible diseases, or even choose aspects of our children's personality. Hopefully, common sense and bioethics will prevent societies from using this new power of science the wrong way.

Unfortunately, today, the techniques available do not guarantee the successful introduction or deletion of a gene or the exact position of introduction. It is true, that the insert might affect the production of other proteins, toxins and metabolites. Gene therapy also involves the use of a deactivated virus. There are fears that the virus might become active and kill the organism instead of healing it. Playing with nature is not always safe. It will need some time before molecular biology advances to that point where genetic modification will be safe. Until then we shall not reject it but try to be informed as it is a lot promising technique. Remember, the use of atomic bomb is destructive proper use of atomic energy will make our lives better.

Learn more about this author, George Efstathiou.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.