Ethical Implications of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Ethical Implications of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering together fall in the category of using existing technologies to modify the genetic sequence of organisms. The most common form of this is GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) plants, which would be used to produce more crop yield and fend off certain types of plant diseases. Although there are health concerns about consuming GMO plants, many eat them on a daily basis, and is essential to keep people fed due to their ability to produce high yields. The more controversial topic of genetic Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering is modifying human genetic sequence. Although the technology to do so has proven useful in the medical field to cure illness, the ability to modify the human genome is still frightening. Technologies could be used for harm to others and lead to dangerous ideas, such as eugenics. Biotechnology and genetic engineering are powerful tools and remaining ethical to use these powerful tools is the real concern.

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