Genetics Engineering

Contents: Preface. 1. Genetic engineering. 2. Gene, genealogy and ancient DNA. 3. Engineering microbes. 4. DNA, disease and dilemmas. 5. Redemption and technology. 6. Participating in the creation. 7. Genetic tinkering with humans. 8. DNA databases in genetic engineering. 9. Crisis of molecular biology. 10. Gene therapy. 11. Field of genes. 12. Genetic diversity in agriculture: its rise, fall and significance. 13. Genetic uniformity. 14. Getting creative with crops. 15. Growing complexity of regulation. Bibliography. Index.

"Genetic Engineering is the deliberate, controlled manipulation of the genes in an organism with the intent of making that organism better in some way. This is usually done independently of the natural reproductive process. The result is a so-called Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). To date, most of the effort in genetics engineering has been focused on agriculture.

Proponents of genetics engineering claim that it has numerous benefits, including the production of food-bearing plants that are resistant to extreme weather and adverse climates, insect infestations, disease, molds, and fungi. In addition, it may be possible to reduce the amount of plowing necessary in the farming process, thereby saving energy and minimizing soil erosion. A major motivation is the hope of producing abundant food at low cost to reduce world hunger, both directly and indirectly.

Genetics engineering carries potential dangers, such as the creation of new allergens and toxins, the evolution of new weeds and other noxious vegetation, harm to wildlife, and the creation of environments favorable to the proliferation of molds and fungi (ironically, in light of the purported advantage in that respect). Some scientists have expressed concern that new disease organisms and increased antibiotic resistance could result from the use of GMOs in the food chain." (jacket)