GENETICS - Assignment Example

Biotechnology Biotechnology is defined as an industrial study of science. It is one of the fields that integrate knowledge presented by different sciences to upgrade the lives of living things. Coulter, Meyers and Varacalli (2012, p.32) regard “Biotechnology as the application of the scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents to provide goods and materials.” From this assertion, one can deduce that the primary role of biotechnology is to upgrade the life and to increase productivity. Achievement of these roles, however, is enhanced by the change of the genetic codes of the DNA through the assistance of science. In connection with this, it is evident that biotechnology has led to the introduction of hybrids of plants and animals through cloning and gene therapy. It is also apparent that employment of biotechnology in the medical contexts has enhanced the production of effective medicine.
However, the ethical issues surrounding the application of biotechnology in real life situation are diverse and convincing. For instance, Coulter, Myers and Varacalli assert that the extensive use of biotechnology has led to human beings being used as the instruments of biotechnology. In connection with this, it is also evident that biotechnology has resulted in biological manipulations (Morris, 2006). It has distorted the profoundly human activities such as those associated with receiving and nurturing life. The production of genetically modified foods has also raised public concerns in many developed countries. Majority of the people believe that the food crops generated via biotechnology may result in fatal health complications (Morrey & Sherlock, 2002). Additionally, it is evident that the introduction of genetically modified organisms hampers with the marketing of organic products.
References
Coulter, M., Myers, R. & Varacalli, J. (2012). Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought, Social Science, and Social Policy: Supplement. New York: Scarecrow Press.
Morris, J. (2006). The Ethics of Biotechnology. New York: Infobase Publishing.
Morrey, J. & Sherlock, R. (2002). Ethical Issues in Biotechnology. New York: Rowman & Littlefield. Read More