Positives of Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism
• It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases
• Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly
• Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering
• It may become possible to change human’s genetic characteristics
• Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure
• Inherited illnesses would no longer exist
• Genes could be changed before a baby is born
• It could also be possible to clone human organs
• We could all have replacement body part
• Humans could live longer, healthier lives

Negatives of Genetic Engineering

• There are ethical concerns about human genetic engineering
• Parents might want to choose their children’s characteristics
• This would be unnatural
• It would be unacceptable in most religions
• Soldiers could be cloned from the genes of the strongest people
• Clones might be used like robots to do certain jobs
• Clones might even be developed just for organ replacements
• Society and human evolution would change completely
• Currently, human genetic engineering is prohibited

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Advantages

• Farmers can produce crops that grow bigger and faster
• Some GM crops are more resistant to disease or insects
• This could be important for food production in developing countries
• Faster growing cereals, fruit and vegetables will mean more profit
• GM foods can be modified to look perfect
• They may be more attractive to customers

Genetically-Modified (GM) Foods: Disadvantages

• There may be risks involved in the genetic engineering of
• GM crops might change whole ecosystems
• Food chains could be broken if crops are resistant to predators
• Organic foods are produced without chemicals or genetic modification
• Organic farming may be slower and more expensive
• However, the environment is not damaged by fertilizers or