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“Genetic Engineering is a double-edged sword”. Critically examine the above statement

Introduction:

Genetic Engineering is also called as genetic modification in scientific terms. It is a technique where the genetic sequence of cells are changed desirably. It is a major branch of biotechnology. Paul Berg is the first person to use this technology in the form of recombination of DNA.

Body:

Genetic engineering has been majorly used in the fields such as:

Advantages:

• Improved crops have given economic advantage for farmers.
• Gene therapy is a sub branch of genetic engineering through which genetic diseases can be cured.
• Foods have longer shelf life which are genetic modified and have been used in many situations like wars where soldiers cant come out of their hiding
• Biological organs are obtained using cloning for transplantation.
• Production of vaccines also include some amount of genetic engineering

Disadvantages:

• Some of the changes that have been made are found to be irreversible. Such changes are undesirable.
• Laws and course of nature are also in question whenever genetic engineering is in forefront.
• Unethical usage will cause unforeseen disasters
• Without proper knowledge and know-how’s genetic engineering can cause imbalances in future
• There are concerns about usage of genetically modified crops

Conclusion:

Any technology in wrong hands are always a curse to the world. Genetic Engineering is also part of this. So, informed choices have to be made along with unbiased research work. Judicious and cautious measures have to be taken in this field, otherwise there are chances that life itself may be at threat.