The halo that surrounded it is
slowly coming apart. Dubbed as the
final solution for all that ailed
humans, genetic engineering, or
the manipulation of genetic material so as to alter the genes and hence
the organism concerned, is today
the target of wide-ranging criticism. The recent revelation which
exposed genetic engineering's
fragility concerned the incorporation ofa DNA, which helped
in the making of a nutritiousprotein, from Brazilian nuts to soybeans. Methionine, the nutritious
protein was the only component
which the otherwise healthy
soybean lacked.
However, Brazilian nuts also
cause an allergic reaction in certain
people. And, the same allergen, in
the process of genetic engineering,
found its way into the soybeall.,
causing the same allergy. This has
given critics of genetic engineering
yet another stick to beat it with.
Said Rebecca J Goldburg, senior
scientist at the Environmental
Defense Fund, US, "Since genetic
engineers mix genes from a wide
array of species, other genetically
engineered foods may cause similar
health problems. People allergic to
one type of food may suddenly find
they are allergic to many more." In
some cases, such mix-ups can also
be fatal.
In the case of genetically engineered crops, they may have a high
yield and also greater resistance to
diseases. But the same qualities can
also be incorporated into less
favourable crops like weeds. An
experiment which involved the
insertion of a gene in oilseed rape
to give it more resistance to a
particular herbicide in Denmark,
misfired as the gene quickly spread
to a relative weed, Brassica
campestris.
The spotlight is now on tightening the controls for such engineered products so that they do not
end up causing genetic pollution.
These refined species can also have
the unsavoury result of displacing
native species.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.