Week 8: The Gene Technology & Natural States of the Genes

Gene Technology
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Introduction
Genetic technology as a field is vast and largely unexplored, just like the deep seas. Much of it is usually speculated while the advancements made are just but a scratch on the surface. The reason for its mystery is that it is a new field currently being explored, and therefore, the full potential of its possibilities remains unclear. Therefore, its absolute risks and benefits exist. The field of medicine has quickly embraced gene technology in its pursuit of useful bacteria that can help in the development of the body. Considering that it is something to do with the alteration of the natural creation of organisms, gene technology also has some serious ethical and social implications. This applies primarily, while looking at it from a religious perspective.
Discussion
Genetic technology is the practical applications of knowledge in molecular biology and the latest trends in technology to modify the natural states of the genes by the addition of new traits into them. This process usually takes place in the laboratory. In this process, the genes of one plant or animal species are extracted and inserted or introduced into the genes of another animal or plant which is totally unrelated to the original one(Halford,2012). The process can also involve the deletion of some of the genetic information from a given gene. These can be for improvement or experimentation of given traits. Gene technology forms the basis of genetic engineering. Its primary aim is to incorporate a new set of characteristics or qualities which would have otherwise been impossible or impractical through natural processes. These organisms, be they plants or animals, that have had their genes undergo such form of engineering, are usually referred to as genetically modified organisms(Hokkanen & Lynch,2003).The alteration of the genetic information through adding, removal or combination of the genetic codes, usually results in the creation of an entirely new organism. The primary aim of gene technology through modification is to produce plants that are resistant to certain strains of diseases or weather. It is also aimed at creating organisms that have enhanced growth.
Genetic technology has its benefits. First, is the case of genetically modified plants. The drought resistant crops are usually made in such a way that a new genetic strain is introduced into the genetic structure of a plant that couldn't survive drought. This strain, therefore, makes it more resistant and hence can survive in these regions. This has ensured that there is increased food security, especially for regions that are affected by extreme desert conditions (Hokkanen & Lynch, 2003).
Secondly, genetic technology has tremendous benefits in the medical field. In the previous years, people suffering from diabetes had serious problems in getting insulin. The insulin that was present at the time was obtained from animals. Not only was such insulin expensive, but also had side effects. With the growth of genetic technology, however, there is a way in which bacteria is manipulated so as to manufacture insulin. This method is cheaper and also has no side effects at all. Thirdly, genetic technology has given h...