Genetic Engineering

Since the 1970s, humans have directly altered the DNA of animals, plants, and bacteria to produce desired traits. Genetic engineering has been used by the medical industry to manufacture insulin for the treatment of diabetes. The agricultural industry has utilized genetic engineering to create pesticide-resistant crops, improve the health value of soybeans, and increase the size of cattle. If the scientific community generally sees genetic engineering as a massive step forward, why is there such widespread opposition to the practice? As the use of genetic engineering increases, it is important to examine the potential consequences of directly altering DNA.

Read and carefully consider these perspectives. Each suggests a particular way of thinking about genetic engineering.

Perspective One: Genetic engineering will have detrimental effects on the environment. Artificially strengthening particular organisms will upset the natural balance of ecosystems, with disastrous consequences.

Perspective Two: Genetically modified organisms are superior to non-modified organisms in pest resistance, hardiness, and yield. Further genetic engineering of crops and livestock will help solve global food shortages.

Perspective Three: Genetically modifying organisms is ultimately no different from the cross-breeding that farmers have been doing for thousands of years. While the technology has improved, it's still just combining favorable characteristics of organisms to produce a better plant.

Essay Task

Write a unified, coherent essay in which you evaluate multiple perspectives on the issues connected with genetic engineering. In your essay, be sure to:

analyze and evaluate the perspectives given

state and develop your own perspective on the issue

explain the relationship between your perspective and those given

organize your ideas clearly and logically

communicate your ideas effectively in standard written English.