Genetic Engineering has been talked about within the scientific community for centuries, dating to the 1970s where the first modified organism was created. However, it has been existing around society for longer than we assume. If we go back to 1818, which was the year Frankenstein was first released by the author Mary Shelley. Frankenstein was this giant green man, that was created in a lab by a scientist through an unorthodox experiment. That was a huge step into introducing genetic engineering outside of the science community. From there on, various sci-fi movies, novels and shows have incorporated aspects of genetic engineering to enhance the abilities of a character. A genome and the biology behind genetics is highly more complex than media shows, to simplify the complexity of genetic engineering it can be defined as a process that uses recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to modify the genetic makeup of an organism. Humans have used it to alter the DNA for the desired trait of their offspring, it can be used to modify hair colour and eye colour for example. 

Genetic engineering can be used to alter, repair or enhance the appearance or function using the method of splicing which can also be addressed as recombination. Chemical splicing is used on different strands of DNA using bacteria or bacteriophages (viruses), in certain cases, microinjections can also be used. Scientists for decades have been modifying and adjusting ways to implement genetic engineering and in modern society, synthetic biology has been introduced. DNA consists of base pairs; A-T, C-G, when a strand undergoes modifications the specific area of the DNA is entirely deleted and an additional modified version of the gene is introduced. Another method is through extracting DNA from another organism and then combining it with the existing DNA of the test subject. Genetic engineering is not just limited to people, it can be done on anything from viruses’, animals to even plants as well. 

How exactly does genetic engineering work? To simplify it the example insulin is often used, insulin a common protein that assists in regulating sugar levels within our blood. Typically insulin is produced in the organ known as the pancreas, however, individuals who suffer from diabetes (type 1) are unable to produce insulin. This is why they have to inject insulin into their bodies to ensure their blood sugar levels are maintained. Many people wonder where this insulin came from that people inject themselves with, it was actually genetically engineered. It was initially introduced for use as Humulin in 1982, it was created using yeast and bacteria, such as E.coli to mimic insulin that is very similar to the natural insulin a healthy individual produces. 

A lot of ethical issues arose around genetic engineering, primarily modifications to enhance one’s ability. Many argue that it goes against nature and god and by interfering with it, serious implications will arise. The concept of ‘designer babies’ struck havoc across the globe, primarily in wealthy countries because it gave the advantage for people to create offspring with desired traits. It was argued that gene engineering goes against the natural production of a child as it alters their genes and manipulates their traits to be more ‘desirable’ in society. Another issue is that human genes are being tested in non human organisms to develop new beings. From this experiment, it was questioned to what extent would this new life form be considered a human. An example was if a vegetable like a green bell pepper, was infused with human genes through genetic engineering would it be unethical to consume it because it can be classified as a human? There is a large social dilemma that surrounds genetic engineering for comercial and aesthetic purposes. 

Pros

• Create new foods 
• Disease resistances 
• Defeating diseases 
• Potential to rid illnesses in young children 
• Live longer

Cons

• Is it ethical?
• Genetic Defects
• Reduces diversity 
• Dangerous Pathogens
• Negative side effects

Genetic engineering is a fascinating discovery in the science field and has applications that benefit society greatly. Educating society on the pros and cons will be necessary before introducing and branching out with further experiments. Genetic engineering has the potential to assist in the elimination of diseases and create a whole new world. In the stage it is currently in, a lot of ethical issues can be asked depending on the reasoning for applying the alteration of the genes. However, despite the concerns genetic engineering may be the breakthrough the science field needs to continue expanding and creating new discoveries.