Science, Risk, and Policy by Andrew J. Knight

Author:Andrew J. Knight [Knight, Andrew J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Sociology, General, Political Science, Public Policy, Science & Technology Policy, Science, Philosophy & Social Aspects
ISBN: 9781317280811
Google: jGD7CwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2016-04-14T06:02:15+00:00

Traditional Cross Breeding Versus Genetic Engineering

Scientists argue that genetic engineering is essentially the same as traditional cross breeding or genetic modification. Figure 6.1 highlights how cross breeding occurs under the traditional and genetic engineering processes. Traditional or genetic modification cross breeding has occurred by humans or nature throughout history. Human cross breeding under traditional processes involves the cross pollination and grafting of rootstocks for plants, or the selective breeding of different species with specific characteristics in hope that the desired characteristics will be expressed in their offspring. A plant breeder tries to exchange genes between two plants so that their offspring will have the desired traits. A problem with this method is that it is inexact in that it might take many attempts for the desired traits to be produced; even then, other undesirable traits might be present because it is difficult to isolate one gene. In the case of Figure 6.1, the new variety has the desired gene, but also other undesired genes. The plant breeding process would continue until only the desired gene is present in the new variety. Traditional plant breeding is a process of trial and error that can take many years and can be very time and resource intensive. Another limitation is that traditional cross breeding is generally only possible between similar related species.

Genetic engineering, on the other hand, is promoted as a more precise and efficient method because the one desired gene can be transferred into the host plant or animal. Genetic engineering is not limited by nature, as genes from any other living matter can be transferred to the host. The potential of plant breeding using genetic engineering is limitless. At the end of the day, the desired outcome can be achieved through either traditional or genetic engineering processes. So, do the ends justify the means? Not according to those opposed to genetic engineering.

Figure 6.1 Traditional and Genetic Engineering Plant Cross-Breeding5

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