Limitations of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is indeed a wonderful and progressive field in today's world. But as it goes, 'Every coin has two sides' and so does biotechnology. Its limitations lessen the brightness of its future. For example:-
=> Genetic transfer of DNA material may lead to creation of new bacteria, virus etc. that will initiate new diseases.
=> The initial as well as overall cost of GM crops and animals is very high.
=> Genetic alternations may result in unexpected and even hazardous interactions between species.
But all seems to be well when we conclude that the advantages of biotechnology outnumber its disadvantages! We only need to limit the changes made to nature's predetermined creations and the future of biotechnology will be very bright!
-Arzoo Kandari (India)
Biotechnology has indeed done a lot of good for the world, but it also have disadvantages.
In agriculture there are concerns that genetically modified crops are also known as transgenenic crops,may insert a plant gene into natural unmodified varieties. There are also concerns that genetic engineering of crops would reduce their long-term biological potential.
-Nanthinidevi S. (India)
Health risks caused by Biotechnology:
There are risks for transferring toxins from one lifeform to another , creating new toxins or of transferring allergenic. Compounds from one species to another , which could result in unexpected allergic reactions . There is a risk that modified bacteria and viruses escaping from high security laboratories and infect human or animal population.
For example, the drug Biotin causes defieciency that includes thinning of the hair ( often with loss of hair colour) and red scaly rash around the eyes ,nose and mouth. Other symptoms include depression listleness and hallucinations and tingling in the arms and legs.
Environmental risks caused by Biotechnology:
Environmental risks arising from widespread use of genetically modified crops with genes that produce insecticidal toxins such as the gene from" Bacillus Thurinigiensis".This can develop a resistant gene in insect populations exposed to GM crops .There may also be risks to species that are not the target , such as birds and butterflies , plants with insecticidal genes.
You can also lose Biodiversity , for example, as a result of displacement of traditional crops by a small number of genetically modified crops
-Lavina J. (India)
Genetic engineering involves artificial transformation of one organism to the other. It is a faster method of production than selective breeding.
It has some potential advantages.For example the beta carotene[a plant pigment especially found in carrots] form rice into vitamin A.T his helps the people who lack vitamin A.
There are some ethical issues involved in genetic modification .Many people think it is wrong to transform genes between different species. And it is illegal to do this in sex cells,instead this can be done on body cells.
Transgenic plants are genetically modified plants.however these plants too have some limitations.
1.These plants are often sprayed with powerful pesticides and herbicides and fertilized with chemical fertilizers,which could affect the surrounding environment by traveling through air.
2.A study in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE in december 2009 says that when some rats were tested by giving modified corn,it had a decline in liver,kidney,heart,adrenal gland and spleen health and its functions.
3. And the fruits and vegetables which were genetically modified have no specific label through which we are able to know which is natural and which is genetically modified plant.
-Adhibha R. (India)