Corn is a vegetable that humans have been eating since the beginning of humanity.

Corn was one of the saviors of the pilgrims, the famed settlers of America who landed in 1620 on Plymouth Rock. Corn has been sustaining life for centuries. Why would we need a new generation of corn? Scientists have been improving corn through genetic engineering. They take the normal corn DNA and add in traits that are desirable in corn and would make it much easier and efficient to produce. These traits are things such as resistance to insects, resistance to herbicides and draught tolerant. Corn with these traits would be easier for farmers to farm and they could produce much higher quantities of it. Genetic engineering was made possible when scientist discovered exactly what a gene was. Prior to the 1950s, the term gene was used to stand for a unit by which some genetic characteristic was transmitted from one generation to the next. Biologists talked about a "gene" for hair color, although they really had no idea as to what that gene was or what it looked like. (1). In 1953 English chemist Francis Crick and American biologist James Watson determined the structure of DNA and genes. Their discovery opened up an entire new world of science. It was determined that because genes are chemical compounds then they can be changed and manipulated like all other chemical compounds. Scientist then discovered that genes can be cut apart and put back together again. This is a natural process and happens frequently in cells but this can also be manipulated by scientists. This then led to genetic engineering. In order to genetically engineer something you need a gene to be transferred, a host that the gene is inserted into, and a vector to transport the gene. There is a certain process that goes with the three main ingredients. For example, a scientist is putting an insulin producing gene into an organism. The scientist must first get a copy of an insulin producing gene from a natural source or a manufactured source. Next, the insulin producing gene has to be inserted into a vector, which will transport the gene into the host cell. The most commonly used vector is a form of DNA called a plasmid. Endonucleuses are used to cut open the plasmid and insert the insulin producing gene. A ligase enzyme is also mixed in. The insulin gene must be attached to the plasmid before the plasmid is closed. The plasmid with the insulin gene is now inserted into a host cell and the plasmid will start to function inside the cell. In addition to the cells normal functions it will also now produce insulin. This process is also referred to as recombinant DNA (rDNA) research. Scientist can use this method to alter almost anything. Many modern medicines have been made possible through genetic engineering such as; human growth hormone, alpha interferon (used for disease treatment), interleukin 2 ( used for cancer treatment), erythropoietin (treatment for anemia), tumor necrosis factor (treatment for tumors), and tissue plasminogen

activator (used to dissolve blood clots). Genetic engineering isnt only limited to medicines though. Animals, food, and plants are being genetically engineered. Scientists have genetically engineered two dozen plants that have special traits that advances them passed normal plants. Genetic engineering also promises a revolution in agriculture. Recombinant DNA techniques enable scientists to produce plants that are resistant to herbicides and freezing temperatures, that will take longer to ripen, and that will manufacture a resistance to pests, among other characteristics. (1) Animal breeding and farm animals are also being revolutionized by genetic engineering. Cows are now being injected with genes that allow them to produce more milk.

However, many people are skeptical of the benefits of genetically engineered products. They feel that genetic engineering is changing the environment and the general public is not being made aware of what products are genetically engineered and which ones are not. Because of commercial interests, the public is being denied the right to know about GE ingredients in the food chain, and therefore losing the right to avoid them despite the presence of labelling laws in certain countries. (2). Another argument against genetically engineered products is that they are unnatural and therefore should not exist. Genetic engineering enables scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes in a way that does not occur naturally. (2). Many people are also opposed to genetic altering of humans. They argue, Genetic enhancement is immoral because it artificially molds peoples lives, often pointing their destinies in directions that they themselves would not freely choose. Therefore, it represents a fundamental violation of their rights as human beings. (3). An article from The Stanford Review also argues that genetic engineering humans will create a vast social difference between people (3). There are people that do support the advancements and effectiveness of genetic engineering. Firstly, the famers can produce a larger and healthier crop with genetically engineered products as they can be pest resistant and drought resistant. The farmer can also protect the environment by using less crop spray. (4). A new type of rice called golden rice is also produced. The rice can be considered a particular advantage to poor people in underdeveloped countries. They eat only an extremely limited diet lacking in the essential bodily vitamins. (4). The rice is supplemented with many vitamins and this would improve the health of the poorer populations of the people specifically of Asia, who generally eat rice daily. There are many advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering. There are many valid arguments from both sides and they all will help the consumers of the world on whether to support or be unsupportive of genetically engineering products and organisms. The final say will come down the to the people who are buying the products, not the scientists engineering them.

Key Terms DNA - A large, complex chemical compound that makes up the core of a chromosome and whose segments consist of genes. Gene - A segment of a DNA molecule that acts as a kind of code for the production of some specific protein. Genes carry instructions for the formation, functioning, and transmission of specific traits from one generation to another. Genetic engineering Recombinant DNA (rDNA) research is a technique for adding new instructions to the DNA of a host cell by combining genes from two different sources. Gene Splicing - The process by which genes are cut apart and put back together to provide them with some new function. Host Cell - The cell into which a new gene is transplanted in genetic engineering. Plasmid - A circular form of DNA often used as a vector in genetic engineering. Vector - An organism or chemical used to transport a gene into a new host cell.