BIOTECHNOLOGY 

CASE STUDY #1 

Maria Jose Vecino 9A 
 
Genetic Engineering: Its benefits for humans
 
Nowadays humans can create wonderful things thanks to technology, but when
it comes to science there are a few limits. Humans have been modifying genes
for thousands of years, however, if this modification is done in the labs, to
create GMOs there are some people that are against it, even though, this will
bring a lot of benefits for the world. A genetically modified organism is any
organism whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering
techniques like CRISPR for example. As a matter of fact, there is a large variety
of GMOs as lots of plants, animals, and microorganisms have been genetically
modified. But, when it comes to modifying animal or plant genes there is a lot
of people who do not agree as this might be harmful to those living things. To
put it in another way, if we modify those organisms that reproduce fast and
easily like bacteria there would not be any ethnic issues. So what benefits can
we get modifying these microorganisms?

A great example of how genetically modified organisms will benefit us is with

yeasts and bacteria, which are microorganisms no one minds about, so there are
no ethical issues if we alternate them. These small organisms, if they are
genetically modified, they will make the production of food like bread, cheese,
yogurt, wine, and beer, really successful. This will happen because those GMOs
will work faster, accelerating all the processes, and even, they might create a
better and long-lasting product. With everything working faster, the companies
will increase their incomes as they will produce more food in a shorter time and
also the prices of these products might decrease for the people who buy it.
Therefore, as there are going to be larger amounts of food, even the people that
struggle to get it will be able to buy this products as they are going to be much
cheaper.

But what are the exact modifications to make this possible? well, it is all about
genetic engineering. Biotechnology involves using living organisms to develop
or create products. Altering the genes of bacteria and yeast might accelerate all
the necessary processes to make the products. These microorganisms exist due
to fermentation, I think that in this process is where we will apply the genetic
engineering, maybe altering the genes of the yeast and bacteria will accelerate
their respiration, so on the moment when it is finally used to make the food, the
process will occur faster. I do not think humans might get harmed consuming
these products, as GM food is just as risky as eating normal food. However,
what might be good for one organism, might be harmful to another. The same
happens with humans, that’s why it is important to still take cautions.

On the other hand, this process might seem really easy, but not everyone is
qualified to do this process. That's why there are licenses that certify people that
they are allowed to do genetic engineering. This is not given to any person who
requests one. This licenses are extremely important. To get one there are
multiple tests to show the person is actually able to do genetic engineering and
will take all the responsibility that this process carries with, that’s why this is
meant to be safe, as only experts are allowed to do it. Companies that would like
to use GM yeast and bacteria, to produce their products, will need to have a
license too. Even though we are talking about microorganisms that do not create
controversy at all.

In conclusion, altering the bacteria and yeast will really bring thousands of
benefits. It is done through a simple but careful process that can only be done by
means of experts, so there are not many risks. This is process happens due to
biotechnology, which is fundamental for us human beings. This is in light of the
fact that thanks to this process, we are able to create the majority of the food we
consume. Besides, the use of GMOs can even help us to fix the damage we did
to the Earth.