- Genetic Engineering has been with

the human society since selective

breeding was introduced to
humankind and when animals were
domesticated. Yet, the process of
genetic alterations is all but natural.
- It was in 1951 that the term genetic
engineering was coined by Jack
Williamson, author of the science
fiction novel Dragon’s Island
(Stableford, 2004).
- But to continuous search for development,
genetic engineering no longer stayed in
science fiction novel. It became reality in
science laboratory. The general process of
genetic engineering is deliberate
manipulation of organism’s genes, where it
may involve transfer of genes from other
organism.
- However, despite to many possibilities of
creating solutions for problems and opening
doors for innovations, genetic engineering
faces much opposition. Opponents raise
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
defines as an “organism, either plant, animal,
or microorganism, in which the genetic
material has been altered in a way that does
not occur naturally by mating or natural
recombination”(WHO, 2014)

GENETIC ENGINEERING PROCESS

1. Pest Resistance-
genetically modified
plants to resist certain
pests.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Corn

2. Virus Resistance-
genetically modified
plants to resist certain
viruses.

GM Papaya or Rainbow Papaya

3. Herbicide Tolerance-
genetically modified
plants to tolerate
herbicide.

Roundup Ready Soybean

4. Fortification-
genetically modified
plants fortified with
certain minerals

Golden Rice
5. Cosmetic
Preservation-
genetically modified
plants resist natural
discoloration

Arctic Apple
6. Increase Growth Rate-
genetically modified organism
that has higher yield in growth
than normal species

AquAdvantage Salmon
1. Flower
Production-GMOs
in flower
production are
seen in modified
color and
extended vase life
of flowers

Blue Rose
2. Paper
Production-
modified
characteristics of
trees for higher
yield of paper
production

Poplar Trees
3. Pharmaceutical
Production-
modified plants to
produce
pharmaceutical
products

Periwinkle Plant
4. Bioremediation-
used modified
plants that can
assist in the
bioremediation of
polluted sites.

Nicotiana glauca
(shrub tobacco)
5. Enzyme and
drug production-
use of modified
microorganisms
that can produce
enzymes for food
processing and
medicine

Sweet
wordwood plant
6. GMOs in
medical field –
genetic
engineering
playing a
significant role
from diagnosis to
treatment of
human diseases
Humulin Drug
 Higher
efficiency in Increase in Control in
farming. harvest fertility

Improvement of Nutritional and

Increase in desirable Pharmaceutical
food processing characteristics enhancement

Reduce the use

of fertilizers and
pesticide
1. Since genetic engineering is still a
young branch of science, there re
inadequate studies on effects of
GMOs to humans and environment.
2. Genetic engineering promotes
mutation in organisms which the long
term effect is still unknown.
3. Human consumption of GMOs might
have its bad effect.
4. Rising issue about cloning
1. The Codex Alimentarius
Commission (Codex)

2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

3. International Trade Agreement on

labeling of GM food and food products