Genetic engineering refers to the direct manipulation of an organism’s genome through tools such as recombinant DNA technology, RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9. It enables precision modification, deletion or insertion of genes, transforming various sectors.
Transformative Applications of Genetic Engineering:
Medicine and Public Health:
- Gene therapies now target monogenic disorders like sickle cell anaemia, haemophilia and muscular dystrophy. For e.g., the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle-cell disease was approved in 2023.
- Recombinant DNA enables mass production of synthetic insulin, human growth hormone, interferons and Hepatitis-B vaccines.
- Genetically engineered mosquitoes such as Oxitec’s Aedes aegypti demonstrate up to 90% reduction in malaria/dengue transmission in trial zones.
Agriculture and Food Security:
- GM crops such as Bt cotton increased yields and cut pesticide use by up to 50% as per ICAR.
- Disease-, drought- and salinity-resistant varieties can enhance resilience to climate variability.
- Protoplast fusion is enabling fungus-resistant potatoes and seedless grapes.
Industry and Research:
- Microbes engineered for enzyme production. Fo e.g., chymosin, α-amylase, lipase support food, biofuel and pharmaceutical industries.
- Modified bacteria serve as biological factories producing vitamins, antibiotics, biofuels and biodegradable plastics.
Key Concerns and Challenges:
Ethical Concerns:
- Human germline editing risks “designer babies”, off-target mutations and irreversible transgenerational impacts.
- Issues of genetic discrimination, consent, and equitable access to gene therapies persist.
Ecological Risks:
- Gene flow from GM crops to wild relatives may create “superweeds” with herbicide resistance.
- Gene drives can alter whole species rapidly, risking collapse of food chains or extinction of keystone species.
- Reduced biodiversity. For e.g., Bt cotton and hybrids contribute to the erosion of wild cotton germplasm in India.
Regulatory Risks:
- Lack of long-term ecological monitoring.
- Public mistrust, especially regarding food crops like Bt brinjal and GM mustard.
- Risk of bioterrorism or accidental release of synthetic organisms.
Way Forward:
- Transparent trials, rigorous biosafety assessments, and public consultations.
- Strengthen genomic data privacy frameworks.
- Prioritise benefit sharing with communities conserving genetic resources.
- Develop multi-generational ecological impact studies for gene-drive technologies.
Conclusion:
Responsible innovation, balancing benefits with ecological and social risks is essential for harnessing this technology as a tool for sustainable human progress.
‘+1’ Value ADDITION
- India has <1% of global GM crop acreage, despite being the world’s largest cotton producer.
- Bangladesh’s release of Bt-Brinjal (2014) cut pesticide use by 61%, showing regional success.
- WHO report points out 10,000+ monogenic diseases potentially treatable through gene editing.
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