ce on biocides, and yield virtually endless benefits to the consumers fortunate enough to have been born in the modern era”. (Clark) The recombinant DNA produced in genetic engineering may be used to give crops immunity to plant viruses, make them resistant to frost, and cause a delay in fruit ripening-slowing down spoilage. “In addition to research, the applications of genetic engineering include the manufacture of hundreds of useful products.” (Campbell, 1999) By using biochemical and mechanical tools of DNA technology, recombinant DNA may be made in vitro. Scientists can then inject the DNA into cultured cells that replicate the DNA and express its genes yielding a more useful plant. Because it is easy to grow and its biochemistry easily understood, E. coli is often used as a “host” for recombinant DNA. Various problems have been sited as, adverse growing conditions, greater risks of pest, pathogen, and weed infestation, and in particular, limited access to purchased inputs all challenge the logic of extrapolating expectations of genetic engineering performance to the Third World. (Clark) It has long been assumed that DNA would be degraded in the gut during digestion, and hence, would be extremely unlikely to pose a risk of horizontal gene transfer from GE food into gut microbes. Dutch researchers using an "artificial gut" have now confirmed that bacterial DNA remains intact for several minutes in the large intestine, long enough to transform many bacteria (MacKenzie, 1999). Many critics of genetic engineering fear the accidental production of harmful disease organisms, the incorporation of different allergens in the foods, and the displacement of natural plant populations with transgenic species. NIH has established regulations that will restrict genetic engineering research. “DNA technology is now applied in areas ranging from agriculture to criminal law”. Many believe that its ...
