Downside of Genetic Modification: Genetic Disease
- Haeri Shin
- Mar 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 6
What is genetic modification?
Genetic modification, also known as genetic engineering, has emerged as a useful tool in modern biotechnology which enables scientists to modify the DNA makeup of organisms. This involves transferring specific pieces of DNA from one organism to another to impart desired traits or properties. Whether it's enhancing disease resistance in crops, developing new cancer therapies, or improving livestock, genetic modification offers a precise means of controlling genetic material to achieve desired outcomes. Unlike traditional breeding methods, which rely on chance and may take decades to produce desired traits, genetic modification allows for the rapid development of new variations, making it a potentially beneficial technique.
Downsides of genetic modification
Despite its potential benefits, genetic modification is not without its downsides. One significant problem is the potential for unintended changes to an organism's genetic makeup. While editing tools used in genetic modification are precise, they are still not perfect. There is a risk that these tools may inadvertently edit DNA sequences that is similar to the originally intended target sequence. Moreover, genomes are complex, with numerous genes interacting with each other and with environmental factors, so modifying one gene through genetic modification could have harmful effects on various biological processes within an organism.
Genetic diseases
One of the primary risks associated with genetic modification is the possibility of introducing new genetic diseases. Genetic diseases occur when mutations, changes to genes, affect an organism's genetic material. These mutations can disrupt normal cellular functions since our body codes or reads, those genetic materials to perform specific functions such as building proteins. When the cellular functions are disrupted, it may lead to a wide range of health issues. In the context of genetic modification, off-target effects pose a significant concern. As mentioned earlier in the article, gene editing techniques may not always accurately target the intended gene, resulting in modifications elsewhere in the genome. These off-target effects could disrupt other genes or regulatory sequences, potentially causing the expression of abnormal proteins or dysregulation of cellular processes.
Genetic instability is another potential consequence of genetic modification that could contribute to the development of genetic diseases. Manipulating the genome through genetic modification could cause genetic instability, making the organism more prone to accumulating mutations over time. Just like all other mutations, these mutations have the potential to disrupt normal cellular functions and contribute to the onset of genetic diseases. Additionally, the introduction of foreign DNA into an organism's genome through genetic modification may trigger immune responses or other adverse reactions that could impact the organism's health.
The complexity of genetic interactions further complicates the potential risks associated with genetic modification. Genes encode instructions for the synthesis of proteins, which are fundamental to almost all cellular processes. When the function of a gene is disrupted, either by mutation or genetic modification, it can lead to the production of abnormal proteins or the absence of necessary proteins. These abnormal proteins may have altered structures or functions compared to their normal counterparts which results in contributing to the development of genetic diseases.
Conclusion
While genetic modification offers possibilities for enhancing the traits and properties of organisms, it also carries inherent risks. Unintended changes to an organism's genetic makeup, off-target effects, genetic instability, and disruptions to cellular processes are among the potential consequences of genetic modification that could lead to the development of new genetic diseases. Despite these risks, genetic modification continues to be explored and utilized in various fields, driven by the promise of addressing pressing challenges in agriculture, medicine, and beyond. However, it is essential to proceed with caution and carefully assess the potential impacts of genetic modification on organisms. As research and development in this field continue to advance, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ethical considerations to harness the full potential of genetic modification while mitigating potential risks.
Resources
Comentarios