Is Genetic Engineering an Absolutely Evil Weapon?

Is Genetic Engineering an Absolutely Evil Weapon?

Some people treat genetically modified food products as poisons. Yet, it is necessary to remember that genetic engineering is neither a deadly weapon nor an omnipotent cure. Without a doubt, an evil genius can poison edible fruits and vegetables and turn them into a true weapon. At the same time, if we implant a gene taken from peppermint into tomatoes, we will receive tomatoes with a peppermint fragrance. Everything depends on the hand that holds the tool.
 What Natural Genetic Modification Is
There is nothing new in genetic modification. All animals and human beings are genetically modified copies of their predecessors. Mosquitos are genetically modified to eat human blood: it is good for them and bad for us. Silkworms are modified to produce silk: it’s good for people, but bad for the insect because the silk is stolen by humans.
Natural evolution keeps the majority of genes in their place, but we can do some delicate tuning of their functions in an artificial way, with the help of genetic engineering and biotechnology as a whole. These technologies have been introduced quite recently. As everything new, it inspires fear in people, but its popularity is such that students can receive a biotechnology degree online.
 The Base of Genetic Engineering and Selection
In fact, engineering technologies involve good old selection, but people have already got used to it and see nothing dreadful in this process. Both natural and artificial selection are based on the same occasional genetic mistake that is called mutation and on recombination. The difference is in the fact that artificial selection determines possibilities for survival and breeding, while natural selection happens on its own. Genetic engineering gives us additional control over the process of mutation. We can change genes or import them from other species that often have nothing to do with the target ones.
Problems of Modification
The main potential trouble is in the fact that natural selection gives genes time to adapt to other genes. They stay balanced and compatible. Artificial selection is too quick and violates the balance. This is why numerous dog breeds have problems with health due to their exotic exterior. Adding genes can cause even more serious complications because genes are taken from another environment. This is the danger that needs to be considered. Genetic engineering is a powerful tool that can change our life completely, but its potential can be unpredictable. In this situation, it matters a lot who takes the control over this area and whether it is used for good or for evil.