The Potentials of Genetic Engineering: Consumer Products, Scientific Advancements and Market Development

Overview

Genetic engineering, or recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology, is a technique that involves the alternation and manipulation of organisms’ genetic material (i.e., DNA makeup) using laboratory-based technologies. The modifications are processed through the altering, splicing, rearranging, and/or elimination of base pairs, regions or segments of DNA. Often, selected genes of an individual are transferred from one organism to another to obtain the desired trait (3). Indeed, the DNA of an organism contains the hereditary information that influences the phenotype of the organism. The uniqueness present by every organism are the results of distinct sequences within the DNA nitrogenous base pairs—Adenine is paired with Thymine and Guanine is paired with Cytosine. Hence, the addition or removal of these nitrogenous bases influences the presentation of certain phenotypes or traits. Currently, such technology has been utilized in cancer therapies, plants, livestock, and more. 

Introduction

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) refer to plants, microorganisms, and animals that undergo non-natural changes within the genetic materials. GM foods are created to directly benefit both farmers and food industries by increasing the protection level of the crops and have been significantly produced for the past decade. The engineered crops exhibit enhanced resistance to plant diseases caused by insects or viruses, leading to improved tolerance to herbicides (5). The development of resistance to insects is attributed to the integration of a gene from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis, enabling the production of toxins. These toxins are frequently utilized in traditional insecticides that are considered safe for human consumption. The capability to generate the toxin allows the crops to have reduced needs for insecticides even when faced with a heavy infestation of pests. At the same time, the resistance to viruses and herbicides comes from incorporating genes from viruses and bacteria, respectively. Virus resistance reduces vulnerability to diseases caused by viruses, while herbicide resistance enables tolerance to specific herbicides, leading to decreased herbicide usage.

There are, however, concerns about the effects of GM foods on human health. Major theoretical discussions focus on the risks of allergic reactions, gene transfer, and outcrossing. The transfer of genes from allergenic organisms to those that are non-allergenic could lead to the creation of allergenic protein products. Furthermore, if antibiotic resistance genes from GM foods, which are used as markers in the production of GMOs, were to be transferred to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, it could pose health risks for humans. At the same time, the movement of genes from GM foods to conventional foods may unknowingly impact food safety.

Genetic Engineering in Science and Medicine

Genetically modified cells are frequently used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Emerging technologies enable the collection and expansion of autologous cells (cells sourced from the same individual) from a patient using an automated culture system. The expanded cells can be printed into constructs to grow into tissue using a bioreactor (1). Currently, tissues including skin, blood vessels, and muscles have been successfully engineered and implemented to treat human disease. However, solid organs like liver, kidney, heart, and pancreas pose a greater engineering challenge.

Genetic engineering can also used to alter the traits of babies. In modern society, many individuals may “design” the babies for desired phenotypes. While genetic engineering can remove undesirable innate traits such as genetic disease, some individuals may change the physical appearance and/or intelligence level of the infant. Such action arose certain fear of introducing new gene mutations into the human gene pool that will be passed down to the next generation. Meanwhile, others suggest that genome engineering merely a sped-up process of evolution.

Genetic Engineering in Market Development 

Genetic engineering technologies are expected to positively impact economic development. Genetic modification is suggested to be correlated with an average 69% profit increase because of increased yield and decreased insecticide cost (2). Moreover, genetically modified foods can offer a more appealing appearance for consumers. For example, genetically engineered apples and potatoes minimize bruising and browning in the produce, resulting in more desire for purchase. Hence, GM foods can cause a high possibility of purchase and less production of waste within the consumers. Furthermore, certain applications of GMOs can lead to increased nutritional value, potentially reducing nutrient deficiencies in individuals. For instance, golden rice contains higher levels of vitamin A. As a result, consumers may have a more proficient diet and a reduced occurrence of certain long-term health issues, indirectly contributing to the stability of the economy. 

Additionally, genetic engineering illustrates great potential in surgical science development. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology may be able to clone embryos, allowing for the extraction of stem cells that can be stimulated to differentiate into desired organs (4). Such potential can result in higher success rates in organ transplantation surgery: a cloned organ allows for the patients to receive organs that consist of exact genetic makeup as their own. This can significantly reduce rates of rejection and attack from the patients’ immune system, leading to decreased mortality rates as patients are guaranteed a more safe and effective treatment plan. This lower spending on health costs can be helpful to the economy, preventing the increase of wage reduction when labor force decreases.

References 

1. Armstrong, J. P. K., & Stevens, M. M. (2019). Emerging Technologies for Tissue Engineering: From Gene Editing to Personalized Medicine. Tissue engineering. Part A, 25(9-10), 688–692. https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.TEA.2019.0026 

2. Klümper, W., & Qaim, M. (2014). A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops. PloS one, 9(11), e111629. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111629 

3. National Human Genome Research Institute. (2025, January 27). Genetic Engineering. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Engineering

4. Seedhouse E. (2014). The Human Clone Market. Beyond Human: Engineering Our Future Evolution, 51–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-43526-7_4 

5. World Health Organization. (2014, May 1). Food, genetically modified.  https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/food-genetically-modified