Genetic engineering - an overview
Based on original material in the GAMMA series, published by
The Royal Society of New Zealand in 2000 and 2001. Compiled and edited by
Emeritus Professor George Petersen, from the University of Otago.
"Genetic engineering" describes experimental techniques developed over the
past thirty years. These lab methods allows scientists to quickly alter the
genetic makeup of microbes, plants and animals without the need for prolonged
mating and breeding programs.
The techniques have revolutionised our understanding of how genes work and
led to great advances in our knowledge of genetic diseases. They allow us to
swap desirable traits between microbes, plants and animals and have already
proved valuable for the large-scale production of drugs such as insulin.
Although genetically engineered medicines seem well accepted in New Zealand,
the extension of the technique to farming and food production is the subject
of ongoing public debate. And it is true that these techniques raise technical,
commercial, ethical and political questions. This document attempts to summarise
and discuss contentious GE issues in a New Zealand context.
Historical snapshot
1. Gene technology in health
Methods for transferring genes from one species
to another
2. Genetically engineered food
3. Genetic engineering off the field
4. Environmental aspects of genetic engineering
5. Genetic engineering and ethics
Conclusion
