Supports and Against Biotechnology

By group 4

Introduction:
Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, or any
technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives to make
or modify products or processes for specific use. New tools and products developed by
biotechnologists are useful in research, agriculture, industry, and the clinic. We use
biotechnology to make medicines and vaccines to fight diseases. And we are now turning to it to
find alternatives to fossil-based fuels for a cleaner, healthier planet.
In this paper, you will know about biotechnology. The controversies and social studies about who
is supporting and opposing biotechnology and why?

I. Supports Biotechnology
Biotech improves crop insect resistance, enhances crop herbicide tolerance, and facilitates the
use of more environmentally sustainable farming practices. Biotech is helping to feed the world
by Generating higher crop yields with fewer inputs, lowering volumes of agricultural chemicals
required by crops-limiting the run-off of these products into the environment, and Using biotech
crops that need fewer applications of pesticides and that allow farmers to reduce tilling farmland.
Developing crops with enhanced nutrition profiles that solve vitamin and nutrient deficiencies,
producing foods free of allergens and toxins such as mycotoxin, and Improving food and crop oil
content to help improve cardiovascular health.
Biotechnology uses biological processes such as fermentation and harnesses biocatalysts such as
enzymes, yeast, and other microbes to become microscopic manufacturing plants. Biotech is
helping to fuel the world by Streamlining the steps in chemical manufacturing processes by 80%
or more, Lowering the temperature for cleaning clothes, and potentially saving $4.1 billion
annually. Improving manufacturing process efficiency to save 50% or more on operating costs;
Reducing the use of and reliance on petrochemicals; Using biofuels to cut greenhouse gas
emissions by 52% or more, Decreasing water usage and waste generation, and Tapping into the
full potential of traditional biomass waste products. Biotech is helping to heal the world by
harnessing nature's own toolbox and using our own genetic makeup to heal and guide lines of
research by Reducing rates of infectious disease; Saving millions of children's lives; Changing
the odds of serious, life-threatening conditions affecting millions around the world; Tailoring
treatments to individuals to minimize health risks and side effects; Creating more precise tools
for disease detection; and Combating serious illnesses and everyday threats confronting the
developing world.
Government and others who can understand how useful and helpful biotechnology is to us
nowadays. In order to solve the issue of food security considering a growing population, the
Department of Agriculture (DA) and its partner organizations are pushing for further laws to
assist the growth of biotechnology in the nation.

II. Against Biotechnology

Although biotechnology has many uses and benefits, there are also some controversies
surrounding it, such as when it comes to genetic engineering. Let’s look at some common and
pressing ethical concerns related to biotechnology. We’ll also consider public perceptions of this
field and how these are changing. These create obstacles to the adoption of biotechnology
techniques and can make it difficult for various innovations to be given the green light so that
they can assist in improving human health. Some of the most common ethical concerns and
issues include:
GM CROPS IN AGRICULTURE
Genetically modified crops are used to improve agriculture, such as by making crops resistant to
pests and droughts so that the farmers’ yields can be improved and even increased. Although the
technology of modifying genes can do much good, this technology is controversial. GM crops
have been banned in many countries due to concerns about their potential health or
environmental risks. There’s another issue that arises when it comes to agricultural
biotechnology that makes use of genetic engineering: the unintended spread of transgenes to
other organisms.
THE THREAT OF BIOTERRORISM
Biotechnology has many different branches, such as medical and environmental biotechnology,
but it also has a dark side: the use of biotechnology for malicious purposes. Bioterrorism can be
committed by people who use beneficial technology to hurt others. For example, by growing
viruses and releasing these into society to harm or kill people. This is a concern with innovative
biotechnology techniques. Bioterrorism is a concern, even among renowned organizations. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, has listed bacteria that causes anthrax
(bacillus anthracis) as one of the most likely agents to be used in a biological attack. When a
biotechnologist discovers a new treatment to cure an illness or vaccinate against a disease,
human trials are needed to ensure that the treatments are safe and effective. However, there’s
always the risk of patients becoming sick or dying. There’s therefore a need to protect patients
from harm.
THE QUESTION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS
Earlier, we talked about how biotechnology research has to look after the patients that are
involved, such as in the case of clinical trials. But xenotransplantation and other types of
biotechnology, such as genetic engineering, bring animal rights into the spotlight. Linked to our
previous point, the use of animals in order to ensure human welfare can be seen by
biotechnology critics as being cruel and calls are being made to increase the protection of these
animals.
THE BIOTERRORISM RISK
Biotechnology has numerous branches, including medical and environmental biotechnology, but
it also has a dark side: the use of biotechnology for malicious purposes. People who use
advantageous technology to harm others may commit bioterrorism. For example, by cultivating
viruses and releasing them into society to cause harm or death. This is a problem with cutting-
edge biotechnology techniques. Even prestigious organizations are concerned about bioterrorism.
The bacteria that causes anthrax (bacillus anthracis), for example, has been identified by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the most likely agents to be used in a
biological attack. Human trials are required when a biotechnologist discovers a new treatment to
cure an illness or to vaccinate against a disease.
AGRICULTURE USING GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
Genetically modified crops are used to improve agriculture by making crops resistant to pests
and droughts, allowing farmers' yields to be increased.

Although the technology of modifying genes has great potential, it is controversial. Many
countries have banned GM crops due to concerns about potential health or environmental risks.
Another issue that arises when using genetic engineering in agricultural biotechnology is the
unintended spread of transgenes to other organisms.
Conclusion:
Biotechnology can help our lives in various ways, such as by finding cures for chronic, deadly
diseases and more. But it’s not viewed positively by everyone. In this article it can be seen that
Biotechnology is very useful that's why the government around the world is not all but most
governments support biotechnology.

Bibliography:
https://biotechhealth.com/ By Brinson Brothers
https://www.bio.org/

Group Members:
Danica Jade Patacsil
Jomarielle Manabat
Katrina Schumann
Lyka Mae Tamani
Jamilla Santos