ACTIVITY PART 3 LESSON 3: ESSAY

Answer the following questions briefly.

1.) In your own words, explain what is GMO and its significance in today’s society.

GMO (Genetically modified organisms) is the , animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic
makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. This
creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through
traditional crossbreeding methods. This provide certain advantages to producers and consumers.
Modified plants, for example, can at least initially help protect crops by providing resistance to a specific
disease or insect, ensuring greater food production. GMOs are also important sources of medicine. Some
benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture are increased crop yields, reduced costs for food or drug
production, reduced need for pesticides, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality, resistance to
pests and disease, greater food security, and medical benefits to the world's growing population.

2.) In your own words, discuss what gene therapy is.

Gene therapy is a technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or cure disease. Gene therapies
can work by several mechanisms: Replacing a disease-causing gene with a healthy copy of the gene.
This means that it is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. In the
future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient’s cells
instead of using drugs or surgery. Although gene therapy is a promising treatment option for a number
of diseases, the technique remains risky and is still under study to make sure that it will be safe and
effective. Gene therapy is currently being tested only for diseases that have no other cures.
3.) In your perspective, is modifying the genetic components of an organism as in GMO and Gene
therapy ethical or not? Support your claim.

Based on perception regarding the certain matter about modifying the genetic components as in GMO
and Gene therapy is that I consider these actions as ethical when it is used and managed right. It is
ethical when it’s goal is to make the lives of everyone become better. GMO is very useful when it is
used and manage very well. It helps the economy and make the product even better. It is like Genetic
engineering which modify Genes in order to have a better product. And also the Gene therapy which
makes the person become or having a healthy genes.