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Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 10 No. 4, 2000, pp. 22 BIOTECHNOLOGY ESSAY Biotechnology - The Next Revolution Aimie Woodward An essay by Aimie Woodward Year 10 Nambour State High School, Queensland This essay was chosen by judges selected by ABA2000 organisers as the most meritorious of all entries received in a schools competition in Queensland. We have pleasure in being permitted to publish this essay. Our congratulations to Aimie on an excellent essay. Aimie’s win was announced at the Public Forum held during ABA2000. Code Number: au00042 The University of New South Wales defines biotechnology as “an applied science, aimed at harnessing the natural biological capabilities of microbial plant and animal cells, for the benefit of people”. It involves both science and engineering to develop and improve products and processes. It exists in all aspects of our lives from our food, our medicines to plants and animals. Even though the term ‘the next revolution’ implies something which is totally new, it does involve ancient techniques as well as new methods. The supporters of Biotechnology believe that it will not only increase efficiency and decrease cost but also provide better control over the products themselves. Genetic engineering involves changing the basic physical nature of an organism to improve the end result. There are fears from the general community that scientists are over-stepping the fine line between what is natural and what are advances in science. Both scientists and the community do agree however, that society must be kept informed and given a chance to participate. Biotechnology is used in a wide range of activities that are socially and economically important. The first is Agriculture where it is used for plant breeding to improve resistance to pests, diseases, drought and salt conditions; mass propagation of plant clones; bioinsecticide development and for the modification of plants to improve nutritional and processing characteristics. It is also used in the chemical industry for the production of bulk chemicals and solvents such as ethanol, citric acid, acetone and butanol. Antibiotics, enzymes, amino acids and alkaloids are products of biotechnology. The environmental benefits are due to the biological recovery of heavy metals, the saving of polluted soil and water and the treatment of sewage. Cheese, yoghurt, baker’s yeasts, vinegar, flavours and sauces, soy sauce, brewing and wine making are products of biotechnology in the food industry. Soya is contained in more than 60% of everyday foods. Gene therapy and medical treatments are two fields of medicine where biotechnology is making an impact. It is also used widely in veterinary practice for livestock breeding, fertility control and vaccine production. There are many implications involved in biotechnology. The social issues are concerned with food safety and the physical harm that could be caused and also the idea that scientists are ‘playing God’, which is a moral issue. There are also arguments put forward concerning the unintentional side effects to the environment. In the economic world there is a conspiracy theory where it is believed that the idea is to control the world’s food supply. The advantages of biotechnology can be directly felt in the areas of food and health care. Medical areas which have benefited are diabetes (insulin), dwarfism (growth hormones) and the development of a hepatitis B vaccine. Food crops are achieving greater yields with improved taste and quality while fewer pesticides are being used on food crops. The future is looking brighter with hardier crops that don’t need pesticide, healthier cooking (fat reduction) and more nutritional foods which will stay fresh longer. Environmental benefits will be seen as biotechnology is used at every stage of a plant’s life. The advantages involve a wide range of society from the farmers (tick control), retailers (increased quality control) and consumers (food quality). There are some disadvantages involved with biotechnology. Lack of labelling information can result in people with allergies suffering while many manufacturers cannot say whether or not their foods are genetically modified. There may also be undetected and unintentional side effects from genetically engineered products. There is also the possibility of human error as the process involves moving one organism to another. Social implications are clearly shown when it comes to giving information on labels. The Federal Government is implementing labelling laws, which will enable consumers to be aware of products which do/do not/may contain gene technology. Scientists state that there is nothing dangerous in the process of genetic engineering but rather on what is done with it. Introducing a food that is a genetically modified organism (GMO) should be regulated just as any new food would be, or investigated just as any new plant or animal would be. It seems from all the research done that it provides opportunities for medical advance; for clean, safe food; for new products, which are lower in chemical makeup; and for an environment that has less pressure. Each individual case would have to be assessed and regulated according to the benefits and risks that are associated with it. It is extremely important for the general public to be kept informed and that they understand the technology so they can be part of the decision-making process with regard to biotechnology. It is the way of the future and the world must do what it can to make it a better and safer place for the human race. Bibliography
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