Question

Recombinant DNA disadvantages

Answer 1

Along with applications recombinant DNA technology has disadvantages also which are as follows:

1. Antibiotic resistant genes are used as marker gene for identifying transformed cells. This has given rise to antibiotic resistance human pathogens.

2. Insect resistant plants produce certain chemicals which are harmful for insects. By repeated growing of such plants causes resistant insects. It is possible because exposure to long term may cause mutation in insects.

3. Many ethical issues have been raised regarding the use of transgenic animals as animal model and genetically modified food by animal rights organizations.

4. Genetically modified organism (plants or animals) can interbreed with natural organisms and contaminate natural environment with loss of natural flora and fauna. Also the result of such interbreed is unpredictable and is matter of concern.

5. Resistance of people to genetically modified foods. People don’t like to eat foods which have been genetically altered.

Comments

1. Antibiotic resistant genes are used as marker gene for identifying transformed cells. This has given rise to antibiotic resistance human pathogens.
-> Nope. Antibiotic resistance is used to identify transformed cells, but in a lab environnement, there is little to none contact with the exterior world. Antibiotic resistance has grown because of massive usage of antibiotic in hospitals (short story)

2. Insect resistant plants produce certain chemicals which are harmful for insects. By repeated growing of such plants causes resistant insects. It is possible because exposure to long term may cause mutation in insects.
-> Exactly like antibiotics in hospital environment. This is a poor design choice for a GMO.

3. Many ethical issues have been raised regarding the use of transgenic animals as animal model and genetically modified food by animal rights organizations.
-> Every single animal that is breed by humans is somehow genetically modified by hundred of years of selection. From your dog to your cat, to your racing horse.

4. Genetically modified organism (plants or animals) can interbreed with natural organisms and contaminate natural environment with loss of natural flora and fauna. Also the result of such interbreed is unpredictable and is matter of concern.
-> The most important thing is the biodiversity. It's better to have 100 different GMO species than 10 "naturals" species. Diversity is the key.

5. Resistance of people to genetically modified foods. People don’t like to eat foods which have been genetically altered.
-> So you can stop eating. Even wheat has been genetically altered. It's called selection.