Genetic engineering

Web Guides

Last updated April 2006

Most of the headings in this guide come from the specification for the course.

There are very few sites that give a balanced overview. Most are either in favour of GM, citing potential benefits, or alarmist, citing potential harm. This topic provides a good example of the importance of considering the source of the information when evaluating a web site.

1 The principles of genetic engineering

• A short animation showing the process of genetic modification in plants.
• A range of information on genetically modified food from the National Centre for Biotechnology Education at Reading University.
• A good introduction to the techniques of genetic modification and discussion of some of the safety issues.

2 Applications of genetic manipulation in agriculture compared to traditional breeding programmes

• A short discussion of the differences.

3 Issues arising from the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment

• The frequently asked questions (FAQs) about biotechnology on the web site of the United States Department of Agriculture reviews a similar range of issues from a US perspective.
• The New Scientist web site has a section called 'GM organisms: Special Report' which has up-to-date reports and discussions on the different applications and issues.
• Defra has published the results of extensive research into the environmental effects of herbicide tolerant crops grown experimentally on UK farms.

4 Current and possible future applications of genetic manipulation of plants and animals possible, hazards and ethical issues

• Information written for the public as part of government run public debate on the use of GM crops in Britain.
• Friends of the Earth campaign against GM crops and foods. Explore the site for their main arguments.
• You would expect the industrial company Monsanto (now part of Pharmacia) to take a very different line and you will find news reports about GM issues on their web site.
• The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) (select publications and choose number 138) publishes briefing papers for Members of the UK Parliament which you can download from the web site. A note released in May 2000 summarises the way that the press has reported on GM crops.
• Turn to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics for a very full report and detailed discussion of Genetically modified crops: the social and ethical issues. You can search and read the report on-line or download a copy.
• Information on potential medical uses of genetic engineering from the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries.

5 The application of GM to agriculture in developing countries
Much of the publicity in favour of GM suggests that it has a major contribution to make to the food shortages in many developing countries. The issues are different from those in countries where food surpluses are produced.

• The Institute of Development Studies ELDIS site has links to information from developing countries on their use of GM.
• SciDevNet has a large collection of articles and debates on the use of GM in developing countries, with a wide range of views expressed.
• The ISAAA exists to promote GM crops. The site has a very useful set of graphs and statistics on worldwide use of GM which is updated annually.
• The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has produced a follow-up discussion paper on 'The use of genetically modified crops in developing countries'.
• An interesting account from DFID of another way of reducing pesticide use without GM technology.

6. Decision making about genetic manipulation

• Defra is the government department that controls GM crops. Their site has information on the regulations and on their current application.
• Commentaries on recent developments in GM crops from Bioethics-Today, based at Sheffield University.

Other resources

• Key Issues in Bioethics. A guide for teachers. Guidance topics include topics such as cloning, in vitro fertilisation, genetic screening and genetic engineering, farm animal welfare and use of animals in medical experiments.
  ISBN (paperback version £19.99) 0-415-27068-5 (hardback £65.00) 0-415 30914-X www.routledgefalmer.com
• AS/A2 General studies resource pack 2001 ISBN 086003 254 X
  Topics: Genetically modified food , Health scare (MMR vaccine ), Science and the public.
  Written by Dr Colin Swatridge and published by Phillip Allen Updates.
• LabNotes - new biology and society free teaching resources can be downloaded from The Wellcome Trust.
• The Exploring the issues, photocopiable study guides with discussion points and activities on genetically modifed food and cloning can be ordered on line from Independence Educational Publishers, or by contacting them at PO Box 295, Cambridge CB1 3XP Tel: 01223 566130 Fax: 01223 566131.