The film “Pharm” is a documentary movie that explores the world of genetics and evolution. According to Darwin, evolution refers to any living organism that has developed and diversifies over extended periods of time. Genetics is the branch of biology that studies the genes, which are units of heredity that determine what and how proteins are made, therefore are responsible for what characteristic get passed onto the next generation. Evolution involves many mechanisms besides natural selection, such as mutations because they create diversity and therefore drives evolutionary behaviors. One could argue that genetic engineering is a process that ultimately gives rise to evolution. Stronger, bigger, faster specimens are created based on human decisions, in controlled labs that use selective breeding as means to control nature.
Olivia Johnson, a biologist that supports genetic engineering, argues that taking a gene away or adding it shouldn’t be a big deal. What it stood out to me was Olivia’s nonchalance to claim that modifying gene is no …show more content…
Pig’s manure releases phosphorous into the environment mainly because pigs can't digest it. At large scale, pig’s manure becomes toxic and pollutes the environment. The solution was a human-made gene that combines the phytase protein produced by E.coli and an enzyme found in the mouse saliva that allows pigs to absorb phosphorous. This genetic modification reduces the fecal phosphorus by 75% and creates a solution to the environmental pork industry pollution. However, is not mentioned how that affects the pig’s general health, meat quality, and the pork consumers.
Overall, I found the subject of genetic engineering incredibly intriguing as it pushes the boundaries of genetics towards valuable disease research and discoveries of new medications and cellular behaviors. At the same time, there could be great consequences and opportunity to raise legal and ethical
Olivia Johnson, a biologist that supports genetic engineering, argues that taking a gene away or adding it shouldn’t be a big deal. What it stood out to me was Olivia’s nonchalance to claim that modifying gene is no …show more content…
Pig’s manure releases phosphorous into the environment mainly because pigs can't digest it. At large scale, pig’s manure becomes toxic and pollutes the environment. The solution was a human-made gene that combines the phytase protein produced by E.coli and an enzyme found in the mouse saliva that allows pigs to absorb phosphorous. This genetic modification reduces the fecal phosphorus by 75% and creates a solution to the environmental pork industry pollution. However, is not mentioned how that affects the pig’s general health, meat quality, and the pork consumers.
Overall, I found the subject of genetic engineering incredibly intriguing as it pushes the boundaries of genetics towards valuable disease research and discoveries of new medications and cellular behaviors. At the same time, there could be great consequences and opportunity to raise legal and ethical