Genetic engineering is also a powerful and potentially very dangerous tool. Changing the DNA nucleotide sequence that codes for the structure of a complex living organism can have extremely detrimental effects, even though the potential benefits can be enormous. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essay Genetic engineering is a technology that has been introduced to modify the DNA of different species to further improve them. Before advances in genetic applications, gene therapy was unknown and genetic defects were always hereditary, afflicting generations. Today, genetic testing is widely available, such as prenatal chromosome karyotyping to look for genetic abnormalities. Genetic testing is also useful for families in whom autosomal recessive disorders are known when considering having children. Additionally, genetic testing is available for people who may have inherited a genetic condition that does not manifest until later in life. Individual choice decides whether a person prefers to know whether they are particularly vulnerable to certain diseases or whether they are more likely to die young. Knowing that your life may be short will inspire you to make the most of it, when it could just as easily cause serious depression. These advances in genetic engineering make the possibility of “designer babies” a reality. When the choice to change every aspect of every characteristic of a child is possible, who would refuse? Why an average child, when it is possible to have one who is perfectly healthy, beautiful, intelligent, and matches every other desirable characteristic parents could want? The benefits seem endless: the potential for a perfect society with no physical imperfection, intelligence, or undesirable personality traits. How far this could go is unpredictable; In theory, humans could, for example, become more efficient, requiring less food but able to do more. Alternatively, one of the problems with all types of changes to human DNA structure is the subsequent loss of natural variation. Additionally, the loss of natural variation would stop the formation of new genes, significantly reducing the available gene pool. On the larger scale of life, natural variation is vital for subtle adaptation that helps species adapt to changing environments. If genetic alterations become widespread, the genes will be necessary for particular circumstances or differences or different environments that the organism may encounter. In conclusion, the previously mentioned applications of genetic engineering have brought clear benefits to the human species, despite equally apparent risks. However, perhaps one of the most dangerous risks of these new advances is their undeniable potential for biological warfare. This potential for engineered-resistant infections or diseases scares all nations. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The author believes that although some of the applications of real genetic engineering could be used immensely by humans, too little is known about the genetic structure to place the risks involved on the population.