Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications - Glick B., Pasternak J. 2002

Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology
The Molecular Biotechnology Revolution
Hopes and Fears

Humanity places its greatest hopes on molecular biotechnology:

✵ the potential for accurate Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of numerous infectious and genetic diseases

✵ a significant increase in crop yields through the creation of plants resistant to pests, fungal and viral infections, and environmental stress

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✵ the engineering of microorganisms that produce various chemical compounds, Antibiotics, polymers, Amino Acids, and Enzymes

✵ the breeding of livestock and other animals with improved heritable traits

✵ the Processing of environmental pollutants and waste.

While discussing the anticipated benefits is easy and pleasant, we must not overlook the potential consequences of such rapid developments in molecular biotechnology. This emerging field has cast its net so wide that society has every right to demand Answers to its questions:

✵ will genetically engineered organisms have harmful effects on other living organisms or the environment?

✵ will the creation and release of genetically modified organisms lead to a reduction in natural genetic diversity?

✵ is it permissible to alter the genetic makeup of humans using Introduction/32.html">Genetic Engineering techniques?

✵ will the application of new diagnostic Methods infringe upon human rights to privacy?

✵ should genetically engineered animals be patented?

✵ will the heavy funding of molecular biotechnology hinder The Development of other crucial technologies?

✵ will the pursuit of maximum profit restrict the benefits of molecular biotechnology to only the wealthy?

✵ will molecular biotechnology undermine traditional agriculture?

✵ will therapeutic approaches based on molecular biotechnology displace traditional, yet equally effective, treatments?

✵ will the race for priority hinder the free exchange of ideas among scientists?

These and many other issues are being examined by government commissions, actively debated by scientists at conferences and in scientific journals, and thoughtfully discussed by authors of popular science publications. On this broad foundation, appropriate rules and regulations have been formulated, guidelines written, and policy decisions made. Both scientists and the general public have participated in this process, yet some controversies still remain.

In record time, molecular biotechnology has evolved into a multidisciplinary scientific enterprise, equally commercial and academic. It is the subject of a vast number of scientific and business publications, and universities worldwide offer courses in molecular biotechnology to undergraduate and graduate students. The enthusiasm of the 1987 report by the US Office of Technology Assessment is reflected in the following statement: "Molecular biotechnology heralded another revolution in science that could alter the lives and futures of... people as radically as did the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago and the computer revolution today. The ability to purposefully manipulate genetic material... promises great changes in our lives."



Last update: 12/08/2026

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