Chapter 19, Problem 1ACTQ

How might people from different countries view the risks and benefits of biotechnology?

Summary Introduction

To determine: How people from different countries might view the risks and benefits of biotechnology.

Concept introduction: Biotechnology is a broad field or a multidisciplinary branch of biology that employs the development of new technologies in the field of biology for the well being of humans.

Explanation of Solution

Over the past decade, rapid progression occurred in the field of biotechnology. New organisms were formed and the existing organisms were modified to create effective, pervasive, and inexpensive products to serve the humans and their society. The living organisms are modified to produce effective therapeutic agents, diagnostic and preventive agents, bio-based pest control products, and environmental cleaners (bioremediation), to maintain and improve the health of humans and their surroundings.

Although biotechnology has great appreciation, different people have different perception on biotechnology. Establishment of novel trends in biotechnology employs microorganisms and this paves the way for many safety issues. Major challenges involved in biotechnology are ethical issues and safety regarding the genetically modified food, pharmaceutical products, and potential risks involving pest control products.