Genetic engineering is a powerful and potentially very dangerous operation. Changing the sequence of DNA nucleotides that encode the structure of a complex living organism can have extremely negative effects, even though the potential benefit can be enormous. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Genetic engineering is a technology that has been introduced to modify the DNA of different species to make them more improved. Before advances in genetic applications, gene therapy was unknown and genetic defects were always inherited, plaguing generations. Today, genetic tests are widely available, such as prenatal chromosome karyotyping to check for genetic abnormalities. Genetic testing is also useful for families in whom autosomatic recessive disorders are known to exist when planning to have children. Additionally, genetic testing is available for people who may have inherited a genetic disorder that does not manifest itself until later in life. Individual choice decides whether a person would prefer to know whether they are particularly vulnerable to certain diseases or are more likely to die young. Knowing that your life may be short inspires you to make the most of it while it could equally cause severe depression. These advances in genetic engineering make the possibility of "custom-made babies" a reality. When you have the opportunity to change every aspect of every characteristic of a child, who would refuse? Why have an average child, when you can have one who is perfectly healthy, good-looking, intelligent, and has all the other desirable characteristics a parent could want? The benefits seem endless: the potential for a perfect society without physical imperfections, low intelligence, or undesirable personality traits. How far this might go is unpredictable; theoretically, humans could, for example, be made more efficient, requiring less food but capable of working more. Alternatively, one of the problems with all types of changes to the structure of human DNA is the resulting loss of natural variation. In addition to the possibility of very little variation in personality and appearance being unattractive, the loss of natural variation would halt the formation of new genes, thus severely diminishing the available gene pool. On a larger scale than life, natural variation is vital to the subtle adaptation that helps species adapt to environmental changes. If genetic alterations spread, genes 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 evident risks. However, perhaps one of the most dangerous risks of new advances is their undeniable potential for biological warfare. This potential for engineered resistant infections or diseases scares all nations. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The author believes that although some of the applications of current genetic engineering could be immensely used by humans, too little is known about the genetic structure to inflict the associated risks on the population.