Genetic Pollution: A Safe or Risky Bet?

Abstract

Genetic pollution is undesirable gene flow into wild populations. The term is usually associated with the gene flow from a genetically engineered (GE) organism (or genetically modified organism - GMO) to a non GE organism. Genetic pollution and collateral damage from GE field crops already have begun to wreak environmental havoc. Wind, rain, birds, bees, and insect pollinators have begun carrying genetically-altered pollen into adjoining fields, polluting the DNA of crops of organic and non-GE farmers. Once released, it is virtually impossible to recall genetically engineered organisms back to the laboratory or the field. Genetic Engineering is a very useful technique as per the agricultural or animal breeding aspects. We can modify the genes of an organism to improve or change its properties. This modification sometimes undesirably spreads into the neighbouring species via pollination or cross breeding which might either improve or deteriorate the properties of the organisms. This unwanted deterioration of natural organisms due to genetically tailored one’s cause genetic pollution. Genetically modified species have been extensively synthesized over recent years increasing the risk of genetic pollution more than ever.