Genetic Engineering - Nonfiction Reader Response

The book that I am currently reading is Genetic Engineering by Steve Parker.  This book talks about what genetic engineering is and how everything works. Genetic engineering is when you study and/org examine living cells and their DNA, while experimenting on them. There is a wide selection of living organisms that genetic engineers can experiment on. From human DNA cells to a flowe'rs cell.

A passage that I found interesting in the book is about "What Are Genetic Conditions?", stating, "The  genes for the human body are instructions, not only for the finished body, but for the developing and growing process, too. If there is a tiny fault, such as a missing gene or one which is slightly altered, the body may not be able to develop or work normally. There are thousands of different genetic conditions. Some have little effect on healthy, although they may be noticeable. Examples are a red mark on the skin, called a birthmark, or an extra finger or toe. Other genetic conditions can cause serious healthy problems. If the heart does not develop in the normal way, for example, it may not pump blood around the body effectively." I thought this was very interesting because of how it explained that there are many genetic conditions and the author told me some types of conditions. It was very intriguing to learn more about genetic conditions, so my curiousity searched up more information about the possible genetic conditions.

Some of the things that I have learned from reading this book is about GMO's, Genetic Conditions, and lastly, Faulty Genes.GMO stands for 'genetically modified organisms'. Genetically engineered foods could possibly have a different size and/or a different taste, also even the texture and consistency. Moral of the story, genetically modified foods could be different from the original foods, and could even be the same. Genetic Conditions are, to put it in my own words, abnormality. A genetic condition that I found interesting was about the heart. If the human heart isn't developed correctly due to the faulty gene, it would have a major impact in the human body.

I was surprised when I was really into the book, because usually I don't really read non fiction on my free time, but after reading this book, I may take interest into more non fiction books. Considering the fact that I would like to be in the medical field when I grow up, Genetic Engineering will probably be another suggestion for my future career.


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