2 replies to this topic

[theowoo]

Is it just because of people's concept of "naturalness"-- cisgenesis is considered unnatural even though it involves only the transfer of genes among interbreedable organisms, analogous to traditional breeding?

Could it be related to the effectiveness-- because breeding makes use of site-specific recombination instead of random insert of cisgene?

Thanks!

(Please let me know if I've posted to the wrong forum._.)

[bob1]

Because genetic modification of many organisms is time consuming/expensive/very difficult to do - whereas breeding takes "unskilled" labour.

[leelee]

I think it is because, for the most part, the general non-scientific community don't understand how selective breeding works. And they find terms like "genetically modified organism" to be quite frightening. It all has to do with a lack of understanding, in my opinion.

I remember reading an article once where they asked people if they would eat food that had DNA in it. A staggering amount of people said NO, no realising that they already do!

I think it is up to us scientists to make sure that we do our best to inform our friends and families etc a little more about science. I'm not talking about ramming it down their throats, but just pointing things out. Like when your sister says, "kids get out of the puddle, you'll catch a cold", remind her that puddles don't cause colds, viruses do!
Knowledge is a wonderful thing!