num_pages: 128
description: Genetic engineering is the deliberate alteration of an organism’s genes by human intervention. The genes of every organism give the organism a particular set of traits and allow it to pass on the traits to a new generation. Since 1953, when scientists discovered the workings of the genetic system, scientists have learned how to change the composition of genes and how to change the basic traits of an organism. Having the technology to alter the way organisms grow and evolve has stimulated controversy and public debate on the ethics of genetic engineering and the effects of genetic engineering on the environment, agriculture, medicine, and industry. Rumors about genetic engineering generate extremes of fear and hope. But in reality, genetic engineering is poised to create neither the horrors of the fearful nor the miracles of the hopeful. Whether beneficial or harmful, genetic engineering is revolutionizing the way we think about ourselves, the way we grow our food, and the way we care for ourselves and our environment. The Lucent Overview Series has won acclaim in the two leading review periodicals for libraries, "School Library Journal" and "Booklist."
language: English
title: Genetic Engineering
titlecomplete: Genetic Engineering (Lucent Overview Series)
ratings_count: 1
publisher: Lucent Books