The history of genetic engineering can be traced back to historic times. Animal and plant breeders have found ways to alter and change genes to their advantage for thousands of years. For example, yeast fermentation was used to manipulate the seeds. But the actual science of genetic engineering came much later. Genetic engineering is based on genetics; a science started from the early 1900’s, based on experiments by the Austrian monk, Gregor Mendel.

Genetic engineering has enabled scientists to change the DNA of living organisms by various laboratory techniques. DNA is the blueprint for the individuality of an organism. The organism relies upon the information stored in its DNA for the management of every biochemical process. The life, growth and unique features of the organism depend on its DNA. The segments of DNA, which have been associated with specific features, or functions of an organism are called genes. DNA provides the genetic blueprint for all living organisms that influences the physical and mental actions and abilities. With the advent of DNA research and the ability to change gene expressions, it is now possible that scientists may be able to change human capacities, whether they be physical, cognitive, or emotional.

There are many applications of genetic engineering in our everyday life. Progress in this field has impacted technology in several areas and has contributed towards many benefits of humankind.

Medicine - Genetic engineering is able to treat many illnesses and conditions with the human body which were previously much more harmful. Many medicines and treatments are available only because of this technology. Today, there are drugs and vaccines which have the ability to treat cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and arthritis.

The potential of genetic engineering to cure medical conditions opens the question of exactly what such a condition is. Some view aging and death as medical conditions and therefore potential targets for engineering solutions. They see human genetic engineering potentially as a key tool in this. Theoretically genetic engineering could be used to drastically change people's genomes, which could enable people to re-grow limbs and other organs, perhaps even extremely complex ones such as the spine.

Agriculture - Much of the food we eat are in some way connected to genetic engineering. In fact, about 60 percent of our food has some sort of biotechnology in it. By taking traits from one organism and putting it into a food, the food can be altered in many ways, like having it last longer, taste better, and grow faster and larger. It can also be designed to be more immune to certain diseases. With less farmers and a greater need of food, genetic engineering can be the savior for this very important field. The first food made by recombinant DNA methods and put on shelves was the Flavr Savr tomato in 1994 which solved the farmers problem of spoilage due to transportation over long days.

Industry - The ability of bacteria to produce chemicals can be used in other areas as well such as in the cheese industry. Also, genetically related advances and business is booming.

Terrorism - Former Soviet Union used traits in many organisms to make biological weapons and viruses never before heard of.

But are these Claims really true?? Will this concept actually bring a revolution in the world of Science? Just to consider few of the fundamental weaknesses of the concept. Genetic Engineering is still considered as an imprecise technology. A gene can be cut precisely from the DNA of an Organism, but the insertion into the target organism is basically random. As a consequence, there is a risk that it may disrupt the functioning of other genes essential to the life of that organism.

Although Genetic Engineering provides humans with a variety of optimistic opportunities never before experienced, it brings with it series of fears and pessimistic possibilities. Terrorism, a disease that plagues the world will only be enhanced with this advancement in knowledge. Genetic Engineering simply constructs viruses faster and easier than ever before experienced, and the test-tube brings with it the possibility of never-before seen diseases as well.

Scientists are experimenting with very delicate, yet powerful forces of nature, without full knowledge of the repercussions. Scientists do not yet understand living systems completely enough to perform DNA surgery without creating mutations which could be harmful to the environment and our health. Genetic Engineers in Agriculture intend to profit by patenting genetically engineered seeds. When a farmer plants these seeds, as all have an identical genetic structure, virus or pest in one crop could lead to widespread crop failure. Insects, birds etc carrying these seeds into neighboring fields can threaten our entire food supply.

Genetic Engineering can lead to lot of health hazards. As it uses material from Organisms that have never been part of human food supply, without long term testing no one knows if these food are safe. It can cause unexpected mutations in an organism, which can create new and higher levels of toxins in foods. It may produce unforeseen and unknown allergens in foods. The influence of a genetically engineered organism on the food chain may damage the local ecology. The new organism may compete successfully with wild relatives, causing unforeseen changes in the environment. Once genetically engineered organisms, bacteria and viruses are released into the environment it is impossible to contain or recall them. Unlike chemical or nuclear contamination, negative effects are irreversible.

This asserts that an action which is risky and could possibly cause widespread and irreversible damage should not be pursued, especially when there is lack of full scientific certainty about the outcome of the action on the organism itself and the wider environment.

The advantages created by genetic engineering, either real or perceived, could lead to new forms of inequality between those with genetic enhancements and those without while also exacerbating current inequalities between the rich and poor.

The stunning achievement of Dolly’s birth created a firestorm of coverage and reaction from the media, scientists and lawmakers. Certainly there has been successful cloning from the past. Now that the “Cloning Genie” is out of the bottle, what can be done and what should be done? If we can clone humans, should we?  If parents could choose the gender, body type, hair color and intelligence of their child like the flavors of an ice-cream cone, should they be allowed? What about the future?  It is easy to let your imagination explode!

Who will be benefiting and who will be affected? Is it we who will take the benefit and let our future generations be affected, or even we may be affected? But it may be too late then to control. We could choose to have changes made to us, but we might also be making the choice for our children if the changes are carried through to the germline. Do we have that right, and how far should we take our ability?

One immoral, unethical, and greatly feared outcome of this area of science is the prospect of cloning. While this method provides irreplaceable medical uses, recreation of humans is a matter worth debating. It could lead to the creation of a "perfect race", a resemblance to a Nazi dream of a globe of people carrying the same characteristics. It could lead to the ultimate annihilation of a notion that human society thrives upon, individuality. Results could be terrifying yet alluring, immortality one amidst many.