Acta Médica del Centro (Jan 2021)
Transgenesis: an approach to its risks and benefits
Abstract
Introduction: transgenesis is one of the most recent and controversial technologies of recent times. It consists of the construction of new combinations of genetic material by inserting a deoxyribonucleic acid of interest in a vector that allows it to replicate, remain in the cells of the recipient organism and express itself. Objective: to identify the main risks and benefits of transgenesis. Methods: scientific literature was reviewed in the period from 2016 to 2020. Academic Google, Pubmed and SciELO databases were used. Seventy-seven articles were reviewed, 30 of which met the inclusion criteria. Results: the main risks and benefits of transgenesis were identified with respect to plants (transgenic foods), animals and humans. Proponents of this technology argue that transgenic production would favour crop and livestock production and the possibility of medicines and medical products; opponents identify a number of risks to such important legal assets as health (individual and collective), the environment and biodiversity. The negative impact of the patents of the large transnationals is added. Conclusions: Biotechnology has allowed scientific-technical progress and has sought a better life, but not making a reflective and controlled use of this knowledge could put our lives and those of future generations at risk. Transgenesis cannot be catalogued as good or bad, it is only a tool, everything depends on the controlled, rational, sustainable and conscious use that is given to it.
