Genetic engineering

Genetic Engineering (or genetic modification, GM) is the alteration of the genetic code (DNA) in plants and animals.

advantage

The metabolism can possibly optimized for the habitat:

• better endurance for dark periods (e.g. dust storms, havaries, etc. )
• ability to cope with dim sunlight (grow slow, but grow ...)
• ability to cope with radiation

risk

Compared with legacy vegetables the new developed genetically engineered plants may not be stable in the long run. Genetic alteration will be necessary after a while, maybe unexpectedly. It should be used only if the settlers have the ability to do corrections. Same with computer software. If a software bug shows up in a vital system (e.g. Y2K), the settlers would want someone who can fix it. DNA is a kind of software.

Open issues

• What genetic alterations exist up to now?