Genetic engineering

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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:

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?