Tanyia Bynum

12 September 2016
Introduction to Engineering
Engineering Discipline Assignment
Problem #1
1

Engineering Discipline Assignment

The engineering discipline I am interested in is Genetic Engineering because, there has

been a lot of controversy which makes me want to research it more. The problem I would like to
solve is the antibiotic resistance with genetically modified food, because if antibiotic dont kill
off certain bacteria that would cause a spread of diseases with no medication to treat them.
There has been test and studies done that has proven that antibiotic resistant do present a
health threat. However, its natural and can only cause a real threat if grown in certain places but
it isnt too much of a threat, actually the real threat is in the horrible management of antibiotics
in human and animal medicine. (Halford, 2011, p. 151) Something that can be improved, is
doing more studies and trying to figure out another way to transfer genetics in plants. Genetically
modified foods are still new, so there is a lot of unknowns, so there might be a safer way to
create these crops. In order to help solve this problem I would need to learn about restriction
enzymes, type II restriction endonucleases and the use, restriction mapping, DNA modifying
enzymes, nuclease, polymers, enzymes that modify the end of DNA molecule and DNA ligases.
(Arora, 2008) After I have the knowledge about that I would have to learn how the genetically
modify food now, and learn different ways to do it. If I figure out another way I would have to
take test to make sure its safe. If I cant find another way, I would have to try to come out with
technology or another form of medication if the worse was to happen. Some scientists claim that
there wont be a threat, but if something does happen it would be nice to have a backup antibiotic
to create more medications. The problem of antibiotic resistances is still happening, even without
the genetically modified food. Now it may take some patience and persistence, but Im up for the
challenge.

References

Arora, M. P. (2008). Genetic Engineering. Humalya Publishing House.

Halford, N. G. (2011). Genetically Modified Crops(2). Imperial College Press.