Re: Yet More on Genetic Engineering

Xavier wrote:

>In orchids, artificial hybrids have been made that incorporate up to 7
>different genera. Even if the 7 genera all occurred in the same area, it
[Snip]
>complexity. And I have read (but no longer remember the source) that
>complex multigeneric hybrids have also been produced in the grass
>family.

Quite true Xavier and if I remember rightly, multi-generic
hybridisation was first attempted on a large scale with orchids.
However, this is not the same as the genetic engineering which
involves the splicing of genes from seemingly impossible sources.
Using whatever method - pollen storage etc. true hybridisation is just
that - where genetically compatible components are brought together.
In rare cases, incompatibles concerning differing levels of polyploidy
have been induced to combine, but again this has been more by luck
than design.  In GE we see an attempt for total control where genetic
components across the divide between animal and plant kingdoms are
brought together and forced to combine.  Who knows what the long term
results may be.  It is one thing citing multi-generic hybrids which by
their very existence must be at least partially compatible, but to
using this as a rationale for GE in its entirety, is invalid in my
opinion.

>Within the last few years, very complex hybrids have been produced in
[Snip
>inventions...or are kitchen appliances and power plants part of
>nature?).

With all due respect, Xavier, I feel you are confusing hybridisation
- admittedly taken to it's extreme, but still remaining 'natural',
with GE which defies all natural genetic combinations.  Some may be
benign - beneficial even, but we cannot forecast the ultimate outcome
of more bizarre aspects and even the introduction of natural predator
inhibitors may well spill over into the environment to cause untold
ecological damage which may not be apparent for 50 years or more.  

I don't want to get into this because it is way off topic and
philosophy is too personal to discuss here. But surely the human race
has done more than enough already to endanger its own future and that
of most  species in existence today, without taking further risks.

Dave Poole (normally totally apolitical and huge apologies for those
who take exception to the way this thread is going)
TORQUAY  UK
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