Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Biotechnology and Genetic Modification
Evaluating genetic modification
What is Evaluating genetic modification?
The structured comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of a particular genetic modification, ending in a conclusion that states the conditions it depends on. A complete evaluation names the modification, gives the biological mechanism, states a possible benefit and a possible risk that each follow from that mechanism, identifies the evidence that would be needed to decide, and reaches a conditional judgement. Risks are stated as possibilities rather than certainties, and benefits are tied to the specific application rather than claimed for the technology as a whole. Absolute statements such as all genetic modification being unsafe, or having no risks, are not supported by evidence about any single application.
This definition is part of the Biotechnology and Genetic Modification chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.