Genetic engineering involves the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. This allows modern scientists to shape characteristics of living things. This technology offers many positives, including the possibility of enabling people to live longer, or creating productive strains of grain or fruit that can feed greater numbers of people. However, some people are concerned about the Frankenstein-like possibility of abuse. This book describes genetic engineering as it is practiced today, and provides information about how genetic engineering can help the fight against sickness and famine. The Critical World Issues series explores some of the most controversial and newsworthy subjects in the modern world. Each book examines the facts about the issue being covered, with information about arguments and opinions from around the globe. Special research projects, as well as a great variety of additional resources, invite the reader to engage with the issues that are currently shaping our world. Each title in this series contains color photos throughout, maps, and graphics that will help student readers put major events into historical perspective. Back matter includes: timelines, a detailed index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.