Gene Editing vs. Genetic Engineering: The Indian Perspective

What is Gene Editing?

Gene editing is the process of making precise and targeted changes within an organism's genes without incorporating DNA from another species. Advanced tools like CRISPR-Cas9 empower scientists to deactivate, enhance, or modify specific genes already present in the plant genome.

Indian Context

The Indian mustard variety currently seeking regulatory approval has been developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. It is entirely free from foreign DNA, clearly categorizing it under gene editing rather than genetic modification.

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering involves the insertion of a gene from a different species into an organism to introduce new traits that do not naturally exist. These modified crops are referred to as transgenic crops.

Indian Context

Genetically modified crops, such as Bt cotton, contain bacterial genes that provide pest resistance. In contrast, the gene-edited mustard does not involve any gene transfer across species.

Why Is the Mustard Case Important?

The mustard case represents a notable policy shift in India towards endorsing gene-edited crops over traditional genetically modified crops.

Key Facts

• The mustard lines have been developed by the Institute of Plant Genome Research.
• The technology employed is CRISPR-based and free of transgenes.
• This genetic modification reduces glucosinolate levels in specific plant parts, enhancing oil quality without altering the entire plant.
• Final evaluations are being carried out under ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Project.

How Does Regulation Differ?

• Gene-edited crops (without foreign DNA): These undergo quicker regulatory approvals in India due to reduced biosafety concerns.
• Genetically engineered crops: These are subject to stringent biosafety, environmental, and food safety evaluations.

The regulatory framework illustrates India’s commitment to fostering innovation, productivity, and climate resilience through gene editing.

Why Does Gene Editing Face Less Public Resistance?

Gene editing experiences comparatively lower public opposition, as it does not introduce external genes, entails highly precise modifications, and mimics changes similar to accelerated natural mutations. Consequently, concerns related to food safety and ecological imbalance are diminished.

What Other Examples Support This Shift?

India has already introduced gene-edited rice varieties like Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100, which have achieved yield increases of up to 19% by editing stress-related genes. Currently, over 40 crops are under research employing similar gene-editing techniques.

Why Is This Distinction Important for Civil Services Preparation?

The mustard case links biotechnology to vital themes such as food security, regulatory reforms, climate-resilient agriculture, and science–policy coordination. A clear understanding of the differences between gene editing and genetic engineering is crucial for GS II, GS III, essay writing, and interview discussions. A wise administrator must balance innovation with caution to ensure that scientific progress benefits both farmers and the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the difference between gene editing and genetic engineering?
Answer: Gene editing makes precise changes within an organism's genes without foreign DNA, whereas genetic engineering involves inserting genes from other species to create new traits.

Q2. Why is the mustard variety significant in India?
Answer: The mustard variety represents a shift towards gene-edited crops, highlighting India's regulatory focus on innovation and food security.

Q3. How do gene-edited crops differ in regulation compared to genetically modified crops?
Answer: Gene-edited crops face faster regulatory approvals due to lower biosafety concerns, while genetically modified crops undergo rigorous assessments.

Q4. What are some examples of gene-edited crops in India?
Answer: India has released gene-edited rice varieties like Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100, which have shown significant yield improvements.

Q5. Why is gene editing less opposed by the public?
Answer: Gene editing is viewed as less controversial because it does not involve external genes and mimics natural genetic variations, reducing safety concerns.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What technology is primarily used in gene editing?
A) CRISPR-Cas9
B) Genetic modification
C) Transgenic engineering
D) RNA interference
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: Which of the following crops is an example of genetic engineering?
A) Gene-edited mustard
B) Bt cotton
C) Pusa Rice DST1
D) DRR Dhan 100
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is a primary concern regarding genetically modified crops?
A) Yield improvement
B) Environmental impact
C) Regulatory ease
D) Genetic diversity
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: The mustard case in India primarily emphasizes what aspect of biotechnology?
A) Food security
B) Water conservation
C) Pest resistance
D) Soil health
Correct Answer: A

Question 5: Why is gene editing considered precise?
A) It involves random mutations
B) It uses external genes
C) It targets specific genes
D) It alters entire genomes
Correct Answer: C