Another fear people have about gene technology is what will be done with the information it may reveal about individuals who bear certain genetic diseases or carry certain traits. Let's say, for example, that a woman finds out she carries the gene associated with breast cancer. It does not necessarily mean she will develop the disease, depending on her health and nutritional habits. But might health insurance companies gain access to this information and deny her insurance coverage? This type of activity is already occurring as more genetic testing takes place.
If genetic engineering can produce plants with complete proteins so that humans have a diminished need to eat meat, what impact will this have on traditional agriculture--for example, on the beef and pork producers? Will people still want to eat beef, pork, chicken, and fish, or will they be willing to restrict their diets to plant nutrition only? Ask students for their opinions on this matter. It is possible that, at some point down the line, as plant protein is improved, animal protein will be less important. Are there, however, other nutrients supplied by animal flesh that one cannot get from plant sources in sufficient quantity?