Genetically Modified Organisms

SUBJECT: Genetically Modified Organisms

Overview

The image of a genetically modified egg, presented at the contemporary and modern art museum

of Trento and Rovereto (mart) in Italy, is a novel concept by British designer Dominic Wilcox.

The idea for a ‘genetically modified egg cup’ is aimed at placing a spotlight on the possibilities,

both positive and negative, of genetic modification.

GM is a very real part of contemporary society and will take human and animal life into

unpredictable directions in our future world. Wilcox believes it is important that we raise

discussion on every step of the scientific progress in order to make sure we, as a culture, use the

positive aspects of these discoveries while avoiding the potential dangers. The all-in-one egg and

cup is one small example of potential uses of GM in order to make everyday life a little bit

easier. Wilcox ponders a future where the redesign of organic life such as fruit and plants may take

on new shapes and forms that accommodate our lives more appropriately. With his project, Wilcox

also brings up the prospective issues surrounding public concern of problems generated from GM

intervention – from one solution a problem also can arise – what is the fate of a hen that needs to

lay a cube-shaped egg?

Genetically Modified Egg Design by Dominic Wilcox

Provide a short opinion piece on Wilcox’s design, especially as it pertains to the ongoing debate

surrounding GMOs and Genetically Engineered (GE) crops. Responses should range anywhere

between 600 and 800 words. Your discussion should not be limited to Wilcox’s design, instead,

students are expected to weigh in on existing public concerns surrounding genetic-based

interventions. You can certainly consult with existing scientific literature and appropriate online

sources to support your paper, but this is not mandatory.