Genetic Engineering and the Development of Disease-Resistant Strains<br />Genetic engineering is a revolutionary tool in life sciences, enabling scientists to modify the genetic makeup of living organisms to enhance their traits. One of its most important applications is the development of plant and animal strains resistant to diseases and pests, which contributes to food security and reduces dependence on pesticides and chemicals. In plants, techniques such as gene transfer are used to stimulate the production of natural defense compounds or to suppress genes responsible for disease susceptibility. For example, scientists have introduced genes from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria into crops like corn and cotton to produce insect-resistant varieties.<br />In livestock, genetic engineering can improve resistance to viral and bacterial diseases by modifying genes responsible for immune responses. This helps reduce mortality rates and economic losses. Moreover, these resistant strains contribute to minimizing the use of veterinary drugs, thus reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant microbes.<br />Despite its many advantages, this technology faces ethical and environmental challenges, such as concerns about gene transfer to wild species or unexpected effects on ecosystems. Therefore, continued research and strict regulations are essential to ensure the safety of this technology.<br /><br />🎓 Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq<br /><br />