What Are The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Modification

Genetic modification means changing the genes in a living cell. There are two types of genetic modification: non-inheritable genetic modification and inheritable genetic modification. Non-inheritable genetic modification changes the genes in cells other than egg or sperm cells. If a lung disease is caused by defective lung cell genes, it might be possible to treat the disease by modifying the genes in those lung cells. Such changes are not passed to future children. Applications of this sort are currently in clinical trials, and are generally considered to be socially acceptable. (Genetics and Society) There is already established history of genetic engineering in the area of manipulating human genes. So far, there has been considerable success in the treatment of immune system disorders using a technique of gene substitution. This relatively simple use of genetic engineering technology has so far permanently cured over ten people, and it is still in the early stages of development. The only downside has been that several other people have contracted leukemia as a result of attempting to use this technology. These
Roughly 1,000 to 4,000 children born in the United States each year will develop a mitochondrial disease, most by age 10, with symptoms that can range from mild to devastating. These diseases typically prevent mitochondria from converting food into energy and are the result of genetic abnormalities, although some cases can be caused by exposures to toxins. Disorders caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA are passed down from the mother. Developers of these modification techniques say they are a way for women with mitochondrial disease to give birth to healthy children to whom they are related genetically. Some are also promoting their use for age-related infertility. But these procedures are deeply problematic in terms of their medical risks and societal implications. (New York