Genetic modification is becoming closer and closer to an everyday possibility. With this possibility comes a whirlwind of possible effects, both positive and negative. There has been a history of opposition towards these technologies, oftentimes because of fear that the capabilities would be abused. However, the potential that newborns could be born free of hereditary diseases outweighs the fear of “designer babies”.…
Human genetic engineering is the process by which the human genome is being modified and manipulated in order to remove or select certain genes. Moreover, traits that are desirable can be selected, and preventing the genetic causes of diseases is possible. Human genetic engineering, as a new field, has raised a lot of questions and ethical issues. I argue about where we should put the limits for our genetic editing. Should we just use it to prevent harmful diseases or can we carry on with the modification and choosing the desirable traits of our future generations? Who decides? Who has the right to object? I will try my best to provide reasonable answers to those questions throughout my series of blogs, based on scientific articles that talk about its controversial and ethical aspects.…
Genetic engineering (GE) is also known, as genetic modification is the process of organisms that are genetically modified. In this process the goal is to transfer new DNA to an organism so it can improve its habits and make new cells.…
Did the team achieve a good balance in their presentation of material? Were all sections well integrated as part of a cohesive presentation? Explain.…
By using the techniques of genetic engineering scientists are able to modify genetic materials so that a particular gene of interest from one cell can be incorporated into a different cell. It is necessary to obtain a gene to modify genetic material. First a scientist isolates plasmid DNA from bacteria and DNA carrying a gene of interest from cells of another organism, such as an animal. A piece of DNA containing the gene is inserted into a plasmid, producing recombinant DNA, and the recombinant plasmid is returned to a bacterial cell. This cell is then grown in culture forming a clone of cells. The foreign DNA spliced into the plasmid is replicated with the rest of the plasmid as the host cell multiplies. In this way, the gene of interest is cloned. A critical step in gene cloning is the identification of the bacterial clone carrying the gene of interest.…
Genetic engineering can be very beneficial for the upcoming generations. There are risks associated with genetic modifications to any organism. New diseases may be introduced accidentally, however with time and effort, these could be eradicated, effectively “perfecting” the human race. Genetic engineering should only be performed on an…
The human genome project, together with research on stem cells, will form the basis of most medical treatments in the next few decades.…
With a complete map of the human genome, a plethora of new possibilities for the advancement of medical science arise. The key players involved in this massive undertaking include Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the government founded project, and Dr. Craig Ventor, the head of a…
If the modification is performed improperly the damage inflicted could prove to be irreversible. At one point when testing on animals it has been shown that “germline introduction of an improperly regulated normal gene resulted in pogency of the modified animal with no obvious effects on development, but enhanced tumor incidence during adult life” (Hall 162). Along with the fact that “although such methods may be undertaken to fabricate improved humans, in some cases, by accident or intent, the outcomes will be quasi-human or less than human” (Hall 164) people are hesitant to make this method of medicine wide spread. Another reason why people are worried about the mass populace utilizing this technology is due to the fact that some may consider it “a satanic act of disbelief and corruption that would change the nature with which God created human beings” (Sachedina 190). Other ethical concerns may include the “deep-seated fear of the further deterioration of social and familial values” (Sachedina 192) that could possibly occur through the overuse of cloning and genetic engineering technology. As a result of these factors concerned individuals have spoken out against the use of such technologies in favor of safer and more commonly accepted methods of curing the ill and providing crops for…
Genetic engineering is a process in which scientists transfer genes from one species to another totally unrelated species. Usually this is done in order to get one organism to produce proteins, which it would not naturally produce. The genes taken from one species, which code for a particular protein, are put into cells of another species, using a vector. This can result in the cells producing the desired protein. It is used for producing proteins which can be used by humans, such as insulin for diabetics and is also used to make organisms better at surviving, for example genetically modifying a plant so that it can survive in acidic soil.…
Over the years medicine has evolved drastically, reaping extreme advantages for more than half the world's population. One form of medicine is gene therapy, a technique first developed in 1972 and one that has grown into a promising treatment option for many genetic mutations, diseases, or syndromes. The more time passes, the stronger gene therapy gets in being a promising solution treatment option. The ultimate goal is to present information that explains why gene therapy is beneficial to society and how it has and will continue, to help provide normal lives for young patients, cure adults of rare diseases or conditions, and improve the overall standard of living of all patients.…
Personalized medicine is the tailoring of medical treatment for an individual with the unique characteristics for each patient. This approach is a scientific breakthrough for us to understand how a person’s unique molecular and genetic profile makes them susceptible to certain diseases. This same research is increasing our ability to predict and recognize which medical treatments will be safe and effective for each patient (Consumer Health, 2007). The Human Genome project of 2003, enlighten our understanding of the genetic component of disease that will continue to shape the medicine practices in the near future. The map is very…
My topic is genetic engineering of human embryos. There are currently two different approaches to this manipulation: embryo elimination or genetic alterations. There are ethical issues regarding genetic engineering. Altering or eliminating defective embryos to ensure a healthy child is acceptable. Modification of the genetic makeup of an embryo to attain desired characteristics or the creation of a designer baby is unethical. In addition the creation of designer babies through genetic engineering to create smarter more attractive or athletic children, due to its expense, will further widen the gap between the rich and poor. Finally, religious groups consider the modification of an embryo unethical due to the concerns about doctors “playing god.”…
After the completion of the Human Genome Project, scope for genetic engineering was greatly expanded. Every part of human DNA was mapped and recorded for its role in the DNA. This also made changes in DNA possible, allowing scientists to remove or fix any mutations that could lead to harmful consequences. Due to the success of the project it is possible that in a few years couples may even be able to design their children by picking not only their children’s physical appearance but also their children’s mental capacity. Although scientist will be capable of making customized babies, a question remains. Is this ethical and truly a good idea? Though most may like the thought of a customized baby, the truth is that this will only lead to a confused and segregated world. Every perspective of a customized baby such as picking gender, birth defects, and traits is full of problems.…
century and will be of great value to the field of medicine. The project will…