Genetic engineering of animals has become a hotly debated topic in both secular and religious settings because of recent technological advances in the field and the profound unnatural outcome of the process. In other words, genetic engineering in animals is a genetic development in organisms that is not in accordance with the laws of nature. Animals that have been genetically altered include micro-organisms such as yeast and fungi and others like mammals, insects, and plants. The primary areas of debate are the labling of GM (genetically modified) foods, the extent of government regulation in the process, concerns about the consequences of genetic modification, and the overall health and safety of animals being used for this system. Because of the countless benefits of pursuing and using genetically engineered animals, the system should continue but should also receive heightened regulation by the government to secure extended rights for animals and proper safety for humans.
Genetic modifying of animals found its beginning and the beginning of controversy in America nearly forty years ago. “Genetic engineering is a process in which scientists use recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to introduce desirable traits into an organism” (Animal & Veterinary). During 1972, a Stanford University professor documented the first compilation of recombinant DNA, in other words; he recombined DNA molecules from preexisting DNA. Not soon after this discovery, the methodology was pursued by scientists at the University of California where they successfully transferred the recombined DNA into bacteria. Not only could the DNA be properly sustained and duplicated but it could also function like normal cells. Not long after these profound discoveries...
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...vely and wisely. Theology and basic morality provide the limits to genetic engineering and the governments in the world should stay within these limits.
Works Cited
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Ormandy, Elisabeth, Julie Dale, and Gilly Griffin. "Current context of genetically engineered animals." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Oct. 1930. Web. 5 Apr. 2014.
Usage of genetic modification to pick and chose features and personality traits of embryos could conceivably occur in future times. Wealthy individuals could essentially purchase a baby with built-in genetic advantages (Simmons). Ethically, these seem immoral. Playing God and taking control over the natural way of life makes some understandably uneasy. Ultimately, religious and moral standpoints should play a role in the future of genetic engineering, but not control it. Genetic engineering’s advantages far outweigh the cost of a genetically formulated baby and
Science and technology are rapidly advancing everyday; in some ways for the better, and in some, for worse. One extremely controversial advance is genetic engineering. As this technology has high potential to do great things, I believe the power genetic engineering is growing out of control. Although society wants to see this concept used to fight disease and illness, enhance people 's lives, and make agriculture more sustainable, there needs to be a point where a line is drawn.
Genetic engineering is nothing new. “Genetic engineering refers to a set of technologies that are being used to change the genetic makeup of cells and move genes across species boundaries to produce novel organisms.” (“What is Genetic Engineering?”). Using genetic engineering will allow parents to choose what traits their child will have. For example, the color of the child’s eyes, skin and hair will be decided. As well as, choosing the height of the baby and weight it will be able to be. Scientists are also finding ways to eliminate diseases in babies, “in February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to consider conducting clinical trials to test out genetic manipulation techniques to prevent mitochondrial disease from occurring in offspring.” (Ghose). With all the advancements science has made, being able to cure and vaccinate against diseases isn’t much of a shock. But when will the ethics come into ...
Mae-Wan, Ho. Genetic engineering : dream or nightmare? : turning the tide on the brave new world of bad science and big business. New York : Continuum, 2000.
Evans, J. H. (2002). Playing god?: Human genetic engineering and the rationalization of public bioethical debate. University of Chicago Press.
...r, human genetic engineering is not immoral; the failure to use such a technology is truly what is unjust. To negate the resolution is to turn a person away from a possible cure, from a chance to prolong life. I have shown that human genetic engineering can improve the health of the society by both curing disease and prolonging live. Both benefits are worthy goals of any just society. These possible benefits of genetic engineering, those of curing disease and prolonging life, outweigh any possible "side-effects" that may occur with the development of any new technology. But we must remember that we do not rush into any new technology; human genetic engineering will be done carefully as with any technology, so that we may maximize the benefits of such a great gift to society. For these reasons, I affirm the resolution, "Human genetic engineering is morally justified."
... within the realm of the individual's definition of character. The issue of whether the institution of genetic engineering would be seen as 'sane' falls to the individual to determine. If the precepts, as defined by the community, fall within the individual's own sense of 'good' and are acceptable to his character, then it is to be considered 'sane'. If these elements are not in accordance with personal definitions of 'good' it would fall outside the confines of the individual's character and would not be defined as 'sane'.
Genetically modified organisms are created when genetic material is taken from one organism and transferred into another (Young 1). Such materials may pose health risks not only to animals, but also to the environment and
As society continues to evolve, and progress so do the needs of the population. New advancements in biotechnology, particularly the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) have become a controversial topic in the early 21st century. What makes it controversial is that the process involves an organism whose genetic material has been modified due to genetic engineering techniques. Technology is used to alter the makeup of organisms such as animals, plants, or bacteria. GMO's are the source of many modified foods and are used widely in scientific research to produce other goods as well. (Wald, 2013) The controversy lies within the ethics, legal and social prospects.
Genetically modified organisms are defined as, “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene from another organism using the techniques of genetic engineering” (“AAAS”, 2012). Typi...
Sandel, M. J. The case against perfection, ethics in the age of genetic engineering. Belknap Press, 2007. Print.
Genetic engineering on animals is the latest experimental practice used in the world of biomedical research. It has allowed the progression of human understanding towards the study of diseases and medicine. With the emergence of this technology, comes a wide range of ethical issues that need to be addressed, such as the welfare and the uncertainty of predisposed risk towards the animal. Furthermore, the current state of this practice in the United States is still new. Therefore, there is little regulation by the government along with the scientific community in enforcing specific guidelines to consider the welfare of the animals. The implication of the scarcity of regulating genetic engineering opens the possibilities of mistreatment of animals
Genetically modified foods could cross-pollinate with other plants and create an entirely new species. In addition, there is the danger of biotech-resistant weeds and insects evolving. GMO’s have the potential to alter ecosystems in significant ways. Companies are currently engineering salmon, tilapia, carp, and other fish to promote faster growth or to provide resistance to certain diseases. Aquaculture farms are located in oceans and other bodies of water and the fish escape the nets regularly, ecologists worry that genetically modified fish could breed with natural fish.
Genetic engineering gives the power to change many aspects of nature and could result in a lot of life-saving and preventative treatments. Today, scientists have a greater understanding of genetics and its role in living organisms. However, if this power is misused, the damage could be very great. Therefore, although genetic engineering is a field that should be explored, it needs to be strictly regulated and tested before being put into widespread use. Genetic engineering has also, opened the door way to biological solutions for world problems, as well as aid for body malfunctions. I think that scientists should indeed stop making genetic engineering for humans, because it will soon prove to be devastating to the human race. It would cause rivalries and tension among different kinds of genetically engineered humans for dominance and power.
Genetic engineering is a way in which specific genes for an animal or plant can be extracted, and reproduced to form a new animal or plant. These new organisms will express the required trait for that gene. This practice is a very controversial topic within the scientific world. It is being implemented in various areas such as agriculture even though there are many alternatives that can be found for genetic engineered crops, such as organic materials and reducing leeching of the soil. The controversy regarding this practice occurs as it is believed to contribute both negative and positive implications and dangers, not only to oneself but the environment as a whole. Genetic engineering increases the agricultural economy, the yields of agricultural produce, and also causes negative effects on the ecosystem.