Genetic Engineering
Two years ago, genetically engineered bacteria, which unexpectently killed beneficial soil fungi, escaped into sewers through human error and have become toxic to plants and survived when expected not to.3 These are the sorts of consequences that come with playing God. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) - the chemical compound that makes up the genes and determines the type of proteins a cell can make - is the core of genetic engineering. It can be manipulated in ways we could never dream of such as a new species of a catwoman or fishman.
There are so many questions that each person must ask each other before making any sort of decision that would effect the future of genetic engineering towards humans. The risks of DNA combinations can be enormous and unexpected such as the formation of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, linkage of DNA molecules with tumour-causing viruses and the introduction of toxin-formation or antibiotic resistant genes.1
Thus all risks must be taken into consideration. Genetic engineering has already been demonstrated in cattle and studies have shown linkage of DNA molecules with ulcers, cancer and heart disease.1
Unfortunately, regulation of biochemical research ethics has been erratic and half-hearted for years. The United States allowed its only national bioethics commission to expire in 1989. 2 As for in-vitro research, the Reagan Administration cancelled federal funding a decade ago. 2 So work in this area has been priv...
Genetic engineering, sometimes called genetic modification, is the process to alter the structure and nature of genes in humans, plants, and animals (what is genetic engineering). Because DNA is a code that is universal, genes can be manipulated
The world of biotechnology is huge, but scientists are only beginning to explore the dangers and benefits of genetic engineering and it is going to become a very mainstream part of our lives.
Genes are, basically, the blueprints of our body which are passed down from generation to generation. Through the exploration of these inherited materials, scientists have ventured into the recent, and rather controversial, field of genetic engineering. It is described as the "artificial modification of the genetic code of a living organism", and involves the "manipulation and alteration of inborn characteristics" by humans (Lanza). Like many other issues, genetic engineering has sparked a heated debate. Some people believe that it has the potential to become the new "miracle tool" of medicine. To others, this new technology borders on the realm of immorality, and is an omen of the danger to come, and are firmly convinced that this human intervention into nature is unethical, and will bring about the destruction of mankind (Lanza).
The use of genetically engineering in agriculture and food production has an impact, not only on the environment and biodiversity, but also on human health. Therefore, thorough biosafety assessment requires, not only an evaluation of environmental impacts of genetically engineered organisms, but also an assessment of the risks that genetically engineered food pose for the health of consumers. Let us take deeper look at some of the aspects related to genetically engineered foods.
It is obvious that both sides of the genetic engineering debate have very valid arguments based on their beliefs. However, from the scientist standpoint the banning of genetic engineering research and techniques would be a rash mistake. For how can we know what might have been if we never try? And how can with move our world into the future without exploring progress? Therefore, under strict controls, safety precautions, and bans of unethical techniques, genetic engineering could very well be the key to a better world and a better life for all.
Genetic engineering is the intended modification to an organism’s genetic makeup. There have been no continuing studies on this topic or action so there is no telling whether or not it is harmless. Genetic engineering is not safe because scientists have no absolute knowledge about living systems. Given that, they are unable to do DNA surgery without creating mutations. Any interference on an organism’s genetic makeup can cause permanent damage, hereditary defects, lack of nutritious food, or a spread of dangerous diseases.
Human genetic engineering can provide humanity with the capability to construct “designer babies” as well as cure multiple hereditary diseases. This can be accomplished by changing a human’s genotype to produce a desired phenotype. The outcome could cure both birth defects and hereditary diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Human genetic engineering can also allow mankind to permanently remove a mutated gene through embryo screening as well as allow parents to choose the desired traits for their children. Negative outcomes of this technology may include the transmission of harmful diseases and the production of genetic mutations. The benefits of human genetic engineering outweigh the risks by providing mankind with cures to multiple deadly diseases.
As a result of the discussions, there should be an implementation of steps to guide decisions relating to genome engineering. The simplicity of CRISPR-Cas9 has “revolutionized the field of genetics and molecular biology” (par. 2) thus allowing anyone with a “knowledge of molecular biology to modify genomes” (par. 3). Before this technology became available, this was a very difficult or impossible task. For example, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, it is now possible to replace mutated genes that underlie liver-based metabolic disease in mice. Stem cells can be cultured to produce specific tissues such as heart muscle cells or neurons. CRISPR-Cas9 technology can also replicate the genetic basis for human diseases, which gives scientists insights into previously difficult to comprehend disorders. Along with its potential to change the world of medicine, there is the potential that this new technology may have unintended effects and could create unknown risks to human health and well-being. The authors point out that even straightforward medical scenarios raise concern over the possibility of unintended consequences because there are limits to the scientist’s knowledge of genetics, gene-environment interactions and the pathways of disease. Also, some of these genetic changes are heritable, raising significant concern for problems that could be passed to the next generation. All of these scenarios and examples show the urgent need for establishing guidelines for the implementation of genome engineering. In order to keep public trust in science, there must be transparency and open discussion regarding all decisions. Implementing these guidelines and decisions early in the process will ensure that these new technologies will benefit
Scientific breakthroughs in genetic engineering could not only have harmful physical effects on future generations but also sociological effects. Elimination of "defective" traits decreases a human being's ability to adapt to a changing environment. If global environments were to change drastically in the future, resistance to disease would mean the survival of the human race.
In the ever-changing world of technology, genetic engineering is on the rise. As with all new technologies, distrust reigns. However, genetic engineering is not the monster of mad scientists, and is instead a valuable tool that should be used.
The controversy of these issues stems from the immense potential in genetic sciences for both positive use and harmful misuse. Though the questions and fears of critics reflect the wisdom of caution, the potentially unlimited benefits mandate that we pursue these technologies.
Genetic engineering can have many possible risks. “Opponents of biotechnology and genetic engineering contend that too little is known about their overall impacts and that the risks outweigh the benefits”(“Biotechnology and Genetic..”). Opposers believe the possibilities of genetic engineering could harm people more than help them. Evidence shows that it is safer than the opposers often convey it to be. “Any new technology will have some risks, but the potential benefits of genetic engineering far outweigh the possible dangers”(“Biotechnology and Genetic..”). Genetic engineering offers people with life-threatening ailments a chance to live a full and healthy life. Genetic engineering’s benefits are well worth taking the risks.
Modification or alteration of deoxyribonucleic acid found in the chromosomes of a cell, otherwise known as genetic engineering, is beginning to grip more ground in the realm of scientific research and could possibly become a cornerstone for a completely technological future. With the growing curiosity and experimentation surrounding genetic engineering, there is also controversy sparking about the issue: should the government limit the research and abilities of genetic engineering?
The Safety of genetic engineering is something that presents much concern. Looking at the current precautions and previous precautions of the biotechnological industry can clear up the safety issue. The FDA and State Governments impose limits such as the illegalization of human cloning and limits on other genetic engineering processes. The only legal forms of genetic engineering that are used today are in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and sperm banks.
"The new science of genetic engineering aims to take a dramatic short cut in the slow process of evolution". In essence, scientists aim to remove one gene from an organism's DNA, and place it into the DNA of another organism. This would create a new DNA strand, full of new envcoded instructions, instru...