Genetic Modification Essay

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Genetic modification (also referred to as genetic engineering) is the alteration of the genetic code (DNA) of an organism through biotechnological processes. Through manipulation of an organism’s DNA changes can be made to traits which are expressed (its phenotype). Humans have been altering the phenotypes of organisms for many years through selective breeding (known as artificial selection), however genetic modification allows the direct manipulation of an organism’s genetic code, allowing for targeted and immediate alterations, an organism whose genome has been altered, is referred to as a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). In recent years, the possibilities which genetic modification creates has improved with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
There are two main types of human genetic modification, germline and somatic modifications. Germline modifications, occur when the embryo or the sex cells (egg and sperm) are modified, this means that any modification is heritable. Conversely, somatic modifications are not heritable and thus any changes are confined to the modified person. A very controversial application of human genetic modification is designer babies. Designer babies refers to babies which have been genetically modified to possess the characteristics which are desired by the parents, this could include choosing the height, eye colour, and intelligence of the child before it is born. This could help improve the life of modified individuals and improve society as enhanced individuals are able to work on common problem is our current society. Designer babies pose as an important ethical dilemma for humans, however it is still something which modern science is unable to achieve. Genetic modification of humans has a significant number of potential applications, one of the most notable is the removal of genetic diseases is an application. There are a large number of genetic disorders which affect human populations, including: sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and more. Through genetic modification processes it would be possible to remove the faulty gene, and thus remove the genetic
A major concern with human genetic modification is that there may be unforeseen side effects from altering their genome. This is of particular concern if it is a germline modification, as offspring may inherit the alteration. Furthermore, if human modification eventually reached the point of designer babies and enhanced humans, there is some concern that those who were unmodified would be at a significant disadvantage in most facets of life, and thus could create a divide between the modified and the unmodified. As genetic modifications would likely be an expensive process, there is concern that only the wealthy would be able to undergo the modifications and thus only the wealthy would receive the enhancements afforded by genetic modification, this would further disadvantage low income groups. Genetic modification could also be misused by groups and governments to produce ideal humans for certain jobs and roles, such as enhanced humans bred for being soldiers, this would create ethical concerns of the right of the individual to choose what they want to do. It could also create pressure for families to modify their children even if it something they do not want, so that they can be more competitive in the new standard. There is some concern from religious groups that modifying humans is akin to ‘playing God’ and that it is a step too far. However, some religious groups suggest that the

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