Synthetic Biology Thesis Statement

What is synthetic biology?

(Caruso, 2008)In January 2008, scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute announced that they had created the first complete synthetic genome, setting the stage for the complete “reprogramming” of an organism with synthetic DNA.

Technologies that can read, map, and manipulate the genetic code of living organisms have escalated in power and capabilities over the past 30 years, yielding an unprecedented amount of data and a more sophisticated understanding of how genetic materials give form and function to living cells. This new knowledge has, in turn, given rise to a new engineering discipline for living organisms—a discipline that has become known as “synthetic biology.”

Thesis statement

The case study will provide

In the third and final case study bioethicist, (Wolpe, 2010)Paul Root Wolpe describes an astonishing series of recent bioengineering experiments, and asks “Isn't it time to set some ground rules”?

Wolphe begins by establishing logos with explaining the stages of evolution and going on to give examples of bioengineered animals.

By telling us about the "bugbot" DARPA has created, he shocks us a little, as these bugs can be used for surveillance or someday-delivering ordinance to warzones.

After more examples, like the monkey that can move a prosthetic arm with his brainwaves or the eel brain that can control a cart, Wolphe raises the question of whether it is morally correct. He wonders what the moral standards will be once scientists surpass animal testing and move on to human engineering. The moral standards pertaining to genetic engineering are indeed questionable and scientists should not go as far as removing autonomy, but genetic engineering could provide a new life for many