Synthetic Cells Pros And Cons

Many believe synthetic cells will change the world we live in today. Recent developments in this field have proven that statement to be true. This development will impact the world in many ways; they will affect everything scientists know about this new synthetic life form. Synthetic cells have caused a stir in the debate of ethics, the effects of the cells, and the fields to which they apply. Though this recent creation has several negative effects, synthetic cells have impacted the world in more positive ways than negative.

Embryonic stem cells have caused a controversy since the conception of this great development, Anna David, Professor of University College London says, “I think (there’s) a lot more of an understanding about what’s

safe, what’s ethical,” (“The Savior Cells?”). Researchers and scientists around the world are coming together to address the question of whether or not it is unethical to create synthetic life. The debate compares the natural and unnatural forms of cells and what “unintended consequences” (“How did scientists succeed in creating ‘minimal’ genome?”) could follow this creation. This discovery that scientist could provide a basis for a new generation of mass produced organisms frightens some and could be considered ‘playing God’ (“How did scientists succeed in creating ‘minimal’ genome?”). The synthetic cell was

designed to engineer antibiotics, fuels, and drugs, new theories and experiments have helped create these things. The first synthetic cells, made in 2010 by Craig Venter and his team of researchers, were considered to be “brand new, artificial species”, these were not like the genomes found in nature. The discovery allowed scientists to replicate living cell membranes, scientists subsite complex network of biochemical pathways used in nature with a single auto catalyst that simultaneously drives membrane growth. “The idea of building whole genomes is one of the dreams and promises of synthetic biology,” (“‘Minimal’ cell raises stakes in race to harness synthetic life”). The Committee on Health and Commerce of the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing on May 27, 2010 the debate had a heavy impact on the public(“Balancing Benefits and Risks of Synthetic Biology”). The recent creation of synthetic cells has spread into and affected the lives of many, and will impact the entire population in the near future if synthetic cell research continues advancing at the rapid and successful pace it is now.

Synthetic cells are the ways of the future and although they carry several risks, the benefits outweigh those risks. The risks include scientist mutilating this amazing technological achievement and using the synthetic cells as biological weapons. The scientists developing these cells have been forced to regulate safe handling of these synthetic organisms. William Fitzpatrick of Virginia Tech believes these cells could also be considered environmental hazards and are not easily controlled (“Is Synthetic Life Dangerous?”). However great the risks are, the benefits are greater. These benefits include the cells ability to remove environmental contaminants this could

clean the polluted air.

The cells could also be used to diagnose diseases in humans and animals, and could be used to develop drugs and vaccines, thus increasing efficiency in bio manufacturing and chemical technology (“How did scientists succeed in creating ‘minimal’ genome?”). The public sees the cons of this new development to the unpredictability of the creation. Adina Roskies, a professor of philosophy and bioethics Dartmouth College states, “I don’t think there’s anything on the face of it that’s particularly troubling. It doesn’t seem different, really, than fiddling with genomes, which we’ve been able to do for a while” (“Is Synthetic Life

Dangerous?”).

These synthetic cells are very useful because they are not limited to medical advancements.

The synthetic cells apply their work to other fields such as in industry. The creator of the cells Craig Venter, has co-founded a company has been made to harness synthetic cells for making industrial products, says that the achievement messengers the creation of customized cells to make drugs, fuels and other products. But there has been an explosion in powerful ‘gene-editing’ techniques, which enable relatively easy and selective tinkering with genomes, “The idea of building whole genomes is one of the dreams and promises of synthetic biology,” says Paul Freemont, a synthetic biologist at Imperial College London (“‘Minimal’ cell raises stakes in race to harness synthetic life”). In the medical field, adult stem cells have been discovered to be used for medical treatments such as bone marrow transplants, whereas embryonic stem cells can be developed into tissue types stem cell “lines” (“About Synthetic Biology’). The discovery of the ability to grow cells allows scientists to replicate living cell

membranes.

This scientific cartoon depicts the controversial subject of synthetic cells. It addresses the recent development in safely using the cells. Scientists have successfully created the process to use the cells in a proactive way in the medical field.

Despite the effective and difference making positive effects of synthetic cells in the medical field and industry, there are several important negative aspects as well. Some could argue there are more negative aspects than positive. The larger problems concerning synthetic cells are the unknown facts in the public’s eyes. The general population’s lack of education on the subject confuses and frightens most. Critics have also argued that the benefits of synthetic biology are not significant enough to justify the associated risks (“Do the benefits of synthetic biology outweigh the risks?”).Because of their lack of education on synthetic cells, many are weary of

the new development. Jim Collins, a bioengineer at Boston University says, “My worry is that some people are going to draw the conclusion that they have created a new life form,” (“About Synthetic Biology”)

In conclusion Synthetic cells are an amazing recent achievement have impacted and will continue to impact the world and the people of the world today. Researchers say this new method could lead to “revolutionary steps” in replacing skin, brain, and cell tissue (“Stem cells cultivated without using human or animal cells”). The future of this field in unlimited and will continue to flourish and advance.