Our DNA, located within our chromosomes, is made up of genes that have been passed on to us from our parents. Every single cell in our body possesses it. It acts like the basic instructions of life. Genes carry the instruction code specifying the time and techniques for building different types of proteins in our body. These proteins perform man vital functions, some of them eventually defining our physical traits.
Genetic engineering is the alteration of an organism’s genes, to produce a specific protein that alters the organism’s physical abilities or capabilities. Many areas have embraced genetic engineering to help enhance medical, economic and industrial potential. The most promising of these areas have proven to be medical research, where scientists can study the different types of diseases and methods of prevention.
With genetic engineering we can generate the different types of proteins to cure certain diseases or even create limbs for handicap people. Progress is still in the initial stage but developments have been made in the stem cell, tissue engineering and gene therapy technology. One area which has sparked much controversy is the genetic engineering of one’s unborn child. This is forbidden in many countries due to the complications which could arise, but it provides hope for the children of people suffering from genetic diseases.
In 2001, the first genetically engineered babies were born. This process used DNA from the father, the mother and another woman. This was because the mother possessed a small amount of unhealthy DNA, which was substituted by the other healthy woman. The results were perfectly healthy babies. Other techniques can be used to select whether the baby is fit to be born or not, such as amniocentesis (foetal cell testing for genetic diseases) or “designer baby”, this technique allows for the selection of healthy babies that were made by IVF (in-vitro fertilization). Although forbidden in many countries, the “designer baby” technique can be used to choose what physical traits your child will possess in the future.
The right to terminate an unborn child fuels the reason to ban such techniques, but as a trans-humanist, one should be allowed to upgrade their body or even their child’s body. If such techniques actually do work safely, this could bring an end to many different diseases. This could actually turn out to be cheaper than present techniques used to cure certain diseases. People would also use such techniques to make their children beautiful, but this could end up reducing the diversity.
Genetic engineering will eventually allow us to choose our fate and to evolve. Since nature intended for us to die, why not fight against nature and choose our life path? Although the techniques involved are not fully developed; but if they were, why not change ourselves with the changing pace and environment?
APA Citation:
Magalhães, J.P. (2006). Genetic Engineering. Retrieved March 3, 2009. http://jp.senescence.info/thoughts/genetics.html
Evaluation:
The author gives a good explanation of some of the words he uses. He also describes how certain techniques are performed and gives many different cases to support his argument. I find that he is more on the pros than the cons in his argument. He does not take into consideration certain ethical issues such as religion and the consequences of much less diseases. These consequences could include and sharp increase in the already exponentially growing population leading to a lack of food.
Definitions:
Proteins: Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids joined together in a specific order according to it’s corresponding DNA sequence.
Trait: A distinguished feature of a person or a genetically determined character or condition.
Stem cell: One of the human body's cells that can develop into any one of the body's more than 200 cell types.
Gene therapy: Insertion of normal or genetically altered gene into cells to replace faulty genes, especially in the treatment of genetic disorders.
Trans-humanist: People who believe in using technology to enhance human abilities.
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In my opinion, genetic engineering should only be used for helping the people like building up of the immune system in the body.But there are many uses for genetic engineering like cloning Scientists are not sure if the clone would come out normal so they would be taking people lives. Scientists are using genetic engineering to do many things just to experiment its effects. WHile genetic engineering should go forward, it is best if the relevant government agencies maintain a close watch over the progress.
ReplyDeleteI think this post is very detailed, it gives various information on the benefits of genetic engineering such as using it to change the traits in babies and cure diseases. From the summary, it seems like the author associates genetic engineering as an elixir of life, so she or he can lives forever by defying human nature. For some people, this is a very terrifying aspect of genetic engineering.
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