...Biotechnology Research Genetic Engineering • Description and How It Works Genetic Engineering is the process of manually adding new DNA to an organism. The goal is to add one or more new traits that are not already found in the organism, and to enhance or modify the organism’s characteristics. The process starts by identifying a gene that controls the desired trait and using various chemicals to extract it from the DNA strands. An insertion package is prepared that includes several unrelated genes that lets the trait gene survive in an alien organism. Then, the package is forced into the host organism’s cells which is attempted using several various vectors. The most common for plants is bacteria; the insertion package is hooked onto the bacteria’s...
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...The Oxford Dictionary defines the term designer baby as ‘a baby whose genetic make-up has been selected in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to ensure a particular gene is present’. The genetic engineering of an embryo is alright in some particular cases, but when a couple wants to add certain genes to ensure they have, in their words, the perfect child, where should we draw the line? Many people think that it is the right thing to do to give your child the opportunity to not have a crippling disease or some other defect, but some think that there are ethical issues while engineering the gene line in a way that would affect the next generation without their consent (Fecht). Parents should not be allowed to change the genes of their...
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...the most dangerous form of genetic engineering in BW. With current knowledge of genetics, micro and molecular biology lies a vast amount of information of several genes and proteins that makes some pathogens so dangerous. That knowledge could potentially be used to mimic those genes into various species of bacteria and viruses that are currently non-pathogenic or have relatively low virulence to create a new repertoire of pathogens. Despite the scare, there are some difficulties that lie in transferring pathogenic attributes of one species or strain to another. Adding a certain pathogenic factor from a pathogenic microbe may not actually...
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...Genetically Engineered Foods Regina Summers SCI 207: Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor Apuzzo February 6, 2012 Genetically Engineered Foods In today’s society and towards our future there is a controversial statement that genetically engineered food may be the solution to feed the hungry in the world. Supporters believe that genetic engineered food will ensure and sustain food security all over the world as our population continues to grow. On the other hand there are concerns about the genetically engineered food. There are many researchers that believe that engineered food is not the solution to feed the hungry. In this paper we will discuss the pros and cons about having genetically engineered foods, is it safe and an even bigger question do we need genetically engineered food? Before weighing the pros and cons of genetically engineered food, people of today’s society need to know what it is. Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change DNA of living organisms. Scientists have learned and tested that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in an organisms and customize its DNA. Genetically engineered food is commonly used in crop plants which in turn are used for feeding humans or animals. These engineered plants have been modified to resist herbicides or to improve their nutritional content. Millions of people all over the planet suffer from poverty and starvation. One very interesting but experimental...
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...The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering Research & Position Paper Table of Contents DNA Fingerprinting/ Genetically Modified Foods --------------------------------------------------- p. 3 Gene Therapy/Cloning------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 4 Stem Cell Technology------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 5 Position Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 6-7 Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 8-10 Evaluation Rubric----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 7 DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting are tests that help to identify and analyze a person’s DNA. The term “fingerprinting” is used because finger prints, like DNA, vary from person to person and no two people have the same DNA or fingerprints. So, when scientists identify a person’s DNA, it can only be linked back to one individual and can help to obtain information about that specific individual. DNA fingerprinting can be done through many different ways. Some ways are through blood samples from a vein or heel, saliva samples, skin samples, or hair samples. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to help link family members together, find things that cause diseases, to help aid in crime scene investigations, and to...
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...Contrary to popular notion, cloning started more than a century before Dolly, the first cloned mammal, became famous. It cannot be denied, nonetheless, that Dolly awakened the imagination of the populace regarding the pros and cons of cloning. It is a debate that continues to polarize society 15 years after the birth of the most famous sheep on Earth. Discussion We must emphasize that the cloning referred to in this article refers to reproductive, gene and therapeutic cloning. Reproductive cloning is used in the creation of an animal with the same nuclear DNA as another animal, the latter of which may be currently or previously in existence. This was the technology used in the creation of Dolly. Therapeutic cloning refers to the production of human embryos for the purpose of research. It has also been applied to create new organs or tissues for transplantation into a waiting patient with possible applications in the treatment of diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. These two types of cloning – there is a third type known as gene cloning, by the way – are at the center of heated debates. If you wish to cast your vote on the pros and cons of cloning, it is important to acquire as much reliable and relevant information and education on the matter. Advantages of Cloning With that being said, the following are the generally accepted benefits of cloning: • Easy replacement of internal organs and tissues for patients in need of transplants...
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...Cloning is not new and experiments with frogs and toads date back to the 1970s . Experiments involving plants and animal embryos have been performed for years, yet experiments involving human beings have never been tried or thought possible, until "Dolly". Her birth shocked the scientific community and has spurred discussion about the possibility of human clones. In the following essay I am going to speak about the subject of Human Cloning, its pros and cons, and speak against the following issues. Pros of Human Cloning Prior to arguing against the human cloning it is imperative to note the positives of this genetic technology. Human cloning will allow doctors to determine the cause of spontaneous abortions, give oncologists an understanding of the rapid cell growth of cancer, allow the use of stem cells to regenerate nerve tissues, and advance work on aging, genetics, and medicines. Some people argue that cloning is the logical next step in reproductive technology. Identical twins are natural clones, so reproductive cloning can be regarded as a technological version of a natural process (McGee, 82). If a couple are infertile, why shouldn't they be able to produce clones of themselves? If a couple have lost a child, why shouldn't they be able to replace that loved individual with a clone if that is possible? Equally if someone has made a great contribution to science, music, the arts or literature, it seems like a good idea to produce more of them in the hope that we might...
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...Genetic Engineering is Not the Answer to Hunger Rachel Salters Genetic Engineering is Not the Answer to Hunger In the past ten years, the world has seen many changes and advances, but none hold as many possibilities as genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is turning up all over, and it is definitely here to stay. Just as computers and plastics changed most aspects of living, since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers and sick people, to improving foods and helping the environment. Genetic engineering may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. Genetically engineered crops might seem an ideal solution. Yet both current data and past examples show problems and provoke doubts as to their necessity.There is no simple solution to end world hunger. Genetic engineering is not the answer, just as pesticides weren't the answer. Even increasing food production is not the answer. World hunger will only end when the underlying causes of poverty are addressed. Poverty stops people from obtaining their basic right to food - either because they have no means to purchase food or they have no access to the farmland and natural resources necessary to meet basic food needs (http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/IHRIP/circle/modules/module12.htm). Genetically engineering crops do not address the poverty that causes hunger – in fact it threatens...
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...Human Genetic Engineering Society presents a large issue within the scientific world in terms of genetic engineering, weighing the pros and cons from both scientific and moral perspectives. Genetic engineering for humans, more commonly referred to as “designer babies”, strikes a debate between those who believe that genetic engineering is unethical versus those who believe that designer babies are moving the human race towards a better future. The moral platform that society has raised us as well as scientific research in puts an obvious answer in our hands- that genetic engineering is more dangerous and detrimental for humans rather than beneficial. To argue my thesis, I will thoroughly present both the scientific evidence and psychological perspectives that express the overall morality and ethics of this issue. Rahul Thadini’s article “The Public Should Avoid Designer Baby Technology” will assist my arguments within my report, as Thadani expresses useful scientific and moral points that focuses on the harm that genetic engineering would add to humans’ posterity. Using Thadani’s points, I question what people claim to be the benefits of genetic engineering. If we are able to use genetic engineering to cure diseases as well as disable the genes that trigger them, then how would our genetic diversity be kept as such a diverse group, considering the fact that our genetic diversity is what keeps humans at less risk for such health issues? In a more ethical and moral light, how...
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...future hunger controversy is what inspired biotechnology and genetic engineering. The hopes of solving the food problem of this world’s growing population has brought about the genetic engineering or genetically modified crops in farming. Even though some proponents that genetically modified foods could be beneficial to the world, to include taste and quality, and resistance to disease, the truth is yet to be recognized unequivocally. There are thousands of questions to be answered and further research to be done. Public awareness is equally necessary and the reality of food and crop engineering and distributing is also yet to be complete. This paper will examine if the consumption of genetically engineered foods is good for human health, the agriculture and the world’s food supply, genetically engineering involving nature, the positive and negative aspects, and the food security and alternatives. II. Human Health a) Public Awareness b) Taste c) Promises III. Agriculture and Food Supply a) Pollution of crops b) Does more or less need to be done with genetic modification c) Too much or too less will cause hunger IV. Nature a) Will species be harmed? Will land be harmed? V. Positive and Negative Effects a) Pros b) Cons VI. Food Security/Alternatives a) Alternative Routes b) Organic Farming VII. Conclusion There are great alternatives to genetic engineering; there will always be surplus requirements. The nation has...
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...| Should parents screen for desirable genetic traits in their offspring? | | | | | | Critical Thinking 11 June 2012 Final Project As technology advances and scientists carry on with everyday research in medicine, a new way of life is created. With simply a test tube and perfectly selected genes a family can welcome their designer baby to the world with open arms. Should parents screen for desirable genetic traits in their offspring? Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) also known as a designer baby is a genetic modification that is used to alter anything from gender to disease, even appearance, personality, and IQ. The Oxford Dictionary defines the term 'Designer Babies' as "a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected by genetic engineering combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics." According to Wall Street Journal, “PGD is a technique whereby a three-day-old embryo, consisting of about six cells, is tested in a lab to see if it carries a particular genetic disease. Embryos free of that disease are implanted in the mother's womb. Introduced in the 1990s, it has allowed thousands of parents to avoid passing on deadly disorders to their children.” Are you willing to pay the price to have this perfect child? Many do not but the few that do, fully support it. Despite the limited amount of knowledge and awareness of the potential threats that are to be had by going...
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...society where people are judged only based on their genetic inheritance. Genetic engineering can greatly affect human life, it has its pros and cons, but is it right to do it. In a society like that portrayed in GATTACHA would be both, numerous advantages and disadvantages. A society like that would benefit from advanced science and medicine. The spread of genetically inherited disease would be significantly reduced and create a healthier and more advanced society by genetically engineering humans. Meantime having a society like the one, has great disadvantages as well. There would be discrimination among the people, against those who were not engineered. Those people like Vincent would never be allowed to follow their ambitions and attempt their dream. Suppose we were to exclude people like Vincent, people who are different from the rest of us, what kind of society would we have then? Every single one of us is different, that what makes our society so diverse and fun to live in. Everyone has its own strengths, weakness and its own special thing that makes him or her unique. We learn from each other’s mistakes and unique life experiences. If we were to exclude the eccentric, the different, the misfits, and the weak, we would all be the same. Society would turn to be extremely boring. There won’t be any excitement or any appreciation to one another. We would simply become emotionless engineered live robots. Genetic engineering should not be allowed at all. The only circumstances...
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...Supersize Your Child?-Summary In the essay Supersize Your Child by Richard Hayes, the author is explaining the pros and cons of genetic engineering. Hayes starts off the essay by giving examples of what could happen if you genetically engineer your child; you could make them attractive, give them photographic memories, or even ensure they have a life span of up to 200 years. The author makes this all sound very attractive to the reader. He also assumes that the reader wants this for their children; the parents want the children to be the best of the best. Throughout the beginning of the essay Hayes gives examples of the progress we have made as a whole in the genetic engineering field. He explains that Science magazine reported that the 5-HTT gene reduces the risk of depression. It can also help depression after stressful events. He then goes into detail about how in 1993 the University of California at San Francisco biochemist Cynthia Kenyon had discovered a gene called DAF-2 that made nematode worms live four weeks instead of their normal two week life span. Hayes then goes into testimony that states if we do genetic engineering that we will mess up the natural selection process. Professor Lee Silver from Yale University also goes into detail and talks about how if we do this genetic engineering the genetic engineered people will be at the top of the classes, running things like politics and large corporations; while the ‘regular’ people would be lower class and working...
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...Siyi GU INTG 101 gusd1502 17 November 2015 GM food As technology developing, genetic engineering is used in some part of human’s life. Genetically modified food is one of the successful products of genetic engineering. Genetically modified food is called GM food. It is a kind of organism whose genes are modified by adding DNAs from other plants that do not occur naturally in order to resist the diseases and increase the output of the agricultural production. Planting GM food has several advantages. It can resist the natural risksEva Schubert2015-11-17T15:06:00What do you mean? Be ore specific. which are pests, diseases and natural environment changes, increase the agricultural yield, and reduce the pollution of the environment. There are some advantages of GM food on increasing the resistance of the natural risk. Firstly, it decreases the risk of the effect of insects. Most plants are the food of the insects, especially the crops which are important in people’s life. Crops do not have an effective means to protect them from insects, so farmers use pesticide to kill the insects that eat the crops. The seeds of GM food have their own resistance of insects, because scientist use the genes from other plants which release the smells that the insects hate or produce a natural bacterium called “Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)”Eva Schubert2015-11-07T08:41:00Put BT in brackets here. Then you can use BT alone for the rest of the essay. (Gatehouse, 2008). BT occurs in soil to...
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...Our current food supply By February 20, 2011 A lot of the food that we eat today contains genetically modified ingredients and usually without our knowledge. The reason that this is done is that it ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases. The population now is at 6 billion people and is expected to double in the next 50 years. Genetic engineering is when a scientist manipulates a gene to create plants, animals, and microorganisms unnaturally. These items are created to withstand cold as unexpected frost can destroy many crops a year. Some reasons this is done is to achieve higher yield, improve the nutritional value and improve taste of food. Genetic engineering also called biotechnology will also improve shelf life to fruits and vegetables. I do not consider this to be as big of an issue as a lot of people are making it. Obviously there are reasons that the government does not have to tell us when we are eating genetically engineered food or not. It is because it is completely safe, and I believe that the people that are against it simply do not know enough about it. I will admit that when I first heard about “cloning food” I was a little disgusted as I also did not understand it at that time. There are some dangers that come with genetically engineered foods. Many of the opposed claim it causes nuclear pollution, global warming, and the toxic effects of pesticides and herbicides. Most of these crops developed are resistant...
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