GENETICS, what a loaded word. Genetics is defined as the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. However, this field of study is not that simple and can be further divided into: population genetics, molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, and transmission genetics, just to name a few specialties. The disciplines just listed can be subdivided by research disciplines such as, the study of mitosis.
Genes are what make you and me different and are what differentiate us from different species.
To me, the most fascinating part of genetics is genetic engineering: the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
We are exposed to genetic engineering everywhere, even if we don't know its exact label. Think of your trip to the grocery store and seeing the label GMO, genetically modified food. There are scientist who work at increasing crop yield, giving the crops protection against parasites without having to use pesticides, and just inventing some of the interesting food in the produce section of the supermarket.
Another aspect of genetic engineering that people are not as aware of is "Designer Babies". This discipline poses an extremely HOT ethical topic. Designer Babies have a large impact outside of the scientific environment and many people are asking questions about the ethical and social ramifications of this practice. When are we taking away the individuality of a person? Are we playing GOD? When are we making too many choices about our future children? Is it okay for medical reasons? What are the long term affects/consequences of genetically altering babies genes? What type of impact will this have on our community? Will this "opportunity" only be for the "rich"? Who is liable if there is an unforeseen negative outcome for the baby? Would the termination of a genetically engineered baby be considered ending an "actual" life?
Genes are what make you and me different and are what differentiate us from different species.
To me, the most fascinating part of genetics is genetic engineering: the deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
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| Genetic Engineering: Career Scope |
We are exposed to genetic engineering everywhere, even if we don't know its exact label. Think of your trip to the grocery store and seeing the label GMO, genetically modified food. There are scientist who work at increasing crop yield, giving the crops protection against parasites without having to use pesticides, and just inventing some of the interesting food in the produce section of the supermarket.
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| KidsRightToKnow |
Another aspect of genetic engineering that people are not as aware of is "Designer Babies". This discipline poses an extremely HOT ethical topic. Designer Babies have a large impact outside of the scientific environment and many people are asking questions about the ethical and social ramifications of this practice. When are we taking away the individuality of a person? Are we playing GOD? When are we making too many choices about our future children? Is it okay for medical reasons? What are the long term affects/consequences of genetically altering babies genes? What type of impact will this have on our community? Will this "opportunity" only be for the "rich"? Who is liable if there is an unforeseen negative outcome for the baby? Would the termination of a genetically engineered baby be considered ending an "actual" life?
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| Paper on Ethical Dilemmas |
In order to answer some of these questions additional research is needed on genetic engineering. Specifically what laws are in place, what practices research institutes are partaking in, what are the political and economic factors that are influencing research and laws.
what is your opinion of the designer baby?
ReplyDeleteI think it is an amazing opportunity for parents who could pass down life threatening diseases to their children. However, I dislike some of its potential uses. Have you ever see the movie "My Sister's Keeper"? The family had a second daughter that was a perfect match to their sick daughter so that she could be used to prolong the ill daughters life. There is a huge gray area with regards to designer babies because it all comes down to peoples moral standpoints.
DeleteI love your opening line! "What a loaded word" haha. Will you be expanding on GMOs at all? I feel like most people fear them for no reason when they should be happy about them.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe so, I want to focus on designer babies for this project. But I agree GMOs are greatly feared by the public. If you are interested in GMOs you should look into Monsanto and their creation and ownership of seeds for crops in the US. Monsanto has monopolized the seed used for growing crops in the US which has made it nearly impossible to grow non GMO crops.
DeleteI enjoy the figure you included of GMO's. One thing that I really enjoyed about it was the part that said that you probably eat GMO's every day. When reading that it makes the topic more relate-able because now I know how genetic engineering impacts my life.
ReplyDelete