We have learned the basics of genetic expression and the multitude of errors that may happen within the genetic code. Mutation affects the resulting function of an individual. In many cases, this function creates a fatal or less-than-optimal level of functioning.
The idea of genetic manipulation has been the source of many imaginative stories and controversies over the years. However, the reality that we are close to taking control of our species evolution by selecting out traits is quickly becoming a reality. Genetically modified organisms also offer the hope for many cures and not just the manipulation of harvested plant crops. Based on the videos we have viewed I ask three questions for you to respond to.
1. Should gene therapy be funded so that it can be available for all patients (support your choice)? What do you see as the pros and cons of such a practice? (/5)
2. Do you think that GMO organisms should be developed? Should there be guidelines to GMO development and, if so, what do you suggest? (/5)
3.To this point in human evolution we have overcome many of the selective pressures that have allowed our genome to evolve over the millennia. Essentially many of our technologies have removed natural selective pressures and introduced new artificial pressures on our species. Yet, even our technology and medicine allows members of our species with "weaker" genetics to reproduce and populate the next generation of humans. With all our technology are we equipped to make choices about what traits are an advantage to future generation of humans? Should we use the power to choose what positive traits should be selected for in our offspring or should we simply select against this we know for sure are disease causing? What role do you think genetic engineering should play in our future? (/10)
Video Links
Gene Therapy
BioEthics in Genetics
No comments:
Post a Comment