Human Genetic Engineering

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Genetic engineering is a practice commonly used in food to produce yields of superior size or quality. Recently this technology has been tested on humans. The human race will now be able to improve upon itself and their offspring. With this technology disease can be disposed of and normal people can become better than average. Not all technology needs to be utilized. Genetic engineering that should not be used in humans unless done to prevent or treat disease until it is fully understood since the consequences are undetermined and potentially devastating.

Human genetic engineering, HGE, is a new technology been incorporated into modern science where the genes or more specifically DNA are manipulated within a living person or zygote. Rayshell Clapper, an Associate Professor of English, explains that a virus-like creature is let enter a patient’s body containing a new gene (“Human Genetic”). The virus takes over the cell, and the new gene emerges. This cell then replicates itself in mitosis until all of the cells in the being contain the new gene.

Somatic and germline engineering are types of HGE being used now. Although cloning is another, it is years away from being practical. Clapper reports somatic engineering targets cells within the body, not including egg or sperm cells, to change specific tissue’s genes (“Human Genetic”). This means that somatic is used in live patients seeking modification within their own body that will not affect his/her offspring. Michael J. Sandel, an American political philosopher, theorizes somatic engineering will target a patient’s muscle, mood, and memory (“The Case Against”). Polygenetic traits, such as intelligence and athleticism, rely on many genes, so they will take scientists numerous yea...

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Gates, Donna. “Genetically- Modified Babies – The Answer to Infertility or Cause for

Concern?” Huffington Post 18 July 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2014.

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King, David. “Human Genetic Engineering is Risky and Should be Stopped.” Viewpoint 2 in

Opposing Viewpoints Sources, Genetic Engineering. Eds. David M. Haugen and Susan

Musser. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven, 2009. 33-40. Print.

Parry, Wynne. “Designing Life: Should Babies be Genetically Engineered?” Live Science 18

Feb. 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. .

Sandel, Michael J. “The Case Against Perfection.” Atlantic Monthly Apr. 2004: 50+. SIRS

Researcher. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. .

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