Striving for Genetic Perfection through Genetic Engineering

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Recommended: Charles darwin essay on natural selection

Naturally we humans are imperfect, We can have poor eyesight, we can be overweight,

have a disease that challenges our mobility, our lifespan and even our mental health; however,

science has discovered a method of treatment that can stop all of these disorders before you are

even born. Genetic Engineering is the scientific process of altering certain genes in living

organisms such as plants, animals and humans to achieve a specific beneficial purpose. The pros

of genetic engineering include, cures from many if not every incurable disease known today,

modifying our food sources so they may grow more in abundance, and nurture an overall healthier

generation of children. The cons of genetic engineering include further damaging our

environment, exhibit an unethical social view of human morality, and invoke a new means of

warfare specifically biowarfare. In my opinion, genetic engineering is a step forward in

humanities ever advancing knowledge of our world, it can save lives, make us healthier and is

less dangerous than other scientific techniques.

Genetic Engineering began with the theories of natural selection by Charles Darwin. In his book “Natural Selection,” Charles Darwin explains “ An individual, therefore, which from having
Ayala 2 some slight profitable variation, was preserved or naturally selected, would in many cases, tend to

transmit the new, through slight modification to its offspring” (214). Darwin then begins to

describe hybridism, which he explains as “ The sterility of two pure species, when first crossed &

that of their hybrid offspring has not always been sufficiently distinct”(389). Darwins theories

were the forefront of many scientists w...

... middle of paper ...

... deficiencies. 2014. www.who.net. Web.

Gregory Conko, C.S Prakash. “Can GM Crops Play a Role in Developing Countries?” December 13, 2004. www.agbioworld.org. Web.

Charles Hagedorn. Scientific Basis of Risks Associated with Transgenic Crops. vol.54, Issue 54. 2014. Print.

Unknown. Genetic Engineering. August 9, 2002. Web.

Ron Epstien. “Ethical and Spiritual issues in Genetic Engineering”. Oct. 1998,pp.6-7. Print.

Federation of American Scientists. Introduction to Biological Weapons. 2003. www.fas.org. Web.

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. First Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Proves Successful.
Ayala 10

May 2008. Print.

Jane Bosveld. “Evolution by Intelligent Design”. Monday, February 2, 2009. Print.

The Office of History Staff. Gregor Mendal: The Father of Modern Genetics. June 2010. history.nih.gov. Web.

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