Benefits Of Genetic Engineering

Question - What limits should be created with Genetic Engineering in humans?

(At what point is it too far?)

Genetic Engineering in humans is a highly controversial topic of discussion. The possibilities that it offers to new medical worlds is groundbreaking, but what are the risks? This is a frequently asked question, presenting valid arguments from both perspectives. Like many Biological predicaments, ethical issues tend to clash with that of unseen medical possibilities, resulting in debates and discussions continuously unfolding on the controversial issue.

Genetic Engineering is essentially altering / adding new DNA into an organism, to provide that organism with more desirable traits. Process - desired gene is isolated with restriction enzymes from organism, and then extracted. The gene then undergoes PCR (polymerase chain reaction) where the gene is sequenced and then copied multiple times, to be re - inserted into the new organism (transgenic). This process is commonly used to provide plants with more desirable traits (e.g. less reliance on water) and can be used just as easily to provide humans with the traits that they themselves desire (e.g. blonde hair and blue eyes). However, medical complications and ethical issues prevent such procedures from occurring, as the theory and practice is still very much in its infancy, and as there is no glass ceiling as such in this particular field of engineering, resulting in countless possibilities that the world may not yet be prepared for.

Pro Genetic Engineering in Humans - Genetic Engineering has the potential to:

Extend Life Spans -

People pass away from life threatening diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Down syndrome on a regular basis. This type of disease is caus...

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... of some subjects.” ( Arnold, P. 2014 ). This unreliability of genetic engineering in humans ultimately poses the question, do the benefits outweigh the risks?

In conclusion, genetic engineering in humans is a highly controversial topic of discussion. It theoretically has the potential to extend life spans, eliminate genetic disease, and create designer babies. However, much of these processes are purely based on theory as genetic engineering in humans is a relatively untested area of science. The moral and ethical issues that arise in discussion on the topic prove exceeding difficult to resolve, due to the evenly weighted pros and cons, both possessing valid perspectives. It is doubtful that there will ever be agreement, due to the high level of dispute, but we can’t yet give up on the idea, as it offers hope for the future that no other medical treatment can.