Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy: Proceed with Caution
opinion Essay
2191 words
"Now we know, in large measure, our fate is in our genes." famous words that were stated by the co-founder of DNA's double helix structure, James Watson. In a large effect, in this day of modern science belief our fate is controlled by our genes. Our genes control our physical statue, our outward appearance, basically our entire bodily makeup is all determined by our genes. Mankind is at the edge of a new frontier in genetic medicine and gene therapy and how man advances into this field greatly dep ends on his ethics, morals, and the general acceptance of this new found knowledge. At the heart of the subject lies the controversy over genetic screening. Many questions arise such as; Who should be tested? Who should have access to the information? And most important, Does man have the right to correct any genetic defect no matter what the case?
Technical Aspects
A gene simply put is one of many discrete units of hereditary information located on the chromosomes. The chromosome consists of DNA, and the DNA codes for proteins in the human body, and in turn it is the protein that provides the phenotype for the i ndividual. Genetic screening provides a way to predict whether or not a specific phenotype will occur. There are many ways in which one can preform genetic screening. One is karyotyping. Karyotyping is a process in which a blood culture is obtained an d centrifuged to separate the different components of the blood. After centrifuging the supernatant fluid is discarded. A hypoosmotic solution is added, and the white blood cells swell up causing their chromosomes swell apart. The solution is then cent rifuged again, and the white blood cells are removed and placed on a slide and stained. The slide is placed under a microsco...
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...w far will mankind proceed? A question we must all ask ourselves. At which point will man slow down and look back to see what has happened, analyze what it was we found, and what we have learned. We must proceed with caution, the right kind of morals, and mind set if we are to benefit society and mankind with this powerful tool of genetic screening and gene therapy.
References
Grady, Denise. 1995. Unnatural Selection, Vogue. v.185, n.10, pp230-234
Rubin, Rita. 1996. Do You Have a Cancer Gene, US World News and World Report, v.120,n.19, pp.66-73
Hiller, Marc D. 1981. Medical Ethics and The Law, Cambridge Mass. Ballinger Publishing Company.
Campbell, Neil A. 1993. Biology, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.
Berkowitz, Ari. Our genes,ourselfs? Obtained from the WWW 10/5/96: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/~pgrobste/Berkowitz.html
In this essay, the author
- Opines that mankind is at the edge of a new frontier in genetic medicine and gene therapy and how man advances into this field greatly depends on his ethics, morals, and the general acceptance of this new knowledge.
- Explains the economic impact of genetic screening, stating that insurance companies refuse to pay for the screening if someone is genetically susceptible to a genetic disease later on in life.
- Opines that genetic screening and gene therapy are like a new found magic to man, but how much can we control what is natural and what we would do to make our society better?
- Explains rubin, rita, do you have a cancer gene, us world news and world report.
- Explains that a gene is one of many discrete units of hereditary information located on the chromosomes.
- Explains that prenatal amniocentesis screening for tay-sachs disease in jewish populations is strongly recommended by geneticists to prevent the birth of a ffected with this lethal disease.
- Argues that the screening of nondeliterious genes is ethically right for early childhood diseases such as tay-sachs, hydrocephalus, and hemophilia.
- Opines that mankind has taken the power away from his god, and that we can now control our destiny, no longer subject to the fate of our genetic makeup.
Related
- explanatory
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- Genetic Screeningexplanatory essayGenetic Screening Genetic screening techniques are coming of age and the controversy that surrounds them is growing by the minute. The definition of genetic screenings is as follows: a systematic search for persons with a specific genotype. These tests that look into the essence of humanity, will allow scientist and physicians the opportunity and ability to alter the human genotype for better or worse. Genetic advancements will bring controversy at every milestone. Genetic Screening usually takes place when an individu al or group shows risk for a disease or trait.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic screening techniques are coming of age and the controversy that surrounds them is growing by the minute.
- Opines that ethics plays a major role in understanding the controversy that surrou nds genetic testing. they will discuss ethics, techniques, types of test available, major issues, pros and cons associated with genetic screening.
- Explains that dna is the molecule of heredity and provides life's bl ueprints for building, replicating, and surviving. the human genome project is a process of mapping the human chromosome.
- Explains that ethics in genetic screening plays a major role in how the public opinion is formed.
- Explains that a genetic test will not indicate the severity or even if the disease will manifest itself, but it shows that an individual's genetic sequence is suspect for causing it. anxiety of living with the likelihood of one or more specific, chronic, debilitating disease creates psychological burdens.
- Explains that genetic specimens are easy to obtain with a prick of the finger, and genetic analysis tests can be run with this small amount of blood.
- Explains that insurance is based on the complementary principles of solidarity and equity in the face of uncertain risks. the goal of business is to make money.
- Explains that social stigmatism may be placed on individuals and families because of the results of genetic tests. employers could deny jobs to individuals that are at risk for certain diseases.
- Explains the benefits of genetic screening, such as prenatal testing, abortion, and changing habits.
- Explains that genetic tests are expensive in the united states compared to britain. the british system takes into account the money saved by proper treatment and genetic counseling.
- Explains that neonatal genetic tests are used to determine inborn errors of metabolism, which can cause complications later in life. carrier screening is given to individuals that are high risk, such as jewish people of east european descent.
- Explains that maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (msafp) is a common blood-screening test that is performed early in pregnancy.
- Explains that inborn errors of metabolism are tests run on all infants to determine rare disabilities or chemical disorders like pku, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. hiv, heart disease and cystic fibrosis are also done.
- Explains that sickle cell anemia tests are run on blacks to determine the presence of sickle cells. tay-sachs is tested for in the descendants of jewish people from eastern europe.
- Opines that genetic screening and genetic test are the way of the future and can benefit all with proper regulation.
- Cites allen, b., "predictive genetic testing: ethical, legal and social implications". usa today.
- Describes the reasons why people want to know if the news is bad. time v148:29 reference 5.
- States blatt, r., an overview of genetic screening and diagnostic test in health care.
2630 wordsRead More - The human genome consists of all the genes that make up the master blue print for building a human being. There are about one hundred thousand genes concealed inside of the nucleus of each cell. The genes are tangled inside of an elongated genetic structure that is called the chromosome. Mapping and eventually decoding the human genome will enable us to provide strategies to diagnose and possibly prevent different genetic diseases, and disorders. Eventually, we may even unravel the mysteries of human embryonic development, as well as gain insights into our evolutionary past. The initial effort in this direction was started by the government under the name of The Human Genome Project, however, it didn't take long for private ventures to take root. Both spectrums of research have been making great strides. However, there has been a great deal of competition between the two, in a time when cooperation is of outmost importance. The availability of prenatal testing, and other genetic screening procedures that are already possible raise important and often controversial issues about the implications of the Human Genome Project and its parallel efforts. Genetics has been compared to the Eugenics movement of the 1920's, which eventually led to Hitler's genocide and concentration camps. Most would agree that this is a far off comparison, but no one is brave enough to deny the fact that genetic information is of extremely sensitive nature, and if misused could be detrimental to our society. It is a general fear that genetic testing will be over used, and will turn our society into a Brave New World, where humans will be genetically engineered to be stronger, faster and smarter; there will be no room for people who lie outside the ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the human genome consists of all the genes that make up the master blue print for building a human being.
- Opines that it is in everyone's best interest to act together to prevent abuse of genetic knowledge in order to guarantee better health care for all humans.
- Describes the human genome project as a government initiative aimed at analyzing the structure of human dna and determining the location of the estimated 100,000 human genes, the entire human genome.
- Explains that a comprehensive five-year plan was drawn up to organize the human genome project, which includes data collection and distribution, ethical, legal and social considerations, research training, technology development and technology transfer.
- Explains that the human genome project is an international effort. the five-year plan explicitly states that it is working specifically with the intention of international cooperation and sharing.
- Opines that there are many applications to the human genome project than have been the initial motivations. genetic testing has already had a profound impact on our society.
- Analyzes how the human genome project is paralleled by private efforts all over the world, which promise speedier results than the government-funded project.
- Explains that celera is profiting immensely from the so-called "genetic gold rush." venter keeps his company stocked with the latest in the computer technology to ensure the success of his private venture.
- Explains that making money from genetics doesn't mean navigating the stock market. there are companies like human genome sciences and millenium pharmaceuticals that are trying to create their own drug markets.
- Compares venter's information-sharing strategy to that of bloomberg, dow jones interactive, and lexis nexis since much of the information in their data bases is available to the public under the condition that the subscriber choose to pay for the software and data mining capabilities.
- Explains that the human genome project and parallel efforts won't be completed for many more years. venter could be saving lives, but instead he chooses to make money.
- Argues that venter's actions speak louder than words. he intends to patent vast amounts of his information, which will delay the use of vital genetic information.
- Opines that celera's influence can be curbed by keeping exerting pressure through alliances with various competitors. the drug industry proposed a speedier release of genetic information to help drug companies make new medicines faster.
- Proposes a flat rate, so there is no black market behavior, and eliminates the possibility of selective development of medicines.
- Explains that the meat packing industry was unregulated until people started dying from unsanitary meat, and the car industry had to enforce air bag and other safety device measures.
- Opines that no man is allowed to put his mother into the stove because he desires to know how long an adult woman will survive at a temperature of 500 degrees fahrenheit.
- Argues that the human genome project is an educational weapon that prevents eugenic trends in the future.
- Explains cowley, jeffrey, and anne underwood's "a revolution in medicine." newsweek.
- Describes the human genome project's expected outcomes. access excellence online. netscape.
3254 wordsRead More - Frankenstein Todayanalytical essayThe more we know about genetics and the building blocks of life the closer we get to being capable of cloning a human. The study of chromosomes and DNA strains has been going on for years. In 1990, the Unites States Government founded the Human Genome Project (HGP). This program was to research and study the estimated 80,000 human genes and determine the sequences of 3 billion DNA molecules. Knowing and being able to examine each sequence could change how humans respond to diseases, viruses, and toxins common to everyday life. With the technology of today the HGP expects to have a blueprint of all human DNA sequences by the spring of 2000. This accomplishment, even though not cloning, presents other new issues for individuals and society. For this reason the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) was brought in to identify and address these issues. They operate to secure the individuals rights to those who contribute DNA samples for studies. The ELSI, being the biggest bioethics program, has to decide on important factors when an individual’s personal DNA is calculated. Such factors would include; who would have access to the information, who controls and protects the information and when to use it? Along with these concerns, the ESLI tries to prepare for the estimated impacts that genetic advances could be responsible for in the near future. The availability of such information is becoming to broad and one needs to be concerned where society is going with it.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how mary shelley's novel "frankenstein" demonstrated the horrid fact that creating humans was not natural. scientists now question whether cloning a human is morally right.
- Explains that the human genome project (hgp) was founded in 1990 to study the 80,000 human genes and determine the sequences of 3 billion dna molecules. ethical, legal, and social implications (esli) tries to prepare for the estimated impacts that genetic advances could be responsible for.
- Explains that the next step after scientists have identified and studied adult dna would be to copy it. similar experiments to clone mice have been unsuccessful.
- Explains that some scientists believe that human adult dna and embryo cloning is moral and can have positive results.
1112 wordsRead More - Ethics of Genocide and Eugenicsanalytical essay...ne starts life with an equal chance of health and success. Yet, gene therapy can also be thought of as a straight route towards a dark outlook, where perfection is the first priority, genes are seen as the ultimate puppeteer, and personal freedom to thrive based on one’s self isn’t believed to exist. With the emergence of each new technological discovery comes the emergence of each new ethical debate, and one day, each viewpoint on this momentous issue may be able to find a bit of truth in the other. Eventually, our society may reach a compromise on gene therapy.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the public has many different views on the future of our society. gene therapy is a glass that can be viewed in different angles – different perspectives.
- Analyzes how success and perfection play a role in determining human characteristics, once thought inalterable. parents want their children to be born with an opportunity to excel.
- Argues that society fails to recognize the social value of future persons with disabilities and conveys a devaluation of those now living with disability.
- Argues that scientists are demeaning the lives of those presently living with genetic disorders by searching for a cure for them.
- Argues that gene therapy is a win-win strategy, since it replaces defective genes with normal ones to cure genetic disorders.
- Argues that somatic gene therapy is more or less ethical than germline, but it has not been applied anywhere except in the lab experiments.
- Describes ethnic groups and deaf peoples, and explains that they are distinctive in terms of common cultural traditions or heritage.
- Argues that gene therapy could lead to a future where everyone starts life with an equal chance of health and success.
1413 wordsRead More - Preventing Genetic Disorders With Gene-therapyanalytical essayTen years ago researchers from the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Japan and China sat down and began developing the most important map ever made. Instead of roads and landmarks, this was a map of letters. It was “a rough map of the 3 billion letters of genetic instructions that make us who [we] are” (“First”). On Monday, 26 June 2000, the researchers announced that the map of the human genome was complete.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that extensions planned for adenovirus-associated viruses. the lancet 355 (2000): 1620.
- Cites dobson, roger, and proquest. gene therapy saves immune deficient babies in france.
- Opines that the first step of human gene map finished has been completed.
- Analyzes guterman, lila, and proquest's report on the successful trial of gene-therapy.
- Opines that nash, madeleine j., “the bad and the good.” proquest.
- Analyzes wadman, meredith, "can gene therapy cure this child?" fortune, may 2000, 178-196.
- Explains that gene-therapy is being tested to treat and cure some common genetic disorders.
2229 wordsRead More - Gene Therapyexplanatory essayGene Therapy: A new generation of molecular medicine In September of 1990, eight year old Ashanthi DeSilva made medical history when she received the first authorized human gene therapy treatment. Ashanthi has been born with a defective gene that normally produces an essential enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). If left untreated the inability to produce this enzyme results in the fatal malfunction of the immune system.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that ashanthi desilva received the first authorized human gene therapy treatment in 1990. she was born with a defective gene that produces an essential enzyme, which causes the immune system to malfunction.
- Explains the technical and ethical aspects of gene therapy and a synthesis of 's personal opinion.
- Explains that rdna technology has made the transfer of genes from one organism to another possible. gene therapy involves augmenting the functions of an absent or dysfunctional gene by the introduction of a functional gene into the cells of the individual.
- Explains that germinal gene therapy involves the introduction of genes into both somatic cells and the germline of an individual.
- Explains somatic gene therapy, which focuses on the correction of genetic disease by treating non-reproductive tissues. it involves the removal of dysfunctional cells and inserting a cloned wild-type gene.
- Explains that there are two types of gene delivery vehicles, non-viral and viral. non-viral delivery includes approaches such as direct injection or mixing the dna with compounds that allow the gene to cross the cell membrane.
- Explains that retroviruses are rna viruses that convert their genome into dna in the infected host cell.
- Explains that adenoviruses are a family of dna viruses that can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells.
- Explains that adeno-associated viruses are non-pathogenic single stranded dna viruses that contain relatively few genes and require additional genes to replicate.
- Explains that the evaluation of gene therapy as a treatment for genetic disease has begun in the united states. many trials have resulted in short-term improvement in patients receiving treatments, but effects have not been sustained.
- Analyzes how the media's influence has shaped public views of genetics, and science as a whole. gene therapy has not been an exception and the following sections address some of the issues that have emerged during recent years regarding the ethics and potential of this technology.
- Explains that genetic diseases have been expanded to include any trait that has a genetic component even though the heritability is reduced.
- Explains that the safety concerns of gene transfer that are required for gene therapy to be successful are not trivial. patients must risk vector-induced inflammation and immune responses.
- Opines that gene therapy holds both great promise and potential for misuse. the present state of the technology is irreversible and should not be approached without prudent and judicial caution.
- Opines that potential misuse of gene therapy is undeniable, and concerns about it being used for enhancement of desirable qualities such as intelligence, cosmetic appearance, or physical performance need to be addressed.
- Opines that the media has played a pivotal role in the public perception of what the goals of clinical trials truly are.
- Explains that scientists have shown a sense of moral and social responsibility since the alisomar conference in 1974. committees and government agencies have played an important role in the evaluation of the ethics of recombinant dna technology.
- Opines that a renewed emphasis in basic research is needed to sustain these efforts. researchers must address shortcomings in critical components of virology, immunology, and cell biology if gene therapy is to advance.
- Explains that the recombinant dna controversy is twenty years later, and that eugenics is the narrowing of normality.
- Explains the bystander effect in gene therapy: great, but how does it work? the journal of nih research.
- Cites magnus, d., marshal, e. and msezane, l.
2351 wordsRead More - Genetic Testinganalytical essayOverall, Leon Kass presents a strong and convincing argument against genetic testing. He provides several clear examples of how those suffering from genetic diseases are later selected against will suffer significant emotional distress, as well as social alienation. Although he puts too much emphasis on the way individuals phrase possession and identity, he is correct that it is common to group an affected individual and their illness together as one.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that those affected with down's syndrome will suffer tremendously, including socially and emotionally. it is a chromosomal abnormality that results from faulty eggs or sperm.
- Argues that kass's second point is that we easily slide from possession to identity when we describe an individual, but he is wrong about the reasons behind it.
- Analyzes leon kass' persuasive argument against genetic testing. he provides examples of how those suffering from genetic diseases are later selected against will suffer significant emotional distress and social alienation.
- Explains that leon kass opposes the use of genetic screening on unborn children.
- Analyzes how kass believes genetic testing is morally wrong. he believes that children born with a genetic disorder will be treated differently by their parents and others.
1262 wordsRead More - The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Engineeringopinion essayScientists and the general population favor genetic engineering because of the effects it has for the future generation; the advanced technology has helped our society to freely perform any improvements. Genetic engineering is currently an effective yet dangerous way to make this statement tangible. Though it may sound easy and harmless to change one’s genetic code, the conflicts do not only involve the scientific possibilities but also the human morals and ethics. When the scientists first used mice to practice this experiment, they “improved learning and memory” but showed an “increased sensitivity to pain.” The experiment has proven that while the result are favorable, there is a low percentage of success rate. Therefore, scientists have concluded that the resources they currently own will not allow an approval from the society to continually code new genes. While coding a new set of genes for people may be a benefitting idea, some people oppose this idea.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that scientists and the general population favor genetic engineering because of the effects it has for the future generation.
- Explains that there are different ways and reasons why people wish to change the genes in their cells. the debate rises and people question people's free will.
- Explains that the biggest benefit of genetic engineering is its effects on people's health. it could cure many diseases and save lives, but it is dangerous and harmful to the human moral.
- Explains that to code the genes of a future baby is "immoral, selfish and inhumane." the coded babies are called designer babies, which is now officially put into the oxford english dictionary.
- Analyzes how genetic engineering does not guarantee happiness or success when the future generation carries the coded genes. vincent freeman was born with affirmed disease rates and shortened life expectancy.
- Opines that genetic engineering creates a "genetic ristocracy" because only wealthy and prestigious classes can afford it. the society isn't educated about its advantages and disadvantages.
- Opines that genetic engineering is difficult because it changes the proteins in people's bodies differently. genetic engineering only works 50% of the time.
- Opines that genetic engineering is more harmful than helpful, but when used correctly, it will help the society prosper.
925 wordsRead More - Taking a Closer Look at Gene Therapyexplanatory essayGene Therapy Genetic disorders have been plaguing people for ages and causing death. As of today in the year 2013 new information and research, and something called gene therapy, hope now exists for these less fortunate individuals. Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development. Research Scientist realizes it has been around for a while now and is getting more advanced with time. Experiments which is a ongoing process pertaining to gene therapy.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development.
- Explains that human beings carry less than a dozen defective genes, and that one in ten people has an inherited genetic abnormality.
- Explains that radiation therapy and kemo therapy are considered to be drawbacks due to their toxic and intolerable side effects. researchers continue to study the root cause of disease since the human genome project
- Explains that they want to become more knowledgeable about the different types of cancers which affect human beings and the treatment that is used in human body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Opines that the government and private corporations should provide a special funding to all scientist who is conducting ongoing research for all types of diseases.
942 wordsRead More - Research in Genetic Engineering Should Be Haltedopinion essayThe subject of genetic engineering performed on humans has achieved great acclaim as well as great opposition. Some people say that genetic engineering is beneficial to society while others argue that it should be halted. In order to fully understand this issue, it is important to look at both views in this controversy. One must believe that those who do not know their opponent's arguments do not completely understand their own. When the opinion of others is known one can then become a more "intelligent and discriminating consumer of information in our media-centered culture" (Dudley 9).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic engineering has many benefits, but it also has the potential to have its power abused.
- Opines that although genetic engineering promises good fortune for the human race, there are many questions regarding safety, necessity, and most of all morality of the entire enterprise.
- Opines that although genetic engineering can have numerous medical advantages, it is a detrimental procedure to the advancement of humanity.
- Opines that genetic engineering is detrimental to the development of our society. it is a risk to nature, discrimination, negative effects on human health, ethics, and there is too much at risk.
- Argues that genetic engineering is beneficial to society, but it is a detrimental procedure to the advancement of humanity.
- Argues that genetic screening increases the chance of discrimination in jobs, schools, and services.
2919 wordsRead More