Human Genetic Engineering

987 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Disadvantages of genetic engineering in humans

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...

... middle of paper ...

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

Deneen, Sally. “Designer People.” E Magazine Jan./Feb. 2001: 26-33. SIRS Researcher. Web. 1

Mar. 2014. .

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

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

.

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. .

Show More
Related

  • Genetic Enhancement is Unethical

    1603 Words  | 4 Pages

    Manipulating the genes of plants and animals is a feat we have mastered already. We are very close to doing the same thing with humans in an attempt to make them smarter, bigger and leaner (McKibben 22). Gregory Stock, an ‘apostle of human engineering,' said of human germ line engineering, "It touches at the very core of what it means to be human. We are seizing control of our own evolution" (Gianelli 25). Mr. Stock summarized the very basis of genetic enhancement in this quote.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering: Brave New World

    1021 Words  | 3 Pages

    Genetic engineering has been around for many years and is widely used all over the planet. Many people don’t realize that genetic engineering is part of their daily lives and diet. Today, almost 70 percent of processed foods from a grocery store were genetically engineered. Genetic engineering can be in plants, foods, animals, and even humans. Although debates about genetic engineering still exist, many people have accepted due to the health benefits of gene therapy.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering Argument Essay

    499 Words  | 1 Pages

    Genetic Engineering has recently become a contentious topic within medical and social circles. Controversial topics such as Sex Selection and Designer Babies are linked to Genetic engineering. They are destructive in every circumstance. Genetic Engineering is detrimental towards the individual and all posterity.

    Read More

  • Gene Therapy And Genetic Engineering Essay

    573 Words  | 2 Pages

    "The aim is to decrease the fear of a brave new world and to encourage people to be more proactive about their health. It [Gene therapy] will help humans become better physically and even mentally and extend human life. It is the future” (Hulbert). Dr. Hulbert, a genetic engineer, couldn’t be anymore right; more time, money, and research needs to be put into gene therapy and genetic engineering, since it can cure certain illness and diseases that are incurable with modern medicine, has fewer side-effects than conventional drugs or surgery, and allows humans to be stronger physically and mentally at birth. Gene therapy or genetic engineering is the development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population (NIH). It essentially means that we can change DNA to make an organism better. Genetic engineering is used with animals and plants every day; for example with genetic...

    Read More

  • Brave New World Changing Society Essay

    930 Words  | 2 Pages

    Some people are infertile and can’t have children others have an implantation, or others get sperm donors. In a way these are a few modern examples of genetic engineering. If a woman would like to have a sperm donor she is more likely to pick the person that has the best facial features, body structure, and doesn’t have a family history of diseases.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering

    1882 Words  | 4 Pages

    Genes are, basically, the blueprints of our body which are passed down from generation to generation. Through the exploration of these inherited materials, scientists have ventured into the recent, and rather controversial, field of genetic engineering. It is described as the "artificial modification of the genetic code of a living organism", and involves the "manipulation and alteration of inborn characteristics" by humans (Lanza). Like many other issues, genetic engineering has sparked a heated debate. Some people believe that it has the potential to become the new "miracle tool" of medicine. To others, this new technology borders on the realm of immorality, and is an omen of the danger to come, and are firmly convinced that this human intervention into nature is unethical, and will bring about the destruction of mankind (Lanza).

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering Good Or Bad Essay

    1661 Words  | 4 Pages

    Science and technology are rapidly advancing everyday; in some ways for the better, and in some, for worse. One extremely controversial advance is genetic engineering. As this technology has high potential to do great things, I believe the power genetic engineering is growing out of control. Although society wants to see this concept used to fight disease and illness, enhance people 's lives, and make agriculture more sustainable, there needs to be a point where a line is drawn.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering Essay

    1090 Words  | 3 Pages

    This paper goes over genetic engineering and how it is used today in the medical field as two types on humans, disabled genetic engineering and trait genetic engineering. This two types of genetic engineering are still debatable since they have to surpass many obstacles and laws. The sources gave statements from professionals and experts on genetic engineering, biomedical science, biomedical engineering, and human anatomy and physiology. The individuals gave their inputs on how they view genetic engineering on human beings.

    Read More

  • Human Genetic Engineering: Unnatural Selection

    1509 Words  | 4 Pages

    Genetic Engineering is the deliberate alteration of an organism's genetic information (Lee 1). The outcome scientists refer to as successful entitles the living thing’s ability to produce new substances or perform new functions (Lee 1). In the early 1970’s, direct manipulation of the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) became possible and led to the rapid advancement of modern biotechnology (Lee 1).

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Human Genetic Engineering

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    Human Genetic Engineering: Designing the Future As the rate of advancements in technology and science continue to grow, ideas that were once viewed as science fiction are now becoming reality. As we collectively advance as a society, ethical dilemmas arise pertaining to scientific advancement, specifically concerning the controversial topic of genetic engineering in humans.

    Read More

  • Human Genetic Engineering

    984 Words  | 2 Pages

    Human genetic engineering can provide humanity with the capability to construct “designer babies” as well as cure multiple hereditary diseases. This can be accomplished by changing a human’s genotype to produce a desired phenotype. The outcome could cure both birth defects and hereditary diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Human genetic engineering can also allow mankind to permanently remove a mutated gene through embryo screening, as well as allow parents to choose the desired traits for their children. Negative outcomes of this technology may include the transmission of harmful diseases and the production of genetic mutations.

    Read More

  • The Ethics of Genetic Engineering

    1437 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Problem Genetic engineering has been around since the 1960’s, although major experiments have not been really noticed until the 1990’s. Science comes in different forms, the two major being cloning and genetic reconstruction. Cloning is the duplicating of one organism and making an exact copy. For example, in 1996 the creation of the clone sheep named Dolly, the first mammal to be cloned, which was a great achievement. The other form, genetic reconstruction, is used to replace genes within humans to help or enhance the life of an unborn child for a medical reason or just for the preference of a parent.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering and Cloning

    1368 Words  | 3 Pages

    What are the principle, ethical issues and experimental procedures used in genetic engineering and cloning? Should Cloning be allowed to continue?

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Engineering

    925 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although genetic engineering seems to be more harmful than helpful, when used correctly, it will help the society prosper. Considering the technology our society has currently developed, genetic engineering is a difficult topic to discuss and confirm. If the researchers confirm this process, it may become easier for the scientists and will help cure the diseases easily. The debate, however, will still be on the rise because of the issue in human morals and ethics.

    Read More

  • Genetic Engineering Argumentative Essay

    787 Words  | 2 Pages

    Genetic engineering seems decades away, but through modern technology, it has recently entered the human realm. Some believe genetic engineering will bring forth great advancements in the human brain and body, but instead some believe one mistake creates a world where every child will be genetically engineered just to keep up with the rest of society. Many times, the media plays a very strong role in the image of this issue, and masks the true identity of this social injustice. However, what forms of genetic engineering can be done in humans today? What is in store for the future?

    Read More

More about Human Genetic Engineering

Open Document