GENETIC ENGINEERING

Do the Benefits of Genetic Engineering Outweigh any Potential Hazards?

Do the Benefits of Genetic Engineering Outweigh any Potential Hazards?

Introduction

Genetic engineering is interpreted as a set of tools which tends to be part of the molecular biology and are designed to use the knowledge gained in genetics to use, copy, or modify the genome of living beings. It is also used to craft or meet the needs of modification regarding genotypes, and phenotypes. Moreover, Genetic engineering is an active field of research for possible applications inculcating the tools for human health (correcting a gene carrying a mutation deleterious production of therapeutic proteins, elimination of persistent viral sequences).

Biotechnology in agriculture (development of new generations of genetically modified plants), development of tools for research (for example to explore the function of a gene) and other similar areas are dealt via using this tool (David, Michel & Karl 2006, p. 413-415). In today's world, Genetic Engineering has gained significant importance and has served the human beings in various ways. Thus, in the context of the paper, we intend to shed light on the ways genetic Engineering has helped the human beings in order to overcome the deficiencies. It would be done through different perspectives in order to develop an effective and efficient understanding of the subject.

Discussion

Engineered Babies

Some couples cannot have children because they would be born with a genetic disease and die before birth or from a very young age. The techniques to work to change the genetic construct of the embryo can give these couples to become parents. If we want to offer what is best for our children, why not design our babies in this way, use of gene technology allows us to prevent certain genetic diseases. This eliminates the suffering of children while reducing the cost and emotional exhaustion resulting from caring for a sick child. In few cases where parents had a child with a serious blood disease, they have resorted to IVF to select embryos to have a second child. This may be a donor (blood or marrow) custom built. The newcomer will be able to help his big brother or big sister to stay healthy. However, like any other advancement this technology too has some drawbacks in order to understand the subject fully before jumping onto any conclusion. In the cases mentioned before, parents and the experts of the field, create a child who will play the role of a producer / organ donor. How does this child feel it? He could see his birth as a mere support for a brother or sister. Children should be loved and cherished for who they are and not for their usefulness may not be what they can do for others (Ernesto, Subhayu & Ron 2006, p.10).

Moreover, these gene technologies are very expensive. Why only rich people could they cure genetic diseases? This would create imbalances between the wealthy and others.

Let us raise a race of super humans who look down on anyone who did not receive ...