Genetic Engineering - Research Paper Example

?"Genetic Engineering" Introduction Genes form the basis of life as they carry plethora of information for the formation of proteins to carry out numerous biological functions. Any alteration in the structure of genes could result in the variation of proteins affecting normal physiology of an individual. Genetic Engineering (GE) is a methodology devised to manipulate or modify genes by altering their genetic code, all the way through artificial means generating transgene. The process differs from traditional selective breeding which differs from the natural selection process (Genetic Engineering: What is genetic Engineering?). GE is emerging as the most rapidly progressing branch of biology and manipulation of genes is becoming a routine act or play. GE works because conservation of genes is observed throughout the evolution. GE encompasses insertion of a particular genetic sequence isolated from any species into some different animal or plant or bacteria and hence monitoring the expression of the genetic sequence. Advances in technology has generated ease in the manipulation of genetics of the organisms and hence the gene manipulation by means of genetic engineering is paving its way in every aspect of human endeavour. Through genetic engineering, human genes are inserted into sheep, the motive of this insertion is to secrete alpha-1 antitrypsin in the milk, a useful product to treat lung disease. On the other hand with the help of genetic engineering, four legged chickens, without wings were created (Genetic Engineering: What is genetic Engineering?). This implies that genetic engineering has empowered humans to modify the very existence of natural forms of life i.e. animals, plants or humans on earth. GE has allowed the expression of genes from different group of animals namely fish, mouse, human, insect or plants in one organism, violating the laws of nature. Ethically it is unacceptable to alter the natural forms of life. GE possesses immense potential to change the identity of an individual, that does not entail scientific community to have a free hand to explore their imaginations. Initially GE was carried out to enhance the crop yield, to generate vaccines or other medical products but gradually GE is finding its way in every aspect of human existence, may it be in the form of genetically engineered food products, genetically engineered fruits, genetically modified vegetables, bakery items, genetically modified animals to yield high quantity of milk and dairy items, genetically modified poultry animals, genetic engineering has now paved its way in cosmetics, wearable, treatment of diseases, manufacturing industrial products that are designed to enhance the production, GE is engrossing every parameter of human existence which one can think of, manipulation of genes can be performed with the skill, knowledge and precise technology to fulfil the desire of the imagination (50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods). As genetic engineering is moving at much faster pace and establishing new paradigms rapidly it is essential to have a check on the basis of ethical considerations to prevent the permanent loss of identities of natural life forms. There is a certain set parameters in moral philosophy which involves, regulating the right behaviour, defending the appropriate conduct and advocating the concept of understanding to discriminate between right and wrong. Based on this issue ethical theories are categorized into metaethics- dealing with religion, normative ethics- deals with practical task based on moral values to discriminate between correct and incorrect involves virtue theories, duty theories, consequentialist theories (Types of Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism and Social Contract Theory); applied ethics encompass explicit controversial issues encompassing, environmental issues, abortion etc (Ethics). In Genetic Engineering, virtue ethics find wider application, provides a lesser amount of prominence on learning rules and emphasise on developing better approach based on morals as it involves insight, daring, even-handedness, resilience, kindness, self-esteem good temper and genuineness (Ethics). Duty theories lay emphasis on the set morals, as it is not ethical to kill own kids, on the other hand it is the duty of every parent to nurture their children. The theory is deontological and nonconsequentialist (Ethics). According to Kant, it is imperative to share moral responsibilities with self and with others and self talent must keep growing where personal desire do not find importance but every action must be directed to treat people with dignity and not as a means or instruments. Consequentialist or teleological theories emphasise on the fact that for every decision consequences must be weighed. Appropriate moral conduct is determined through analysis of its consequences. Based on this view of ethics it encompasses following categories- Ethical Egoism- any act is said to be morally accurate if the cost portrayed are more favourable as compared to the unfavourable ones only to the performer. Ethical Altruism an act is morally accurate if the results are more favourable to everyone but for the performer. Utilitarianism states that an act is morally accurate if the consequences of that action are more positive as compared to adverse impact on everyone (Ethics). Argument I against GE- Genetic engineering or genetic tailoring can potentially make designer kids to generate genetically elite individuals. It goes against the ethics, as it is not favourable to the entire society and creates a competition for those who are natural. Genetic manipulations which are being carried out to benefit only a limited sector while it is not providing any favour to the others. This act is against the morals as they hamper the rights of other inhabitants who are compromising not only in looks, wit, talent , intelligence but also they have to strive for job and education prospects. Argument II against GE- Genetically modified food stuffs or drugs require approval of FDA, but the jeopardy persists in the minds of the consumer what they are consuming and about the safety of the product as the inserted genetic sequence may get incorporated into the gene which is responsible for the formation of vital proteins leading to some genetic anomaly due to non-expression of the genes or non-availability of the gene product. This is against the Utilitarianism as the mutilation cannot be rectified and the life of the sufferer and dependents would be ruined. (Genetically Engineered Food Alters Our Digestive Systems). Promoters of genetic engineering have their viewpoint that there is nothing wrong in employing genetic tailoring to get rid of genetically transferred diseases. Scientifically it is true, as one takes medication for improving the health and well being so one can opt for genetic engineering (Genetic Engineering: Medical Research of Playing God?). Argument III against the GE- Genetic engineering has paved the way for gene therapy; the process allows physicians to cure and provide remedies to those diseases which are otherwise incurable through drugs and surgery. The procedure of gene therapy involves replacement of a defective gene with an accurate one or thump a mutated gene that has lost its activity by establishing a novel gene to eradicate an anomaly. This is not favourable according to the Kant's perspectives, which states that every individual must be treated with care and dignity. In the process of genetic engineering the inserted gene does not function inside the cell on its own, instead a vector is required to transport a gene, these vectors are modified viruses for instance retrovirus which is capable of binding with the chromosome in human cell, on the other hand adenovirus only release DNA into the nucleus of cell. The process of injection is either performed intravenously into a definite tissue or patient's cells are removed and insertion is performed under laboratory conditions, then the cells are inserted back into the host to rectify the protein function. The chances of complete cure are feeble; although, the promoters have their say that if the therapy works then it is providing relief for some time and the patient can procure peace of mind. In this sense the process of genetic engineering is beneficial and helpful and finds its ethical basis but the success rate is very low and with this diminished percentage of success the process of genetic engineering could not get the ethical backing for its implementation in every human venture. Pros and cons go hand in hand, the viral vector in the genetic engineering has potential of altering the physiological functions or can control the actions of other gene(s) as well, where the motive of genetic engineering is to relieve sufferings, the process may end up into a challenging disaster! According to the consequential theory, the process is not ethically sound and must be weighed before targeting the humans as the humans are not the experimental models. The act displays human selfish motifs that results in genetic hazards making the process of genetic engineering ethically precarious. Conclusion There is a very thin line of demarcation between genetic alteration and genetic anomaly. The social bias and attitude becomes imperative in judgement. It is essential to understand that genetic manipulation through genetic engineering could direct to such a social network where society is going to be entirely homogeneous, where people possess same aspirations and longing with similar values and any divergence from this is believed to be a disease (Murphy, 1994). The predicament of genetic engineering illustrates that the process is capable of repairing any defect on somatic cells but poses is a serious ethical quandary to exploit the process in every phase. Research reveals the deleterious consequences of consuming genetically modified or genetically engineered food stuffs, culminating into alteration of the genetic material of the consumer leading to the dreaded diseases like cancer or other genetic anomaly as these modified genes become integral part of the microflora of digestive tract which is known to function even after discontinuing the consumption of the GM food (Genetically Engineered Food Alters Our Digestive Systems). Genetic engineering has made the gene manipulation as a child's play. Venturing into the human cloning is like performing a normal experiment. The process of generating a genetically indistinguishable replica of human being is thought to be of therapeutic or reproductive importance and exploiting genetic manipulation for treating various ailments. It is therefore a few nations have banned human cloning but, genetic engineering is going on to produce animal clones for various research studies encompassing production of drugs, performing engineering to manipulate proteins in proteomics and performing cloning, ensuing whole or partial organ/ tissue transplantation (The Benefits of Human Cloning; No to genetic engineering of humans!; Morales, 2009). According to the duty theory the parents possess right to nurture their children but ethically, the children also have right for their own autonomy in the sense of being creative, in the sense of being what they want to be. Human beings are trying their self-interested implications on their progeny in order to make them more capable and more strong to face the competitive world. The truth lies in the fact that behind genetic engineering, the excellence of natural talents is going to be lost, besides the independence of the child and of parent will be vanished. The debate is on for decades if science is boon or curse and yet the debate is still going on if the genetic engineering is going to be a boon or curse. It is evident that amniocentesis was introduced with the motive to determine any chromosomal abnormality in the developing foetus, but the process is randomly being exploited for the sex determination of the child, if the child is found not to be of preferred sex then the child is aborted. The same holds true for genetic engineering; to gain rewards, fame and praise the natural talent is to be boosted through the gene manipulations, in terms of muscle power and intelligence. It is unethical as it is not a favourable situation and going to promote further corruption in the sense that those who have natural talent and are hard working will not be benefitted in the event, creating a room for frustration, agony and depression, which eventually leads to the violent behaviour. Corruption cultivates corruption and therefore genetic enhancements are paving way for enthusiasts in the shadow of medical science. Any kind of genetic intrusion to cure ailments or any defect should not violate nature and its laws as per the ethics that are being followed in humanity. References 1. "Ethics". 1st November 2011. < http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/>. 2. "Genetic Engineering: What is genetic Engineering?". 31st October 2011. . 3. "Genetic Engineering: Medical Research of Playing God?". 31st October 2011. . 4. "Genetically Engineered Food Alters Our Digestive Systems". 31st October 2011. < http://www.anh-usa.org/genetically-engineered-food-alters-our-digestive-systems/>. 5. "50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified (GM) Foods". 31st October 2011. . 6. Morales, N. M. "Psychological and Ideological Aspects of Human Cloning: A Transition to a Transhumanist Psychology". Journal of Evolution and Technology. 20(2), 19-42. 2009. 7. Murphy, T. The genome project and the meaning of difference. In: Murphy T, Lappe M, eds. Justice and the Human Genome Project. Berkeley, Calif.: University of California Press, 1–13, 1994. 8. "No to genetic engineering of humans!". 31st October 2011. . 9. "The Benefits of Human Cloning". 31st October 2011. . Read More