Genetic Engineering Short Essay Example
Genetic Engineering Short Essay Example

Genetic Engineering Short Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (826 words)
  • Published: March 25, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The field of science has significantly contributed to finding innovative methods to enhance life quality. The practice of genetic engineering, often referred to as genetic modification, stands as a remarkable scientific advancement in determining techniques to modify organisms genetically, including the development of genetically modified foods. Globally, numerous nations grapple with persistent drought conditions and an array of traditional and new pests. Simultaneously, numerous individuals worldwide are dealing with chronic diseases from birth, posing substantial monetary strains for their families.

The utilization of genetic engineering can eradicate the use of untreatable pesticides in food crops and offer parents the opportunity to birth children with no diseases. The act of genetically altering organisms and crops proves to be a significant advancement for scientific research and should solel

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y be focused on uncovering treatments for fatal illnesses rather than genetically boosting genes for potential capabilities. The human anatomy isn't flawless; some are born with inherent defects while others deteriorate prematurely. A vast majority of individuals around the world suffer the loss of family members to diseases or succumb to them themselves.

The vast majority of us will not simply go to bed one night and softly shut our eyes for the final time. Scientific advancements hold the promise to address these challenges by transforming the construction of human beings. The advent of genetic engineering allows families to considerably reduce medical costs. According to an article "Human Genetic Engineering" by Dr. Ray Bohlin, the first gene therapy experiment in humans successfully treated a dangerous immune disorder in a toddler girl, who a decade later, is thriving.

The family has avoided an annual expense of $60,000 for require

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medication treatment, thanks to the gene therapy that necessitated numerous procedures. The approach of genetic engineering facilitates a stress-free existence that empowers individuals to truly value life. Given our love for life, many of us yearn to extend it as much as feasibly possible. Human genetic engineering bears the potential to significantly prolong our lifetimes. Genetic modifications on pre-implantation embryos could influence the outcome of the ensuing child, affecting the authenticity of having a gifted child.

The concept of dictating your child's future actions and choices goes against the fundamental notion of parenthood as proposed in Bonnie Steinbock's article, "The art of medicine: Designer babies: choosing our children’s genes". The article emphasizes how genetics manipulation can jeopardize human sanctity and could have significant impacts on the offspring. It extensively discusses the critical role parents play, how accentuating one characteristic could potentially impact another. The article further highlights how such actions might widen social inequities and aggravate the disparity between the wealthy and impoverished.

The practice of genetically modifying embryos may not be a wise decision; it can be likened to selecting a product with the hopes that it functions correctly. Not only can this process result in undesired side effects, but it also reflects negatively on one's parenting abilities. As stated by Michael Sandel, a member of the US President's Council on Bioethics, genetic modification poses a threat to the 'ethic of giftedness', arguing that cherishing our children as gifts involves accepting them as they are, rather than treating them as customizable products or tools for personal ambition.

The takeaway from this discourse is that genetic enhancement of embryos presents risks not just to the individual child

but also to societal dynamics. However, it's worth noting that genetic engineering can play a beneficial role in certain circumstances. For instance, it can be leveraged to bolster crops struggling against diverse pathogens- like funguses, viruses, and new-age pests- enabling them to survive and thrive against such adversities. Moreover, genetic engineering isn't solely employed for modifying mainstream crops; it's also used to refine crops cultivated in challenging conditions.

Primarily, those who stand to gain the most are underprivileged farmers and poorer nations worldwide. The piece "Genetically Engineered Distortions", authored by Pamela C. Ronald and James E. McWilliams, puts forth the argument that genetically altered foods have the potential to enhance the lives of the economically disadvantaged globally. The genetic modification of crops can bear a highly positive impact on global agriculture. Pamela cites an example from the early 1990s when the papaya industry in Hawaii was under dire threat from the deadly papaya ringspots virus. The solution lay solely in a breed that was engineered to resist the virus.

Absent genetic engineering, the papaya industry would have been devastated. Considering these favourable results, it's evident that this scientific approach has been effectively applied to assist the most disadvantaged and vulnerable among us. Historically, science plays a significant role in the evolution of life. It's paved the way for miraculous breakthroughs that enrich the lives of many. Genetic engineering has led to gains in medical, agricultural, and personal aspects, providing invaluable benefits to the less privileged.

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