Genetic Engineering
Should it be tried on humans?
Background Information
- Modification of DNA in a laboratory
- Improves an organism, or changes it in some way
- Order of DNA strands is changed
- Started with synthetic human insulin in 1982
- GM food started with Flavor Saver in 1994
- Also called gene splicing, genetic modification/manipulation(GM) and recombinant DNA technology
Pros
- Organs can last longer in other species, if DNA is combined
- Can cure disease or make organisms resistant to a disease
- Can help people fit in
Cons
- Bring back discimination
- Reduce children
- Can make animals growing fast uncomfortable
- Could work fine, then quickly turn into something bad
- Animals with DNA from more than one species could be experimented on
Examples
- Ruppy(below). Transgenic dog, with genes of a sea anemone.
- A pig heart, with human DNA, put into a primate has stayed healthy longer than non-GM hearts
- GM food products, chickens and pigs growing faster than their organs, or legs, to produce more food.
- Characteristics causing injury removed, e.g. cbulls born with no horns.
- There are currently 15 genetically modified humans, in their teenage years.
Conclusion
Bibliography
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Feltman, Rachel. "Genetically engineered pig hearts survived more than a year in baboon hosts." Washington Post 19 Aug. 2014. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 4 Dec. 2014.
"Genetic Engineering." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2014. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 4 Dec. 2014.
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Hanna, Kathi E. "Genetic Enhancement." Genetic Enhancement. National Human Genome Research Institute, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.
Hayes, Richard. "Genetically Modified Humans? No Thanks." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2008. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
Huff, Ethan A. "Genetically-modified Humans Are Already Walking among Us." NaturalNews. Natural News, 15 May 2013. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
Pollack, Andrew. "Concerns Are Raised About Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes." The New York Times. The New York Times, 30 Oct. 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
BohlBohlender, Randy. DNA Double Helix. Digital image. Randy Bohlender. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.