GRSJ224/Genetic Engineering

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Human Genetic Engineering

Definition of Human Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the deliberate and controlled modification or manipulation of an organism's genetic makeup; thereby, producing new types of organisms.

Designer Baby

Designer Baby is a human embryo which its genetic makeup has been modified for specially selected traits, which can vary from lowered disease-risk to gender selection. The genetic enhancement is possible by using a technology called, CRISPR-CAS 9 and the birth of such babies is done using various methods, such as gene therapy or Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). 1 (Ly, S. (2012). Ethics of Designer Babies. Embryo Project Encyclopedia.)

History of Human Genetic Engineering

1960s

Scientists bombarded plants with radiation to cause random genetic mutations.

1970s

Scientists inserted DNA sequences into bacteria, plants and animals to study and modify them for research, medicine, and agriculture. The earliest genetically modified animal, a mouse, was born in 1974 created by Rudolf Jaenisch. It made mice a standard tool for research.

1980s

The very first patent was given for a microbe engineered to absorb oil.

1990s

The very first genetically modified food, Flavr Savr tomato was on sale. Not only scientists were able to modify plants, the 1990s was a brief foray into human engineering. Scientists also created first humans ever to have three genetic parents by filling the cytoplasm of an embryo with healthy mitochondria in order to treat maternal infertility.

2010s

By modifying the genetic makeup of plants and animals, scientists created super muscled pigs, fast-growing salmon, featherless chicken, see-through frogs, and animals that glow in the dark. Designer Baby are created by modifying their genetic information when they are an embryo, usually following guidelines created by scientists, or parents.

Technology

CRISPR-CAS9

Until recently, gene editing was extremely expensive, complicated and time-consuming; however, with the advancement of a new bio-technology called CRISPR, the costs of gene experimenting have reduced and everybody with a lab can conduct an expriment.

Major Challenges

The advancement of bio-technology is astonishing and can definitely by beneficial. However, there are great challenges and controversies that cannot be overlooked.

Technological Challenges

Since CRISPR-CAS9 is quite a new bio-technology, there are still problems to be fixed before we implement CRISPR on humans.

Ethical Challenges

The obvious ethical challenge that arise for using CRISPR to create designer babies is: Is it ever right to edit human genes that are inherited? Also, there are other questions such as 'Who will be responsible for the changes in one's life if CRISPR brings unexpected problems in a child's life?' 'What if nations start creating an army of modified super soldiers?' The division created by

References

References will be uploaded soon.