Human Genetic Engineering - Essay Example

? Human Genetic Engineering Introduction In modern times, science and technology have gifted the mankind with various elements that have made the human life very easy. They have nearly brought about revolution in the way the events are being conducted. Robots, automation, and tracing based on D.N.A sampling are a few of the techniques that are being introduced and gifted by the modern science fare. Other individual disciplines have come into existence, which were only desired about in the past; the concept of nanotechnology and other small features is an example of the extent to which science has made progress. Compared to the past centuries, the field of science and experimentation has provided us with a large number of elements and items. The diseases which were termed as incurable have been treated and overcome through scientific research and experimentation. The field of genetic engineering itself, and the discoveries made under its umbrella are the part of the same journey and process. This trend has been in business for the last few decades, but is being materialized in true sense only now. Human Genetic Engineering is a fruit of the same technological progress that has been seen in recent years. It is a fully established discipline on its own, and a large amount of work is being conducted in this field and many developments have taken place accordingly. It truly is one of the most promising aspects in modern times and has already shown its worth through a number of successful launches in various spheres of life. However, like any other new technology, it is showered with various questions and doubts about its future sustainability, reliability in terms of the present outcomes, its ethical aspects, its social aspect, impact on the field of health and science and various other issues. All these issues and prospects make for a very spicy recipe of human genetic engineering, which has a lot of promise to it and can make the human life more comfortable in days to come ahead. What is Genetic Engineering? In very simple terms, genetic engineering is the modification of the deoxyribonucleic acid. In the technical context, it is the alteration and transfusion of another DNA type into a foreign body. It involves the alteration of the genotype. The process of genetic engineering is not just about the processes and implementation at physical level; rather, it is supported by extensive research and laboratory work. Anything that is brought for commercial use, or for the purpose of medical application, is tested sufficiently enough in the laboratories. The terms used for this technology are cross functional, while some may term it genetic engineering; others term it gene variability and reorganizing, and in some cases it is even termed as DNA reshuffle and adjustment technology. It is often termed as the knowledge and science of modification of genes which are the basic constituent of human body, along with the DNA (Nicholl, 2008). Human Genetic Engineering A further subdivision and specialization in genetic engineering is the field that relates to the human beings. Its scope primarily rotates around the well being of human being, experimentation for development of diagnostic solutions which can help the mankind get rid of various diseases which it is confronted with today. For this purpose, various animals are used for testing, and more so, those animals which body chemistry is more or less similar to that of human beings. With few achievements made in form of cloning and various body parts imputation solution, this technology is bound to focus on human beings in upcoming days. It is critically seen as an artificial means of poking into the laws of nature and other natural processes (Shanks, 2005). The entire branch of science and technology revolves around the elementary item of a human’s body – and that is D.N.A. Since the access and the knowledge of DNA became considerably relevant and approachable in the last couple of centuries, for this reason, the field of genetic engineering has seen a boom and has progressed at a fast pace. DNA extraction, examination and testing against various other variables are possible in a large number of laboratories across the world, which has directly benefited the field of genetic engineering. The focus in terms of plants is on the purpose of increasing their productivity and shielding them against the attack of pesticides. These mutilated genes are believed to increase the life of fruits and plants and provide them with better protection against insects. Cloning is another salient feature of the entire product package, and has paid a large number of dividends in recent times. Scientists have achieved a great success in this discipline and all has been made possible through extraction of the D.N.A and genes of the parent. This method is equally applied on animals (Cibelli, 2002, p. 155). The methodological advance that has taken place is in the context of the DNA. The modern methods and techniques have made it possible separating the lone DNA pattern from its genome. This has enabled studying the single cell in detail. Why is it done? The process of genetic transfer in form of DNA from one body to another finds a large number of applications in modern times. It is said that the possible outcomes of this process and entire mechanism are enormous and in future many more sparkling discoveries would be made in this field. Though it is still an emerging field, yet large numbers of benefits are already being availed from it, which leads us to believe that this technology has a very promising future ahead of it and it can resolve many issues that have not been solved by the other contemporary sciences and research methods. The transfer of gene from one individual or plant and seed can give the incumbent a new life in terms of its ability to reproduce and live in a better way. The DNA is the nucleus of the entire technology, and since DNA possesses all the important information about an individual and the component, it allows studying of the gene and further elements of the body. DNA being responsible and directly associated with the protection of protein is rightly the basic component of the human body. Genetic engineering is all about the DNA. The entire process so conducted constitutes a number of steps which starts with the extraction of DNA samples from a receptive donor. This is followed by the combination of various samples. Once itachieved, it is further led by insertion into the receptor body, and finally the adjustment and molding according to the need (Coppel & Nossal, 1998, p. 179). Reasons to its success Within a short time, this technology has spread its wings across the world and is in practice in a large number of laboratories all over. There are a number of reasons to its successful fast spread. One of them is the ease of use and its small scale requirements in terms of the resources needed. While many technologies in the past needed large and heavy infrastructure, this technology is sufficiently dependent on individual or group of few scientists and experts who have background knowledge of the genetic engineering, its tools, methods and components. The kind of diseases that would haunt individuals from generation to generation is no more a sign of worry. Their tracing and possible eradication have been made possible through this technology. Furthermore, its flexible nature has enabled its growth by large proportions. Since all the advancements and research made in the field of biology are tested and complemented through the scientific means of technology, it is one of the reason why this concept has excelled this quickly. It has shown a lot of promise in the field of cure from various diseases, though their long term impacts are under debate, but still it has emerged as a hope against many diseases that were faced by the human society. The ability to increase the growth and productivity of plants, isolation of respective cells inside the body that are damaged or contain any virus and infection, their isolation and removal have been made possible through the science of genetic engineering. Besides, the complementary factor is the use and acquaintance of various communities and laboratories across the globe to the testing of DNA. Applications For the purpose of medical treatment of a natural disorder, or in case of any incident that might take place during the lifetime, through the genetic transmission and alteration, a particular part of the body can be altered and made to work. Besides replacements, it can enable to identify the cause of disease and can enable to reach the molecular basis of any individual and the respective part which might be suffering from a particular disease. Vaccines, replacement enzymes, hormones development (Congress, 2002, p. 6) are a few of the gifts of genetic engineering in the field of medical sciences. This being stated, its scope is not just limited to the field of medical science. It finds its applications in the field of industrial production where catalysts are in use; besides this, they are largely effective with regard to the plants in the context of their resistance to the herbicides. The fruits, food in general and the seeds that have undergone the process of genetic mutation and transformation are generally called Franken food (Miller & Conko, 2004, p. 3) Besides the usual routine applications of medical sciences, genetic engineering is of large use in the field of forensic sciences. While forensic science also finds a large number of applications related to the use of DNA, it in an indirect manner complements the field of genetic engineering. Element tracing from the spot of incident largely surround around the DNA traces collection. Gone are the days where finger prints and other physical evidence were of use. Even a single hair found on the site of event and incident is more valuable than any material object of no clue. This all is a direct gift of genetic engineering which allows studying of the DNA and further enables the tracing of components. Large banks of DNA are present around the world that carry the traces and records of individuals and help identify the owner of DNA in various situations (Newton 2008). This is one of the many gifts being provided by the field of genetic engineering. The process of isolation of the cells infected in the course of cancer is possible through the genetic process. This process enables demarcation of the tissues affected and enables therapy of those areas that are affected; in other words, it allows timely protection against the spreading of various infections inside the body. Besides the medical and agriculture use, genetic engineering is of immense use in the field of environmental safety. The environment is already faced with a large number of challenges and each component of the environment is contributing in its own way towards its deterioration. The large amounts of waste produced by the industries and other pollutants which go down directly into the water have made the sea water unsafe. The situation is ever grim with increase in the number of industries every growing day. For this purpose, the scientists have been in search of certain modified elements which can help the environment. Scientists believe that certain bacteria have a range of possibilities which can help reduce the harmful effects of the wastes being dumped directly into the sea water. Its production is possible through genetic engineering. Introducing such bacterium can help absorb the oils and other spills and wastes in the sea water. Such bacterium is also believed to be beneficial in the context of creating enzymes for plants which are needed by them, and ensure healthy growth and stronger protection against pesticides. Hence, this step is seen as a positive step towards the waste management in the domain of sea and other environmental concerns. Constraints and Considerations With every new technology come the pros and cons. Genetic engineering is no exception and like many other predecessors, it finds many reasons where it is dubbed as the unsafe, unhealthy, and unethical invention of the technology. Other processes such as artificial intelligence and use of robotics have also gained pace and are used on a large scale, yet their use is on the safer side since they do not violate any natural process and are still limited to the use of technology over non living substances (Gaita, 1999). The entire science is seen as disturbance in the ecosystem that is caused by the artificial process. The plants under this technology are made to adapt in such a way that might create an imbalance in the various processes along with the use of various bacteria introduced for the purpose of killing various algae in the sea water (Cuddington, 2007). The possible termination of new born and abortion through more easy means have also added to the vows against this technology. The first and foremost obstacle faced is related to the animals. While animals are tested and their respective genes are induced into other animals, many see it as obstruction and interference with the natural processes. Besides the artificial maneuvering of the genes and DNA, the genetic engineering has given the society and modern scientists a positive in terms of the extensive knowledge about the very basic element of human existence. Through the study of gene and DNA, identification of various patterns has become possible along with identification of cells and diseases interrelation. This aspect is certainly widely acclaimed all over by the scientists and has speeded up the process of scientific research in the field of health and science (LeVine, 2006, p. 51). Though the genes transfer and application have been on a small scale, a serious concern still looms over as a dark cloud in the context of a respective gene behavior in the recipient body. It might well hamper the natural balance that exists between the other genes that are part of the original package of a human body that may go through genetic mutation. Besides the human aspect, certain people do oppose the use of this technology in the production and fast growth of various plants and fruits. For this purpose, caution need to be practiced, and all those products that are developed or have undergone the influence of genetic mutation must be marked so and should give all the necessary information about the amount of additional ingredient used in the entire process. This will allow people the choice of picking up those items which are purely grown under the natural process, and others which have been aided through the technology. Possible negative impacts on human health Though this technology is termed as revolutionary in terms of the genes transfer and cloning production, it is equally dangerous at the same time and can damage various parts of the human body in many ways. This could range from the allergic reactions resulting from the non-conforming nature of a particular gene transmitted from one body to another and its possible reaction to various parts of the body. The crops, plants and fruits produced under this program can have negative repercussions on human health. Though it may pace up the process of fruit development and protection of seeds and plants from pesticides and other environmental hazards, it might be hazardous to the inside components of the human body (Andree, 2007). A case in this regard was seen in the early 21st century when alcohol fermentation was conducted under the process of genetic technology; later research conducted revealed that the product so produced had multiple times greater methylglyoxal which is highly toxic and is very dangerous for human health. Another case of similar kind came to the forefront when genetic technology was used for operation over a liver infection, through the use of genetic technology. It was believed that the patient would get rid of the disease. Much to the dismay of scientists and the advocates of the technology, the patient died. The patient was named Jesse Gelsinger. Furthermore, the use of a number of vaccines and pesticide killers is said to have negative impact on human health and can result in diseases and infections as serious as cancer and other skin diseases. Dos and Don’ts No one can deny the importance and the benefits availed from this entire technology, even the most hardliner critics of this technology. It has benefited the mankind and society in many ways. Yet a balance must be maintained between the natural proceedings and ensuring that line of natural process is not crossed. For now, energies and concentration should be focused on the welfare in the context of fighting against the diseases that are faced by the mankind. Jumping to the elements such as cloning and entire gender selection could well generate more voices against this technology. Further, the use of chemicals which are not environmentally friendly should be avoided and work should be done on their alternatives. The process of somatic cell dealing is a positive aspect and pertains to the use for purpose of repair of damaged tissues. This is largely useful in cases of genetic and hereditary diseases. Considerable progress has been made in this field and no one would cry foul about it if it is nurtured further. Role of Public Health Professionals All those people who are directly or indirectly involved with this technology, have a large responsibility upon their shoulders. Those who are associated with its practicing and are coming up with new inventions every coming day should take into account the concerns that are being expressed globally relating to this technology and its inventions. Those people, who are in health care departments, need to ponder on all possible effects of the technology before giving them a clearance certificate. Some technologies might sound very alluring in the beginning, yet they might have serious long-term impacts. These negative impacts are not just limited to the human health and wellbeing, rather the environment, and entire ecosystem since plants and water are equally at threat from the products of genetically produced items. Ethical Aspect While factors such as protection against pesticides and fighting the diseases of various kinds are a positive that is taken out of the entire race, there are other factors which are seen as utterly unethical. The process of cloning is seen as violation in a larger way .Though it is in its infancy, and little has been done on the commercial scale, however, if it is implemented on the practical scale, it could create an imbalance and a layer of artificial maneuvering in the otherwise natural process of birth. There is no denying that regulative authorities need to formalize proper rules and regulations which enable humane methods of genetic engineering. All the concerns expressed by various people in this technology’s use must be addressed accordingly and any process and experiment that is in line of conflict with the masses and humanitarian aspects, should be abandoned right away. The use of animals for testing purpose is a constraint factor and is not widely acclaimed (Almond & Parker, 2003). The use of animals for various experiments, regardless of genetic engineering, is always been looked up to negatively and has not much been supported or encouraged. Same is the case with regard to the genetic engineering. The groundbreaking step was taken in form of cloning of a sheep, which went successfully; this was critically seen by many observers and animal rights activists (Yarri, 2005). The hardliners term this entire concept as “Playing God” (Peters, 2002) and believe that scientists are touching the lines of interference by deliberate mutation and possible attempts of cloning. However, a benefit that can be attained through cloning is the possible replacement of those tissues which are incapable of blood clotting. This is one of the few benefits that can be achieved through cloning, and can help such patients live a healthier and safer life. The governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the vows into consideration and has, a number of times, expressed its willingness towards resolution of any dubious sections of this technology. They have recommended the establishment of norms for the purpose and implementation of this technology (WHO, 2002, p. 173). Across the board, various countries and its local organizations have expressed their concerns regarding the ethical aspect of gene mutilation. Many religious communities are already opposing this concept and believe it as a way exceeding step in the process of natural balance between the naturally created and artificial creation. Future of Genetic Engineering: The Uncertain Peril Given the pace at which advancements are taking place in this field, many more remarkable discoveries are bound to touch the doors of mankind in upcoming times. With ever fast scientific experimental processes, genetic engineering is bound to progress in the field of cloning and plants productivity. Even now, the gender determination is made possible through certain means of cloning. While other aspects which the world could see as a gift of genetic field transformation could be the availability of various body parts that are lost in case of mishap and incident. Some even say that it could well be possible that the birth date can be fixed, let alone the color and other contrasting features of an individual that is yet to be born. This is seen is an overstepping beyond the capabilities and the restrictions put by the creator, and can make things look more artificial. If permission is granted over the commercial application of cloning, that day might well be very near where we see artificially created beings that are exact copies of their parents (Cummings, 2009). Many diseases that are incurable today could be nonexistent in future due to genetic engineering. They could well help the scientists come up with solutions to diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and other life threatening viruses and diseases (Nossal & Coppel, 2002, p. 164). Diseases such as bubble boy (Zey, 2004, p. xxi) could well be eradicated through the process of genetic engineering. Some even go to the limit of stating that the life expectancy would increase with the incumbent technology that is in the offing, and can enable to live a safer and healthier life than is lived in modern times. Conclusion Science is often termed as a neutral reference, without good or bad; it is the users and experimenters who mould it according to their desire and give it the shape of good and bad. Having identified the strengths of the technology, followed by its possible consequences and imbalances to the natural processes of reproduction and health care discipline, it can be said that this technology is bound to stay for a long time in coming days. It might result in raising the eyebrows on some accounts; the cloning might be a contentious issue for now, but other aspects are certainly here to stay and catch the attention of many people across the board. Further, with the commercialization and ease of use with the DNA and its sampling, the news of many more researches and advances are bound to hit the ears in upcoming years. Yet, from the scientists and technology proponents’ view point, they must keep in view the possible aspects of its double edged sword, and must practice refrain while adopting and taking upon any other new attempt of improvement in this field. With regard to the experiments and operations conducted under the umbrella of this technology, risk assessment must be done prior to the operation since the past has shown several events where the chemistry of combination formed has worked against the natural chemistry of human body and resulted in colossal damages to individuals. Every science is bound to make progress, and genetic engineering is no exception, With words of danger and vulnerable technology tagged to this technology, caution must be practiced. It must be ensured that a balanced and tolerant working and experimental policy is being adopted in order to make most of the technology and not to create any disturbances in the natural process and ecological system. References Almond, B & Parker, M 2003, Ethical issues in the new genetics: are genes us?, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Andree, P 2007, Genetically modified diplomacy: the global politics of agricultural biotechnology and the environment, UBC Press. Cibelli, JB 2002, Principles of cloning, Academic Press, Boston. Cuddington, K 2007, Ecosystem engineers: plants to protists, Academic Press. Cummings, CH 2009, Uncertain peril: genetic engineering and the future of seeds, Beacon Press. Coppel, RL & Nossal, GJV 1998, Reshaping life: key issues in genetic engineering, Melbourne University Publish. Gaita, R 1999, Good & evil: absolute concepts, Routledge. LeVine, H 2006, Genetic engineering: a reference handbook, ABC-CLIO. Library of Congress, 2002, Genetic engineering, human genetics, and cell biology: evolution of the technological issues, The Minerva Group, Inc. KOEPSELL, D 2007, 'THE ETHICS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING', Center for Enquiry, p. 22. Miller, HI & Conko, GP 2004, The frankenfood myth: how protest and politics threaten the biotech revolution, Greenwood Publishing Group. Newton, DE 2008, DNA evidence and forensic science, Infobase Publishing. 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