Human Genetic Engineering

Human Genetic Engineering Presented by: Kaitlyn Salazar Josh Parlette Jon Hendricks

Class Opinion Do you agree, disagree, or have an unbiased view with Human Genetic Engineering?

Defined Genetic Engineering: The development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, population.

Defined Human genetic engineering is the alteration of an individual's genotype with the aim of choosing the phenotype of a newborn or changing the existing phenotype of a child or adult.

Positive vs. Negative Positive Genetic Engineering: Enhances the positive traits in an individual like increase longevity or human capacity. Negative Genetic Engineering: When treating problems that arise from genetic disorder, one solution is gene therapy.

Procedures Genetic engineering requires three elements: the gene to be transferred, a host cell into which the gene is inserted, and a vector to bring about the transfer. Suppose, for example, that one wishes to insert the gene for making insulin into a bacterial cell. Insulin is a naturally occurring protein made by cells in the pancreas in humans and other mammals. It controls the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in the blood to glucose. People whose bodies have lost the ability to make insulin become diabetic.

Procedures (cont.) The first step is to obtain a copy of the insulin gene. This copy can be obtained from a natural source or it can be manufactured in a laboratory.

Procedures (cont.) The second step in the process is to insert the insulin gene into the vector. The term vector means any organism that will carry the gene from one place to another. The most common vector used in genetic engineering is a circular form of DNA known as a plasmid. Endonucleases are used to cut the plasmid molecule open at almost any point chosen by the scientist. Once the plasmid has been cut open, it is mixed with the insulin gene and a ligase enzyme. The goal is to make sure that the insulin gene attaches itself to the plasmid before the plasmid is reclosed.

Procedures (cont.) The hybrid plasmid now contains the gene whose product (insulin) is desired. It can be inserted into the host cell, where it begins to function just like all the other genes that make up the cell. In this case, however, in addition to normal bacterial functions, the host cell also is producing insulin, as directed by the inserted gene. Notice that the process described here involves nothing more in concept than taking DNA molecules apart and recombining them in a different arrangement. For that reason, the process also is referred to as recombinant DNA (rDNA) research.

Pro’s vs. Con’s To make disease a thing of the past and to extend life spans. Having enjoyed life, most of us want to cling on to it for as long as possible. The genetic engineering of humans has the potential to greatly increase our life spans. Some estimates reckon that 100-150 years could be the norm. Better pharmaceuticals. The knowledge gained by working out genetic solutions for the above could help with the design of better pharmaceutical products that are able to target specifically genetic mutations in each individual.

Pro’s vs. Con’s (cont.) Genetic engineering in food involves the contamination of genes in crops. Genetically engineered crops may supersede the natural weeds; they may prove harmful for the natural plants. Undesirable genetic mutations can lead to allergies in crops. Critics believe that genetic engineering in foodstuffs can rather hamper the nutritional value while enhancing their taste and appearance.

Pro’s vs. Con’s (cont.) Horizontal gene transfer can give rise to new pathogens. While increasing the immunity to diseases in plants, the resistance genes may get transferred to the harmful pathogens.

Pro’s vs. Con’s (cont.) Gene therapy in human beings can manifest certain side effects. While treating one defect, the therapy may lead to another. As one cell is responsible for many characteristics, the isolation of the cells responsible for a single trait is indeed difficult.

Pro’s vs. Con’s (cont.) Genetic engineering can hamper the diversity in human beings. Cloning can be detrimental to individuality. Moreover, such processes may not be affordable for the masses, thus making gene therapy, an impossibility for the common man.

Pro’s vs. Con’s (cont.) Genetic engineering may work wonders but it is after all a process of manipulating the nature. It is altering something that is not an original human creation. Modifying something that one has not created is always challenging.

Religious Views "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26) "Human beings are themselves part of nature, creatures within creation. Human discovery and invention can be thought of as resulting from the exercise of God-given powers of mind and reason." (Church of England Board) Should mankind agree with quotes such as those above? Is GE only an extension of God's will? Is it justified?

Class Opinion Do you agree, disagree, or have an unbiased view with Human Genetic Engineering?

References http://www.scienceclarified.com/He-In/Human-Genome-Project.html http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-engineering.htmlx http://www.udel.edu/physics/scen103/CGZ/cons.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_genetic_engineering http://brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/22210.asp

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Human Genetic Engineering