Genetic Engineering 1
1952 First animal cloned Northern Leapord Frog Robert Briggs and Thomas King 2
1996 Dolly The first sheep to be cloned from ADULT cells is born. 3
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The possibility that through cloning technology we will learn to renew activity of damaged cells by growing new cells and replacing them. The capability to create humans with identical genetic makeup to act as organ donors for each other, i.e., kidney and bone marrow transplants. Sterile couples will be able to have offspring will have either the mother s or father s genetic pattern. 6
Potential Disadvantages The possibility of compromising individualities Loss of genetic variation. A black market of fetuses may arise from desirable donors that will want to be able to clone themselves, i.e., movie stars, athletes, and others. Technology is not well developed. It has a low fertility rate. In cloning Dolly, 277 eggs were used, 30 started to divide, nine induced pregnancy, and only one survived to term (Nash). Clones may be treated as second class citizens. 7
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1 Where do you stand? Yes No Yes No 9
What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism's genetic material in a way that does not occur under natural conditions. Genetic Engineering usually involves removing segments of the DNA that are "less desirable" and inserting "more desirable" replacements. 10
Crops like potato, tomato, soybean and rice are currently being genetically engineered to obtain new strains with better nutritional qualities and increased production. The genetically engineered crops are expected to have a capacity to grow on lands that are presently not suitable for cultivation. Genetic engineering in food can be used to produce totally new substances such as proteins and other food nutrients. The genetic modification of foods can be used to increase their medicinal value, thus making available homegrown edible vaccines. Engineered seeds are resistant to pests and can survive in a relatively harsh climatic conditions. The recently identified plant gene known as At DBF2, when inserted in tomato and tobacco cells is seen to increase their endurance to harsh soil and climatic conditions. Biotechnology can be used to slow down the process of food spoilage. It results in fruits and vegetables having a greater shelf life. 11
Today, 7 out of every 10 items on grocery stores` shelves contain ingredients that have been genetically modified. 12
Widespread Crop Failure Genetic engineers intend to profit by patenting genetically engineered seeds. This means that, when a farmer plants genetically engineered seeds, all the seeds have identical genetic structure. As a result, if a fungus, a virus, or a pest develops which can attack this particular crop, there could be widespread crop failure. More Pesticides GE crops often manufacture their own pesticides and may be classified as pesticides by the EPA. This strategy will put more pesticides into our food and fields than ever before. 13
As reported by Maria Gallagher, in the June 26, 2002 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer, by reading the PLU code, you can tell if the fruit was genetically modified, organically grown or produced with chemical fertilizers, fungicides, or herbicides. Here's how it works: For conventionally grown fruit, (grown with chemicals inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8. For example, A conventionally grown banana would be: 4011 An organic banana would be: 94011 A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011 14
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Are We Next? Genetic engineering has a great potential of succeeding in case of human beings. This specialized branch of genetic engineering, which is known as human genetic engineering is the science of modifying the genotypes of human beings before birth. The process can be used to manipulate certain traits in an individual. Positive genetic engineering deals with enhancing the positive traits in an individual like increasing longevity or human capacity while negative genetic engineering deals with the suppression of the negative traits in human beings like certain genetic diseases. Genetic engineering can be used to obtain a permanent cure for certain dreaded diseases. 16
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Since genetically engineering human traits is an unknown so are the consequences of doing such. 18
2 Where do you stand? Yes No Yes No 19
3 Where do you stand? Yes No Yes No 20
Books that may interest you Written in 1931, the book is set in the year 2540 and discusses the dangers of trying to engineer "paradise." 21
My Sister's Keeper tells the story of 13 year old Anna, who sues her parents for medical emancipation when she is expected to donate a kidney to her sister Kate, who is dying from leukemia. Anna Fitzgerald's older sister, Kate, suffers from acute promyelocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Anna was conceived in order to harvest blood from her umbilical cord in order to use in treatments to help save Kate's life. 22