The Benefits of Altering Genes
Science is never complete. New discoveries are constantly being made, and problems being solved, all while new questions arise. The advancements in science are outstanding. As recently as the 1950’s DNA was discovered as being the genetic material in humans, and already techniques, information and experiments are being conducted that allow the human genome to be manipulated. But, this raises questions in morality. Just because we can alter the human genome, should we? The answer is yes. People who are born with physical disabilities, diseases or poor health are only so because of random combinations of genes, or errors made in the gene transcription or translation. Genetic editing provides people the ability to have a life with less struggle and suffering. Gene editing can eliminate deadly genetic diseases and conditions, preserve species, and enhance pharmaceutical products.
Many diseases are caused by genetic errors or inherited genes. Sickle cell anemia is an example of a disease caused by a missense point mutation. Sickle cell anemia targets hemoglobin, causing the red blood cells to become sickle shape, and sharp. This disease and treatment causes symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sudden pooling of blood in spleen, liver congestion, lung and heart injury and many more. Another example of a genetic disease is cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited gene caused by mutations in chromosome 7. The result of this mutation is the production of thick mucus predominantly in the lungs and pancreas, causing breathing and digestive problems. This disease causes frequent lung infections, requires much treatment, and many hospital visits. As well, cystic fibrosis patients only have a life expectancy of about 50 years. Sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis are just a couple of the many genetic diseases discovered to date. Another genetic error causes a condition called Amelia, in which a baby is born with missing limbs. These diseases and conditions affect the quality of life for the people who have them. They endure much suffering and countless hours of treatment, as well as an inability to do certain things such as sports and other activities. Through no fault of their own, they begin their life at a disadvantage from everyone else. If we had the chance to take away the pain and suffer, now and in future generations, through embryonic gene alterations, why wouldn’t we?
Editing genes is not restricted to humans, it can also be extremely beneficial for preserving endangered animal species. Recently, an alarming amount of species have been going extinct, or becoming endangered. A lack of species diversity creates problems with the food chain. With certain species going extinct, the balance of the food chain is disrupted, causing overpopulation of some species, and overeating of others. This affects the entire ecosystem, causing overpopulation and possible overuse of certain materials within the ecosystem. All of which affects the natural resources us humans have available to us. Therefore, if scientist have the ability to prevent endangered animals from going extinct, a balance in biodiversity and ecosystems would remain. To prevent endangerment, scientist can cross the genes from better adapted populations, with those from the same species, but less adapted. This technique will introduce adapted alleles to the weak populations, providing them with a better chance of survival, and a less chance of extinction.
Through studying genetics it is evident that every individual has slightly varied genetics. Everyone has their own genome. Through further studies and experimentation of gene manipulation, scientist will have a better understanding of individual people's genomes and DNA, thus being able to manufacture pharmaceutical products catered to them. This would improve the health of those suffering from rare illnesses or diseases.
In conclusion, gene manipulation and editing is beneficial for eliminating diseases, preserving endangered species, and advancing medicine. What more could we ask for?
Works Cited
Barton, Adriana. "Your Pharmacist's Secret Weapon: How Your DNA Can Help Perfect Your Medication." The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail, 17 Feb. 2016. Web. 16 June 2017. <https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/researchers-seek-to-personalize-medicine-by-unlocking-secrets-in-dna/article28745033/>.
"Can Genetic Modification Save Endangered Species?" One Green Planet. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017. <http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/can-genetic-modification-save-endangered-species/>.
"Cystic Fibrosis." KidsHealth. Ed. Floyd R. Livingston Jr. The Nemours Foundation, Apr. 2014. Web. 16 June 2017. <http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cystic-fibrosis.html#>.
"GENOME VARIATIONS." GNN - Genome News Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/whats_a_genome/Chp4_1.shtml>.
Since gene alteration allows for the prevention disease and possibly the protection of endangered species, we still shouldn't alter an organism's genome. This alteration will negatively impact evolution and natural selection. The black peppered moths evolved over time due natural selection, while the white peppered moths became endangered then extinct. If the knowledge we have now was available during those times to protect the endangered white peppered moths, the black peppered moths wouldn't have evolved as they did. What would gene alteration mean for the future of the human race? Gene alteration also means narrowing the gene pool, losing individuality, uniqueness, and diversity. No one deserves to go endure those terrible diseases, but it's the natural course of life and it shouldn't be tampered with. We must consider all the factors and effects gene manipulation may involve. Do scientists receive consistent results after gene alteration? Will this process be reliable and how will it affect our future?
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