For this module we have considered the morality of several \'cloning issues.\' M

Question

For this module we have considered the morality of several 'cloning issues.' Much of the content of the discussions ranges over so-called designer-genes. While virtually everyone agrees we should eliminate the gene for Down syndrome and the like, there is much controversy over other genes. Should we insert the gene for intelligence, should we eliminate the gene for depression? Give at least one argument proposing the criteria for genes that should be manipulated and those that should not. Remember not just to announce your opinions but also to give the evidence and/or reasons for them. Please make sure your initial post (the answer to the question) is no less than 250 words. Remember not just to announce your opinions but also to give the evidence and/or reasons for them.

Explanation / Answer

Modifying human embryo using gene technology was discovered by a group of Chinese scientists. This discovery recieved praise as well as widespread disapproval by scientists claiming that this gene modification can cross the ethical limits. This will be very useful in correcting the genetic errors in the mature cells without affecting the parents's reproductive DNA. But there can be harmful consequences also.

Harmful consequences of gene editing can be:

Safety and Unforeseeable consequences: When the Chinese scientists tested they used 54 embryos, of which 28 were edited. In this the unhealthy genes were succesfully removed. But the editing of genes was not limited its to the abnormal gene but also affected the normal parts of DNA. Moreover only a fraction of targeted DNA was changed not the entire gene.

There is no way to confirm whether the DNA editing was succesful or not or the embryo can be appeared edited or not after the follow up testing only. There is also possiblity of getting undesirable mutations in other segments of genes. It could be possible that this effect could appear in future generation

Germline manipulation: Atlthough gene editing is a very powerful tool in eradication of some serious inheritable diseases but gene editing of reproductive DNA can permanently change the future generations. The safety of human gene pools and the serious long term changes in the child born with such alterations international community has disapproved of this germline manipulation which can permanently alter the human DNA.

Lack of informed consent: Some gene therapies can be conducted ethically by their parents consent on behalf of their children. But the future generation they are unable to consent about their DNA alterations.

Children are a gift not a product: It destroys our thinking that children should be treated as gift by god not as product that can be improved upon. This thinking will encourage the rejection of those embryos which are not suitable. Though gene intervation is used to eliminate serious diseases but there is high possiblity in future that it will be used for getting designer babies.

Gene editing can become eugentics: If used in improving traits in the children, this can raise the feeling of superioty among the children in comparison with others who are disabled or lacking in the desirable traits.

Criteria for gene editing:

We should understand what could be edited or not

Gene editing can easily treat the diseases like Down Sydrome which are mainly genetic and not all the dieases. Because there are some cases in which gene editing remove one disease but increases the possiblity of another disease because of undesirable alterations in other parts of genes which are normal

Traits like intelligence is not entirely DNA related but also depends on the environment. So gene editing cannot be done for such complex traits. Besides that it is not ethical.

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