1. Find one example of a genetically modified bacterium used to benefit humans.
ID: 83161 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Find one example of a genetically modified bacterium used to benefit humans. Provide the genus and species, and briefly discuss the primary uses. You may use one of the examples above or find your own example, but the organism must be genetically engineered or altered. 2. Is it ethical to use genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not? 3. Would you be willing to use medicine or other products that are created by genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not? 4. When a new organism is created in a lab, the scientist responsible for the discovery can patent the new organism. What ethical concerns surround the idea of owning the patent on a living organism?
Explanation / Answer
The example of genetically modified bacteria is Escherichia coli to produce synthetic human insulin. Human insulin gene is inserted into E.Coli and produce synthetic insulin which is used in treatment of diabetes. E.coli is commonly found in the lower intestine and can benefit their host by producing vitamin K and preventing colonization of the intestine with pathogenic bacteria.
It can be ethical issue when it would harm for environment or other organisms or human also. But when it will use for human or other benefit without any harmless property then there is no need to create any ethical issues.
Yes, I would be willing to use genetically modified bacteria for use in medicine or other purpose because use of genetically modified bacteria as medicine save money or time and give much amount of medicine that can be used to treat many diseases. It provides many medicines that could not be made by other chemicals or things.
If a scientist created a new genetically modified organism, then can patent for new discovery. The ethical concerns for these type patents are related to effects on the environment and human health. These modified organisms have potential to both positively and negatively affect the environment and human health. Then he must be mainly concerned about the long term human health and effects on environment.
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