Which is a potential ethical issue resulting from the use of biotechnology?
During the last two decades techniques in molecular biology have added immensely to our knowledge of the molecular make- up of the cell. It is not only conceivable to identify any gene from our 50,000 to 100,000 genes which we carry in every cell, but it is possible to isolate a specific gene from a few blood cells drawn from our body. With the help of this technology it is feasible to clone the isolated gene and grow it on a large scale, analyse it by sequencing its nucleotides and express it either in bacteria or in mammalian cells in culture to produce large quantities of the protein. Show The function of a gene can be elucidated by studying the protein it makes. Mutations in certain genes result in defective protein synthesis, thus resulting in a diseased condition. With the help of molecular biology techniques it is possible to diagnose some of the diseases by molecular analysis of the patient’s DNA. Diagnosis of some of the diseases including genetic disorders, cancer and infections has become swift and sensitive using this modern technology. Individuals at an increased risk for a particular disease can be diagnosed at a very early stage in life. Prophylactic treatment can be given to some such individuals. Gene transfer in mammals in vivo Gene transfer in humans The first clinical trial for human somatic cell gene therapy was carried out in 1990 by a group of scientists and clinicians in the USA for a disease called severe combined immuno- deficiency syndrome (SCID). Two young girls, suffering from SCID due to defect in their gene coding for an enzyme, adenosine deaminase, received the normal gene thereby overcoming the enzyme deficiency. Today there are a large number of ongoing clinical trials in the West for genetic diseases as well as cancer. Clinical trials are carried out on a select group of patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the gene therapy strategy. We learn and improve on existing strategies from these clinical trials. We still have a long way to go before gene therapy becomes a routine practice but there is optimism that it will. Ethical issues in using recombinant DNA technology in medicine With the discovery of genes involved in the etiology of various diseases it is now possible to identify those which confer susceptibility to the disease. Individuals carrying the susceptibility gene may be at a higher risk of contracting the disease. On learning that a person is carrying the susceptibility gene, can one stop or prevent progression of the disease? Prophylactic treatment can be given to some such individuals. Environmental factors which trigger the disease could be avoided. Could the knowledge that one is carrying the susceptibility gene lead to more problems than benefits? Will it lead to discrimination in employment, insurance policies, social life? Very often when screening families with familial cancers for susceptibility genes, it is difficult to convince unaffected, young, unmarried females to provide a sample of blood for genetic analysis. They fear that if they were found to carry susceptibility gene/s they would be stigmatised. Such information therefore has to be kept strictly confidential. Informed consent has to be obtained from the participants after explaining the risks and benefits of the research or treatment. Ethical issues in somatic and germline gene therapy in humans Cloning of a sheep from an adult cell, closely followed by cloning of a monkey, has caused quite a furor worldwide. This technological feat has a tremendous potential in our understanding o’f genetics and reproduction, in improving the process of breeding where farm animals are considered. Whether this would lead to man making numerous copies of himself/ herself; whether this abnormal way of reproduction should be permitted, are some ethical, moral and spiritual questions. Conclusion Rita Mulherkar, In-Charge, Genetic Engineering Unit, Cancer Research Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai 400012 What are some ethical issues of biotechnology list at least 3 issues?The 5 Most Pressing Ethical Issues in Biotech Medicine. Protecting Human Subjects in Clinical Trials. ... . Affordability. ... . Privacy. ... . Stem Cell Research. ... . Defending the United States Against Bioterrorism.. What are the 5 ethical issues?5 Common Ethical Issues in the Workplace. Unethical Leadership.. Toxic Workplace Culture.. Discrimination and Harassment.. Unrealistic and Conflicting Goals.. Questionable Use of Company Technology.. What are some potential risks of biotechnology?use of biotechnological seeds may result in the loss of genetic diversity of crops. moving towards genetic homogeneity can lead to a higher susceptibility of plants to many pests, diseases or other negative environmental impacts.
What are two major ethical implications of biotechnology research?Ethical issues in biotechnology are mainly: Genetic modification of crops. Transfer of transgenes.
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