Human

By Svetlana Levanova, 512 AE

Genes are
working portions of DNA and the biological units of heredity. Specific genes
code for specific traits that are found in a given organism. For example, one
gene may code for eye color while another one may code for shoe size. DNA is an
extremely complicated biological system. Many, if not most diseases stem from a
defect in one's genetic code. There are two ways for one to get a genetic
defect or mutation. A mutation can be inherited from one or both parents, or a
genetic mutation can be acquired.

Gene therapy
is the process by which cells are supplied with healthy copies of missing,
flawed, or desirable genes. Gene therapy can possibly be a cure for the genetic
mutations that are constantly occurring in nature. There is a heated discussion
in the society about both genetically modified food and human gene engineering
and the possible repercussion from them, which we may be able to get only in a
certain period of time.

Still this
burning issue has arguments both in favor of and against gene technology. The
success of genetic manipulation will result in a better quality of life for
people. Nearly all diseases can potentially be cured. Cancer will be wiped out,
as cancer causing genetic defects will no longer be a problem. As a result of
genetic testing, risk prevention is also a benefit. If I find that I am
genetically inclined to have a heart attack, I can reshape my habits around my
genetic dispositions. Or, if I know that I have a recessive gene for a disease,
I will know not to have a child by another person with that gene. Also we get
more than just medical benefits. If it is found out that genes are responsible
for the work of the mind, than who is to say that someday people won't be able
to endow their children with certain qualities. Many see this as an advantage.
Before my child is even conceived, I can give him brown hair, green eyes, 6
feet in height and an intellect to match! In a nutshell, the benefits are long
lives, less disease and tailored children.

As for the
arguments against gene technology, there are many ethical and religious reasons
against gene manipulation. Many say that it will be an invasion of one's
genetic privacy. Once the technology becomes widespread, genetic testing will
be mandated, and genetic information will have to be disclosed. Many people
don't want to know about their own genetic destiny, let alone allow others to
know. The fact that genetic information may one day become easily accessible
leads to the possibility of genetic discrimination and violation of genetic
privacy. People can most certainly be judged and oppressed on the basis of
genetic information as well as skin color. Why should I hire a man who has a
genetic risk of developing heart disease? Why should I offer him insurance?

Many people
feel that genetic technology will have organizational problems. For example,
that the practice will be poorly regulated and that people can do as they
please with developing genetic engineering. Also, it is feared that this new
technology will be available only to the wealthy, for their own benefit and
exploitation. People fear also the fact that genetically modified humans will
decrease the diversity of the human species, which will make the human
population susceptible to diseases. This is a far-fetched notion, but the
possibility exists. Finally, it is feared that creating new types of people is
undermining God's natural order. Just as above it was stated as a benefit, many
also view having the power to "select" your child as a problem. They
feel the humans should not have the power to create a child like it is some
sort of machinery. Life should be held in higher regard than that.

Human
curiosity and innovation will always manage to conjure up some sort of scientific
breakthrough. Genetic manipulation is no exception. Like all new technologies,
it has its pros and cons that must be weighed. The potential for reward and for
disaster are both great in this issue. With sufficient regulation and
responsibility, the benefits of genetic manipulation can far outweigh the
drawbacks. It is a situation that must be handled delicately.