BIO.B.2 Genetics
Topic Summary for Bioethics:
Profits and Privacy
Most of the research in genetic engineering is done by private companies.
They patent their findings and inventions to protect their investment and make a profit.
The patents block other scientists from pursuing certain lines of research.
In 2007, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act was signed into law in the United States. It prohibits discrimination based on genetic information.
Safety of Transgenics
There is controversy about the safety of GM foods.
Proponents of genetically modified foods argue that GM crops are better, safer, and higher yielding than conventional crops. GM crops require less land and energy to grow, and insecticides need not be applied to insect-resistant strains. Careful studies have provided no support for concerns about the safety of GM crops.
Opponents argue that the safety of GM crops has been neither adequately tested for long-term use, nor regulated. Patents on GM seeds may force small farmers out of business. The resistance of GM plants to insects may harm beneficial insect species. Resistance to herbicides may result in the overuse of toxic chemicals.
Some states have introduced legislation to require that GM foods be labeled.
Ethics of the New Biology
Few argue that gene therapy for curing disease is ethically wrong, but many ask the question of how far genetic modification should go.
Is it right to try to engineer children to have certain characteristics?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Topic Summary for Bioethics:
Profits and Privacy
Most of the research in genetic engineering is done by private companies.
They patent their findings and inventions to protect their investment and make a profit.
The patents block other scientists from pursuing certain lines of research.
In 2007, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act was signed into law in the United States. It prohibits discrimination based on genetic information.
Safety of Transgenics
There is controversy about the safety of GM foods.
Proponents of genetically modified foods argue that GM crops are better, safer, and higher yielding than conventional crops. GM crops require less land and energy to grow, and insecticides need not be applied to insect-resistant strains. Careful studies have provided no support for concerns about the safety of GM crops.
Opponents argue that the safety of GM crops has been neither adequately tested for long-term use, nor regulated. Patents on GM seeds may force small farmers out of business. The resistance of GM plants to insects may harm beneficial insect species. Resistance to herbicides may result in the overuse of toxic chemicals.
Some states have introduced legislation to require that GM foods be labeled.
Ethics of the New Biology
Few argue that gene therapy for curing disease is ethically wrong, but many ask the question of how far genetic modification should go.
Is it right to try to engineer children to have certain characteristics?
Should human cloning be allowed?