Essay The Benefits Genetic Engineering for Medical Purposes

Genetic Engineering has developed by very rapidly over the past twenty years. It is also one of the most controversial topics to go through the United States. From the research gene therapy to the cloning of different animals, genetic engineering can save lives while at the same time, endanger them as well. There are many pros and cons which are being heavily debated by political, scientific, and many other organizations. Most are centered on the idea of using Stem cells as a way of curing diseases. Stem cells are cells that have the capabilities to develop into many different types of cells in the body. Serving as a type of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to take over for other cells for†¦show more content†¦Scientists once believed that human adult stem cells could be used, but that idea was quickly put to rest when scientists discovered that the cells may be damaged by sunlight or toxins in the air, as well as the fact that adult stem cells may contain more DNA abnormalities. Stem cell research could one day lead to the cures of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease (NIH, FAQs, 1). Did you know that with the science of DNA manipulation, animal cadavers can be turned into insulin for diabetics? Back in the 80s scientists isolated the human gene for insulin and transferred it into bacteria. Now bacteria cultures are used to produce large amounts of human insulin. DNA manipulation is especially important in medicine, where it holds the hope of curing genetic diseases such as Huntingtons, and even some types of cancer. There are several major types of DNA-manipulation enzymes used by living cells. The first type is DNA polymerase, which cells use to replicate their own DNA. The next type is DNA ligase, which joins 2 pieces of DNA to create a single piece. The third type is restriction enzymes, which appear to be made only by bacteria. Restriction enzymes are very important enzymes that are vital to our manipulation of DNA (Rapoza, DNA, 2). Another way of manipulating DNA is by cloning. Cloning is the production of exact copies of the original, kind of like a copying machine. With DNA molecules, cloning means putting new DNA into aShow MoreRelatedHuman Genetic Engineering is Morally Justified Essay811 Words   |  4 PagesAffirmative—Human Genetic Engineering is Morally Justified When they are finally attempted†¦genetic manipulations will†¦be done to change a death sentence into a life verdict. In agreeing with this quote by James D. Watson, director of the Human Genome Project, I affirm today’s resolution, Human genetic engineering is morally justified. I will now present a few definitions. Human genetic engineering is the altering, removal, or addition of genes through genetic processes. Moral is pertainingRead MoreWhy We Should Not Pursue Genetic Engineering1060 Words   |  5 Pagesbut that poison gas, genetic engineering, and nuclear weapons and power stations are terrifying. It may be that civilization is falling apart and the world we know is coming to an end.† This quote sums up my stance on genetic engineering perfectly. Our society should not pursue genetic engineering in humans because of the risk, possibility for discrimination, and ethical problems associated with modifying human genes. 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