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TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD GENETIC ENGINEERING BE REGULATED BY THE GOVERNMENT?
I. Could help to end hunger, halt genetically transmitted diseases, but also to create a false society where everyone is developed to be “perfect.”
A. Many people do not know enough about this great breakthrough/ not enough is known about it.
1. Dr. Leroy Hood MD had this to say about genetic engineering: "It didn't get as much attention as allegations about President Clinton's sex life, but, to my mind, this is the most important scientific breakthrough since the landing of a man on the moon or dropping of the atomic bomb,"
2. The population’s ignorance could deter the terrific possibilities for elimination of diseases/life improvement.
3. In a survey conducted by Mt Albert Research Centre, 1/3 of the population was undecided about the usefulness of genetic engineering. Over half felt that it was not helpful. The research centre speculated that this was because not enough was known about the technology.
B. What is Genetic Engineering?
1. Genetic engineering can be described as a set of technologies used to alter the genetic makeup of cells and move genes from species to species to produce a new organism.
2. Changes organisms to have favorable characteristics
3. Can be applied to plants, animals, bacteria, any of the kingdoms
C. What are the current limitations/who uses GE?
1. Must be reviewed by three departments
2. in use in Asia (GMO rice)
3. Must be reviewed by a board
II. Although this technology has many benefits, there are several speculated pitfalls.
A. Who really wants a “perfect society?”
1. Nazi Germany attempted to breed specific traits.
2. could allow parents to decide exactly what and who their offspring are
3. Should be laws against this type of science.
B. GMO can act as invasive species
1. because they are “reprogrammed” for survival, they could hinder other organism’s development.
2. Could also mix w/ other organisms and swap genes (gene flow)
3. Foods go through evaluation by the FDA, USDA, and EPA
C. Problems
1. It crosses species boundaries which would never occur in nature
2. Over 90% of GE plants are discarded before even being put into circulation (Ifgene: Pros & Cons of Genetic Engineering)
3. Could throw evolution into chaos
III. The Limitless possibilities of genetic engineering could have more benefits for human existence than all the past technologies put together(Ifgene: Pros & Cons of Genetic Engineering)
A. Many things we do today unnatural
1. Although it is unnatural, many foods around today are unnatural as well. I.e.: margarine.
2. How about supplements?
3. Fast food?
B. Many benefits w/ medicine
1. Stop genetically transmitted disease
2. alter a bacteria to produce chemicals to fend off infection in humans
3.
C. Many benefits towards agriculture
1. Ever since man took to agriculture, they have been genetically modifying plants by breeding them together.
2. gives plants the ability to survive in extremes(rice magazine)
3. cheaper/as healthy/better yeild