Genetic engineering WHAT IS IT? Human Genetics & cloning Raise large moral & religious issues Recent advances in both could allow scientists to cure major medical conditions

Could help to eliminate genetic disorders e.g. cystic fibrosis These advances also raise the possibility of 'designer babies’ and the selective breeding of human beings

MENDEL & HIS PEAS Gregor mendel (1822 -84) Experimented with peas to see how characteristics were passed on from one generation to another

The study of this process was called 'genetics’. He wrote the first 4 rules of genetics

All organisms get their characteristics from their genes A pair of genes, one from each parent, controls particular characteristics Genes may be dominant or recessive Dominant genes determine characteristics over recessive.

James Watson & Francis Crick 1953 One of the greatest discoveries Unravelled DNA A complex molecule found in all cells Holds the blueprint for everything that happens in the human body Called the ‘building block of life’

The Human Genome project 1990 Attempt to map out the DNA structure of Human beings Make it possible to see how individual genes work Ultimately lead to development of drugs to cure even more diseases

MANIPULATING THE GENES It is thought that within a decade we will be able to manipulate most of the genes in the human body There are 3 possible uses for this:

GENETIC ENGINEERING Process of manipulating DNA directly Allows particular characteristics to be deleted, altered or replaced By changing the genetic code the new characteristic will be passed on to next generation

2.GENE THERAPY Involves replacing a defective gene with a new one. Could help people with cystic fibrosis and other conditions

3.XENOTRANSPLA-NTATION Method of transplanting organs from one species to another Pig organs have been used as a short term replacement for human organs in the past few years.

MORAL & RELIGIOUS ISSUES Raises immense issues Should insurance companies be allowed to ask for genetic tests before providing life insurance?

Give the parents an opportunity to seek abortion if they wanted to? Should unborn foetuses be tested for conditions that lead to an early death? Give the parents an opportunity to seek abortion if they wanted to?

Could tell if foetus was likely to have breast cancer later on in life, could save the NHS money in the long term to stop people with potential disease from living in the first place?

? Raised are very serious and far reaching Positive side - some killer diseases could become things of the past Negative side - whole map of person’s life laid bare Human beings given the opportunity to play ‘god’

Have an effect on the way we view human life Have an effect on faith Effect on sanctity , tolerance prejudice etc?