1. Ethics in Biotechnology

2. 3.3.3
Evaluate some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of DNA technology (including cloning, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research, and Human Genome Project).

3. Human Genome Project (H.G.P.)
Organized by scientists in 1990, to completely map and sequence the tens of thousands of genes on the 46 human chromosomes.
The project was completed 2 years ahead of schedule in 2003.

4. Implications of the H.G.P.
1. Gene Testing
Scientists can compare the genes of a normal person to a person with a genetic disorder to show the location of the mutation.
Diagnoses of diseases before birth and after birth.
Diagnoses of diseases in parents who are deciding to have a child.
Allows preparation time for disease treatment and care.
May lead to stress and perhaps disease discrimination.

5. 2. Gene therapy.
Cloning normal genes and inserting them into a person with a genetic disorder.
Does not always work.
Not a permanent cure.
Requires inserting normal genes into a vector such as a virus to activate the normal protein production of the isolated gene.

6. 3. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Inserting genes from an organism into the genome of another organism to create a transgenic organism.
Allows for efficient gene cloning as well as creating organisms suitable for diverse habitats.
May lead to introduction of new disease causing organisms and pests into non-native environments as well as normal organisms reproducing with transgenic organisms.
Long-term effects of eating GMOs are not yet known. Different countries have different laws regulating the labeling and selling of GMOs. Many processed foods are made with GMOs in the U.S. but are not labeled.

7. 4. Reproductive Cloning
Organisms that do not normal reproduce asexually are being cloned to create offspring genetically identical to the donor organism.
Requires removal of DNA from an egg nucleus for insertion of somatic cell DNA.
Clones do not always develop to be identical to donor due to environmental influences.
Reverting somatic cell DNA back to the stem cell state can lead to cloning failure and health problems in clones.
Humans have not been cloned although human genes have been cloned.

8. 5. Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells can give rise to any type of cell which may be used for an array of disease treatments but destroys the embryo.
Adult stem cells such as those found in bone marrow give rise to only certain types of cells, but can still treat many diseases.
Scientists are learning how to revert differentiated cells back to their undifferentiated state.
Stem cells have been used for disease treatment since the 1960s, long before the completion of the H.G.P., but the full potential of stem cell uses is still occurring.

9. 6. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Egg and sperm are fertilized in a test tube then implanted into the mother.
Assists with infertility issues.
Very costly.
Embryos are screen for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects.

10. Ethics?
In addition to some of the disadvantages already discussed, why are some, if not all, of these forms of biotechnology still up for debate?
Possible answers: Just because we can is it right? Is it ok to go against the natural order or tendency of things? What rights do organisms have whose DNA is being manipulated or even destroyed?