What is genetic engineering? Describe one method genetic engineering can be done (use your book or from the listed websites below). Cite your source. State if you are in favor of or against genetically engineering embryos).
Is it acceptable or not to edit the genome of human embryos to treat genetic diseases?
There is a group of genetic disorders that cause fatal childhood diseases. To avoid having children with these genetic disorders, some parents choose to use a procedure called in vitro fertilization (IVF) followed by genetic testing. Typically, in the first step of IVF, women receive hormone injections to produce multiple eggs, after which the eggs are harvested. The eggs are then fertilized by sperm in a petri dish to make embryos, which are then transferred to a woman's uterus. If the goal is to identify embryos that do not have specific genetic conditions, doctors would screen the embryos before they are implanted into the woman - in other words, they would analyze the embryos' DNA to look for variants of the gene(s) that cause the genetic disorder. While the genetic testing of IVF-produced embryos has been done for decades, the procedure is controversial. The controversies include worries that parents are interfering with their potential child's traits, concerns about what happens to embryos that are not implanted, and the fact that these technologies are not available to everyone because they are expensive.
***Now imagine that a group of parents is before you, and proposes to not only screen embryos, but also wants to go a step further. That is, they propose to use information obtained from screening the embryos to then identify and "repair" faulty genes in the embryos that are linked to a known genetic disorder. If the proposal is approved, it would be the first time anyone has tried to change genes in human embryos that are meant to be implanted into women and carried to term. The parents argue that this procedure will decrease the number of children suffering from deadly genetic diseases.***
At the same time, you are aware that many people are strongly opposed to genetically modifying humans. These include many religious organizations, as well as different groups that advocate for patients or people with disabilities.
As the official, do you agree to allow the screen embryos to be genetically modified to repair broken genes? OR do you say no, genetically engineering of embryos is not allowed? This discussion board is NOT on the topic of IVF or reproductive service. Your discussion is centered on genetically engineering embryos.
Your post should include the following:
- What is genetic engineering?
- Describe one method genetic engineering can be done (use your book or from the listed websites below). Cite your source.
- State if you are in favor of or against genetically engineering embryos).
- In three to four sentences, in paragraph form, state why you made your choice. Your choice should be supported by information from class, lecture, textbook, or the suggested articles linked below. Please cite sources that you used to inform your decision.
After part 1 is posted, you will be able to read other's posts. You must reply to at least one post.
Your reply should include the following:
- Do you agree or disagree with their post? You may have agreed with some parts and disagreed with others. That is fine. Discuss it.
- What did you read in your research that helped you agree/disagree with the peer's opinion? Cite the source.
- Did your classmate's opinion and information change your mind and further support your original opinion? Why.
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
