Ethical Guidelines

ON Animals: Genetic engineering has escalated so fast in the past years, and with this some ethical issues and concerns have arisen. The American Psychology Association defines that any study on animal must respect the physical needs and a pain free experience for the animals.

ON humans: Application of genetic engineering in the field of stem cells or sex manipulation allowed us to have a great potential to affect and change human race. Therefor all agencies and scientists working in this field must face the challenges of the societies, law, and religions.

For religions: It is widely known among most of the religions that manipulating our genome is working against god's will especially in the field of manipulating stem cells. Therefore scientists must take into consideration the criticism they would face by religious figures.

For laws:  Although some countries has allowed the applications of genetic engineering, others still do not have any laws to cover this issue. Some countries even passed laws to prohibit the application of genetic engineering.


Citation: 
Giphy. (n.d.). Ethical GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY. Retrieved from https://giphy.com/explore/ethical 

Brain, T. F. (2018, August 05). Designer Babies: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1a2larfMIA 

Negative Aspect of Genetic Engineering

We have a great number of disadvantages of using genetic engineering: 

• Nutritional value of food: With the rapid growth of animals, the nutritional value of their meats can be decreases and this is seen by the white stripping on meats which are fat deposits due to the rapid growth of the animal.
• Pathogens resistance:  Scientists are aiming to create individuals that are more resistant to bacteria and viruses, however these pathogens can develop a resistance to this resistance and hence lead to unforeseen health circumstances in the future 

Negative ramifications on human beings: 

• This includes the death of of many embryos which many believe they are living beings. 
• We have loss of individuality 
• however the main issue remains who determines what trait is good or bad? This question highlights the fact that we have a chance to lose very important traits in our societies.

Citation : 

Mills, B. (2017, September 18). 4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Manipulation. Retrieved from https://www.lifepersona.com/4-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-manipulation 

Procedure and Techniques

Genetic engineering includes the following :

• Plasmid is extracted from a bacteria
• Plasmid is cut using restriction enzymes
• Insertion of a piece of DNA into a bacterial plasmid. 
• Transform the plasmid into a bacteria. 
• Grow the bacteria on a growth medium in which they can divide.
• The bacteria now is able of creating proteins that are encoded by the inserted genes 

This is the accepted scientific way of manipulating our genome. However recently more advanced techniques have emerged known as gene editing and gene therapy. They have taken the main principles of genetic engineering but also have made more specific and accurate adjustments by relying on complex technological tools.

Citation: 

Overview: DNA cloning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/biotech-dna-technology/dna-cloning-tutorial/a/overview-dna-cloning

Gfycat. (n.d.). Best Genetic Engineering GIFs | Find the top GIF on Gfycat. Retrieved from https://gfycat.com/gifs/search/genetic engineering 

Applications of genetic engineering

Genetic engineering has revolutionized the way we look at genes. By using DNA recombinant techniques, genetic engineering has done a massive impact on different aspects of our lives. The usefulness of this engineering is diffuse across different fields. The following video and list include some, but not restricted to, applications for genetic engineering :

Pharmaceutical: for the production of medicine

Gene therapy: Done by replacing mutated genes by more healthier and fitter ones in-order to treat diseases.

Food: Much research has been done to increase the productivity of plants and animals. For this goal, altering the genes was a necessity to produce more nutritious food with less harmful manufacturing processes



Citation : 
Application of genetic engineering. (2017, September 08). Retrieved from http://geyanibaba.blogspot.com/2017/09/biotechnology.html 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj39InuaamM

What is genetic engineering?

Definition: Genetic Engineering is the process of altering DNA in an organism's Genome. This may involve a single substitution of the simplest unit making up genes that holds genetic information, or the insertion of a piece of DNA from another organism.

History : Genetic engineer became possible only after the discovery of restriction enzymes. This science emerged around 1973 by the research of  Cohen and Boyer. In 1986 the U.S department of Agriculture approved the sale of the first living genetically altered organism.

Current Research : Universities and research agencies all over the world are investing greatly in this field. This science gives hope to find treatment to our most complicated diseases. The current research may provide a chance to alter our future and make our own luck in terms of surviving.




citation : 
Britannica, T. E. (2019, January 31). Genetic engineering. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/genetic-engineering 

Videos, E. (2015, March 28). What is Genetic Engineering? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IsQ92KiBwM 

Gfycat. (n.d.). Best Genetic Engineering GIFs | Find the top GIF on Gfycat. Retrieved from https://gfycat.com/gifs/search/genetic engineering