An Introduction
Over millions of years through the maelstrom of physical and
chemical chaos, life has evolved seamlessly with beauty, complexity and
balance. Organisms gracefully interact with one another, perfectly adapted to
the biotic and abiotic environments they live in, evolving in sync with each
other and the world they inhabit. Recently, a surge of scientific developments
has lead to not only a great understanding of the genetic code, but the ability
to radically redesign it. Humans have found ingenious ways in which to edit the
very fabric of life, the very essence of what makes a species unique. This
immense power is nothing to be laughed at, or played down. The consequences of
meddling with this sort of unprecedented control could be disastrous, or hold
amazing benefits for mankind.
What exactly is genetic modification? Genetic modification
is, according to The Oxford Dictionary, “The deliberate modification of the
characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material” [1]
So is the genetic modification of organisms for human
benefit ethical? The debate is raging, and as relevant and fuelled as ever. For
many people this is a sensitive issue, and one that they are extremely
passionate about.
No comments:
Post a Comment