Chapter 29, Problem 1NS.1QC

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Whether it is ethical to change the genetic makeup of vertebrates in order to use them as drug or organ factories.

Introduction:

The process of modifying the genetic structure of organisms for the production of improved organisms is called genetic engineering. This process includes the transfer of genes from one species to another by the various techniques, such as gene guns, vectors, and many more.

Explanation of Solution

The most genetically engineered vertebrates for the humans are mice, pigs, and chimpanzees. They are engineered because of their close relatedness to the humans. The genetic manipulation of the genes in lower vertebrates is done by using the lower vertebrates, which have a high reproductive rate. This ensures their survival.

This does not imply that the organisms should be exploited because of their high reproductive rate. A few organisms are required for the experimentation. The alteration of the genes should be allowed only if there is no other choice except the alteration for the generation of the drugs. The proper guidelines should be followed for the alteration of the genes of vertebrates for the drugs so that the organisms are not been exploited severely.

Conclusion

The ethical permission should be granted for the gene alteration in the vertebrates for the generation of drugs when there is no other option, the organisms are not much harmed that they may become extinct, and the protocol should be followed for the experimentation.