BIOLOGY 137

Genetic Engineering

CLONING

Have you ever wished you could have a clone of yourself to do homework while you hit the skate park or went out with your friends?

Clone You

What is CLONING?

Cloning: Creation of an

organism that is an exact genetic copy of another.

This means that every single bit of DNA is the same between the two!

DOLLY:1st cloned mammal

How is CLONING done?

Common Misconception

Clone magically appears and is the same age and has the same personality as the original.

Why Clone?

Reviving endangered or extinct speciesReproducing a deceased PetMedical purposesCloning animal models of disease Cloning stem cells for research "Pharming" for drug production

STOP and THINK…Do you think cloning should be allowed? WHY or WHY NOT?

What is GENE THERAPY?

Gene Therapy: Experimental technique that uses genes to treat or

prevent disease

Why Gene Therapy?

Researchers are testing several approaches to gene therapy, including: Replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a

healthy copy of the gene. Inactivating, or “knocking out,” a mutated gene that is

functioning improperly. Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a

disease.

What is GENETIC ENHANCEMENT?

Genetic Enhancement: Refers to the transfer of genetic material intended to

change non-life threatening human traits

How is genetic enhancement different then gene therapy?

Genetic enhancement seeks to change humans cosmetically while gene therapy is used to treat disease.

Examples of Genetic Enhancements

Using growth hormone to increase muscle mass or height

Using hormones to delay the ageing processIntroduce genetic mutations that increase an

athlete's capacity for aerobic exerciseImprove one’s brain to make you smarterImprove memory

What is SEX SELECTION?

Sex Selection: Methods used to predetermine or diagnose the sex of

an embryo for the purpose of selecting only those embryos of a particular sex for transplanting to the uterus of a woman.

In high school terms: Selecting if your child is a boy or girl!

Medical Reasons for Sex Selection

Several 100 known genetic diseases that affect only males: i.e. Duchene Muscular Dystrophy

Parents who know that they carry specific diseases may choose to have a female

Non-Medical Reasons for Sex-Selection

Family balancing – to have a family that includes children of both sexes

Rebuild a family after the death of a child, therefore strong desire to have a child of the same sex

To fulfill a general preference for one sex over another due to social, economic or cultural reasons

Ethical, Legal & Social Issues to Consider

What are the benefits? What are the risks? Whom will the technology help? Does it have

the potential to hurt anyone? What does this mean for me? For my family?

For others around me? Why might others not share my view?

Step Into Someone Else's Shoes! Would your views be the same if you were a different

person or had a unique situation?