Genetics

In recent discussions of ethical ways to use genetic screening, a controversial issue has been whether genetic screening of embryos is ethical, and if it isn’t then how can it be ethical. On the other hand, some argue that there isn’t a way to make genetic screenings ethical. From this perspective, many people believe that it’s something that is ethical and can really help families with a genetic disease. On the other hand, however, other argue that you are still killing an embryo which is wrong…

Genetic Engineering The primary goal of genetic engineering in humans is to predict and cure genetic disorders by changing an organism 's genome using biotechnology. An insertion or deletion of DNA segments can change genetic abnormalities. The two types of genetic cloning involved in genetic engineering are Therapeutic and Reproductive Cloning. Therapeutic Cloning has benefits in treating various diseases through cell replication. Reproductive cloning focuses on creating human body parts,…

Genetics can explain why four generations of your family became drug dependent after being exposed to drugs (Abadinsky, 2014). Family and social environmental factors are determining factors on whether a person will begin using drugs, as well (Abadinsky, 2014). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, studies demonstrate that a person’s genetic makeup is a critical factor in being vulnerable to drug abuse (Abadinsky, 2014). Other studies demonstrate that at least half of a person’s…

Not only can genetic databases be of use in the medical field, but also for FBI purposes. With the help of a national genetic database, the FBI would be able to quickly identify missing persons, cadavers, and criminals. The intention of obtaining a genetic database is to solve murders and identify other victims that could only previously be identified as Jane or John Doe. The International Homicide Investigators Association claims that nationally there are more than 40,000 unidentified cadavers.…

Genetics is a fascinating field of biology that deals with heredity and shows how the characteristics of living things are controlled by their genes.The Gene Researcher for a Week (GRFAW) program is right for me because I have a strong passion to learn about genetics and contribute to research efforts at a genetics lab. I have developed skills that would make me a good scientist through both my education as well as extra-curricular activities and I am excited to apply these skills to this…

against human manipulation of genetic makeup (Eugenics, 2006). This is relative to the current public debate over the ethicality of human genetic engineering because often times the distinction between eugenics and human genetic engineering is lost. Genetic testing, the fundamental base of human genetic engineering, was…

In the 1920s, the field of genetics saw many groundbreaking discoveries. The research of scientists such as Thomas Hunt Morgan and Hermann Joseph Muller proved the existence of chromosomes and genes as well as showed how mutations can be influenced and passed on to offspring. Geneticists from this decade used study results to form a more complete understanding of previously constructed theories. Genetic research in the 1920s significantly advanced scientific thinking and understanding…

Genetic engineering has given the world hope for a brighter future. With promises of disease eradication, increased intelligence, and longer lifespans, it is no wonder that people believe that this altering our genetic code is the solution to all of our problems. However, with all these potential benefits, there come potential dangers. A new genetic-engineering breakthrough has come our way. Referred to as CRISPR, this new technology is the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable way of modifying…

The genetic information in an organism’s DNA ultimately determines its traits; however, if this genetic information is somehow altered (the arrangement of nucleotides changed) new traits can appear or a deformity might occur. When a cell fails to replicate properly and DNA that is produced is not identical to that of the original (as a result of changes made for various reasons), a mutation has occurred. Failures in replication can be caused by a large number of reasons, but some of the more…

secondary school, but in recent months my focus has shifted specifically towards the study of genetics. A wide and varied subject, ranging from eugenics and the ethical considerations of genetically engineering organisms, and to the more recent scientific breakthroughs in said area of study, the study of genetics is, without a doubt, a rewarding subject to study. I am enthusiastic about the history of genetics and how genes change over time. In the future I wish to go on to study in detail the…