discussion prompt

This week, we are learning about issues surrounding human genetics and eugenics, including stem cell research, cloning, and genetic testing and treatment.

• Choose and describe a scientific technique or practice related to genetics and eugenics. Provide the rationale behind the use of this technique or practice.
• Discuss your thoughts and ideas regarding the technique or practice. Is it ever justifiable? Why or why not?
• Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings

• comment 1

There are many different scientific techniques or practices that relate to genetics and eugenics. One of the practices that was appealing to me was stem cell research. Stem cell research is, “the in-depth research of stem cells and how they can potentially be used in medicine” (Henry Mayo, 2019, para 3). There are many benefits in doing stem cell research like being able to test new drugs for success rate and effectiveness. The goal of stem cell research is for the undifferentiated cells to be used in specific problems for illnesses and specific problems a patient might have. Researchers willl be growing stem cells in labs and use them to specialize into different cells. Like talked about earlier, stem cell research is intriguing because it helps gain a better understanding of how diseases occur. “Being able to watch stem cells grow into heart muscles and other organs helps researcher find out how they’re developed” (Henry Mayo, 2019, para 5). There are lots of controversy with stem cell research because people will bring ethical issues regarding the damage it can cause to an embryo, but the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Henry Mayo. (2019, June 08). Frequently asked questions about stem cell research. Retrieved February 10, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117

comment 2

Eugenics is defined as the practice or encouragement of refining the human species by selectively mating people with particular desirable genetic traits. Eugenics practice intends to decrease human suffering by “breeding out” disease, disabilities and unwanted features from the human population (A&E Television Network, 2019). Cloning is a common practice associated with eugenics, it, furthermore, can be applied to a variety of procedures that can be used to create genetically identical replicas of an organic being (National Human Genome Research Institute, n.d.). The copied matter, which contains identical genetic material as the original, is denoted a clone. Throughout history, researchers have duplicated a great variety of biological materials, such as genes, cells, tissues and even entire organisms, such as a sheep (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2020). 3 kinds of artificial cloning have been identified, these include gene cloning, reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. Gene cloning creates copies of genes or sections of DNA. Reproductive cloning focuses on producing copies of entire animals. Lastly, therapeutic cloning refers to creating embryonic stem cells for trials focused on creation of tissues which will replace wounded or diseased tissues (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2020).

This is yet another topic which will create controversy among popular opinion. I can see why certain people will label this practice unethical and will go as far as accusing researchers of playing God. I, on the other hand, do not have a problem as long as it is merely done for the benefit of humanity and research. As long as no healthy being is as harmed in the process, I do not have an issue with the cloning practice.

References

A&E Television Network. (2091, October 28). Eugenics. https://www.history.com/topics/germany/eugenics

National Human Genome Research Institute. (2020). Cloning Fact Sheet. https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/…