Transgenic Organsims
A transgenic organism is an organism which has been modified with genetic material from another species. The genetic modification is accomplished by inserting DNA into an embryo with the assistance of a virus, a plasmid, or a gene gun. The embryo is allowed to develop, and the mature organism will express the DNA which has been inserted into its genome. Transgenic organisms can also pass the modification on to future generations by breeding with other members of the same species.
Organisms may be genetically modified for any number of reasons. Genetic modification may be performed to make organisms more vigorous, to add resistance to specific threats, or for the goal of expressing a particular trait. It can be used for everything from adding nutrition to staple crops for the benefit of people in the developing world to making fish glow so that they can be sold as novelty pets.
While species cannot interbreed, as a general rule, DNA from one species can express in another. This is because DNA codes for the same thing no matter where it is, so if a researcher can determine which part of an organism's genome codes for a particular trait and the trait is compatible with the organism being modified, the DNA can be successfully inserted to cause the trait to be expressed in a different species.
For Transgenic Organisms
Side Score: 4
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Against Transgenic Organisms
Side Score: 6
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The benefits of transgenic organisms far outweighs the risks. they can be used to find cures for certain diseases and other medical problems. for example insulin from the intestines of pigs is put in bacteria, where it grows and the insulin is then purified and used for medical purposes. Without certain transgenic organisms many other people with medical problems would die. Since these organisms are not in harm I think there is no reason that they are wrong since it has such life saving benefits. Also many transgenic organisms are crops and plants, which have no feelings and can not be subject to "cruel" testing. This means that any benefit from transgenic plants is a risk worth taking. For example the creation of golden rice, which has more nutrients, can help feed impoverished countries. Side: For Transgenic Organisms
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I agree that it is ethically wrong to cause pain to animals. However, it is important to note the benefits of transgenic organisms. For example, certain genetically altered cows produce milk that is protein enriched and can be beneficial to the elderly or young children who need boosts in protein. Also many genetically altered animals feel no pain at all and can live perfectly normal lives without pain or suffering. Products such as blood anti-clotting milk will soon be available and will be a breakthrough in medical science as it will save thousands of lives. Also genetic diseases that can be extremely painful to humans can be treated due to advancements in gene therapy, which allows for a gene to be implanted into a human genome to counteract or replace a defective gene. This can be a huge savoir to people who suffer from diseases that interrupt their everyday life. Overall I think if we use genetic advancements on animals with caution and care, we can create benefits for humans that do not harm animals or plants. Side: For Transgenic Organisms
Actually, the pig is natural. He's talking about taking insulin producing genes and inserting them into bacteria, which are then grown in vats and further modified to ensure safety. These bacteria then produce large amounts of insulin, which is used to save the lives of diabetics. Before DNA replacement was available, large amounts of pigs and cows had to be slaughtered in order to grind up the pancreas from any of the animals. Needless to say, the animals would not survive the procedure, and many users could develop allergies to this form of insulin. There is also a great risk in contracting diseases from the animal if the batch of insulin wasn't properly purified. Not only is DNA replacement a better and safer option for producing large, lower-cost amounts of insulin for diabetics, but it also completely side-steps the need to kill and waste livestock. Side: For Transgenic Organisms
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Transgenic organisms will cause international issues. One of the main reasons to have transgenic organisms is to mass produce food and end world hunger. However this will cause dependency on the US by those countries who are in need of food and do not have the technology to create these organisms. Side: Against Transgenic Organisms
The harm transgenesis CAN do outweighs the good it could POTENTIALLY do. When a transgenic organism is created, it has been altered on the fundamental level. When the basic genetic make-up of an organism is altered, scientists have no way of controlling or preventing maladaptive genes from developing. Harmful mutations can occur regardless of the scientists' efforts to help the organism. It can also change what genes remain dormant or active in the organism, creating a phenotype that the organism did not previously have. Tampering with the organism's DNA through transgenesis has not been proven to consistently help organisms, but always puts the organism in danger of harmful mutations or genetic changes. Side: Against Transgenic Organisms
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Transgenic organisms also pose a threat to human health. Scientists have not yet discovered all the changes that a single gene can cause in an organism. With unknown results and the fact that GMO (genetically modified organisms) are not required to be labeled in supermarkets people are placed at a risk of being exposed to bad food. Notably the allergen exposure is higher in transgenic foods. Side: Against Transgenic Organisms
Trying to create a genetically superior organism will result in damage to the ecosystem. If an organism is modified to live more efficiently it will compete more successfully and overcome the natural population that competes with only its natural talents. Also a cross over of the mutated genes from the altered organisms into a natural population can ruin the health of a natural population and set off the ecosystem's natural balance. Side: Against Transgenic Organisms
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