The recent advancements in scientific technology have allowed us to manipulate nature in more ways than ever before. We use massive machinery to cultivate and fertilize land, to collect and care for animals, to process foods, and to engineer cars. Today, our machines can do all that, and now, more complex chores. More specifically, we can genetically modify nature to further suit our needs and wants. What are the potential consequences of purposeful tampering with the genetic code of the creatures around us? Would these man-made beings even be considered animals? Why bother being more intrusive, and is it worth it?
Humans have been taking advantage of the genetic traits of animals for hundreds of years. The domestic breeding of dogs, cats, cattle, and goats are a few examples of this. Dogs have been bred differently to satisfy a specific look or ability. Dachshunds were bred to hunt and pursue badgers down burrows, and sheep dogs were bred to herd sheep. The Maasai, a tribe in Eastern Africa, pick and choose cattle to use in ceremonies and as a sort of currency, the fittest and largest being highly prized. One well-known form of this breeding, known as “selective breeding” a form of genetic manipulation, is practiced by Belgian cow breeders. They are known as Belgian blues. Breeders choose the more muscled offspring to breed with other muscled cows. The result is a cow that appears to have been shot up with incredible amounts of steroids and other growth hormones. Their large appearance is completely natural, and companies pay top dollar for these walking meat houses (National Geographic). But selective breeding isn’t as intrusive as the GM, genetic manipulation, of today. Today we are able to take the gene from bioluminescent jellyfish and coral, and insert it into other creatures. The most notable version of this manipulation is the Glofish. The Glofish is a Zebra Danio that displays the “glow” gene. The fish glows brightly under bright light and even more so when put under a UV light. The fish are sold as pets. An immediate problem with this type of manipulation is the environmental effect it could have on the ecosystem. Katie Kaczmarek, a genetics researcher, says that, “If genetically altered organisms were released into the wild, it could dramatically affect the ecosystem”(prgh 9).
“Only the strong survive”, the Darwinian tagline, is a phrase we’ve heard over and over. What if this statement could be applied to a man-made organism? Suppose the creature is “weak”, or dependent on humans, and expires soon after being released into the wild. There is not much cause for alarm in this specific situation, because no real damage was done to the ecosystem. On the other hand, suppose the organism is not only independent, but overwhelms its own environment. It would, for a lack of a better word, conquer it. This has been seen in history before. When rabbits were brought to Australia, they multiplied and nearly decimated indigenous plant life. The animals that inhabited the continent were brought to near starvation because the rabbits did not have a natural enemy. Today, rabbits are considered the number one pest and are illegal to own. This is just a small taste of what introducing a foreign organism to a foreign ecosystem can do. Imagine the consequences of introducing an organism with man made abilities or qualities. To stop any sort of environmental damage, their genetic code could go on for a generation or two, and then become infertile. This set-up effectively turns the organism into a product that must be purchased from a distributor.
While selective breeding has been done to magnify a quality of an organism, GM allows us to construct an organism with a given purpose. The potential of GM organism, in theory, is practically limitless. GM animals could have dozens of applications to help us with the problems of today. Global warming, hunger, and healthcare are a few problems that GM animals could help with.
Global warming is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What if a plant could be genetically manipulated to perform photosynthesis in a faster, more productive fashion? Pulling in massive amounts of carbon dioxide and putting out just as much oxygen could be an interesting solution to put into action. However, the application of such plants may become an environmental problem in itself. Let’s say that the process worked, but all too well. The output of oxygen may eventually become too great and the world would be doomed to not global warming but oxygen poisoning or maybe a scorched earth, since oxygen feeds fire.
World hunger has always been a serious problem and the solutions never seem to satisfy. What if a plant could be genetically modified to sustain more people? Corn could grow faster and larger. A single stalk could have the potential to feed a couple dozen people. A tomato could be sliced into 20 sandwiches, or diced into four 16oz cans. The problems that arise from this are addressed from a nutritional perspective. GM foods have been found to have a negative impact. The researchers who specialize in soy products, and upload their findings on soyinfo.com, comment on the potential hazards of GM foods. During an experiment they found that “GM foods can, when fed to animals, cause very gradual organ damage and immune system damage” (soyinfo). Though it is still in its early stages, the gain from such foods can be gratifying to those who hunger for a solution.
Healthcare is another important problem to address. People who require a heart or a set of lungs are typically added to a very long waiting list. GM has been taking steps to help with this problem. “Pigs have hearts similar to humans in size, shape and function ”(line 69). So the idea of growing a pig with human organs sounds like an interesting puzzle for scientists (Fiona Macrae). The pigs would be born and grow with human hearts, lungs and intestines. The idea is to have a wide variety of organs ready for transplant for those who require it. The obvious remark one could make about that it is cruel animal treatment, but these pigs are no longer pigs. Rather, they are considered medical tools, like a scalpel or syringe, and are kept in a clean environment like a medical tool. They are recognized this way because they are born sterile and have a given purpose in life.
Genetically modified organisms are just another form of innovation on the horizon for the human race. They are created with a given purpose, whether it’s to feed, clean, heal, or entertainment. The term “product” will become stretched in its definition and laws will have to be written to fit their existence into society. We would still be using nature the way we have always been, but it will become more intrusive and interconnected. Selective breeding has proven to be a safe and manageable way to manipulate the genetic material of animals. Breeders of all types herald the method as a way to better human way of life. Scientists could say the same, with GM, but the risks have been observed as potentially destructive. But the theoretical potential for success would save many lives and make the world a better place to live in.
Also, check out GM pig promo on youtube
Works Cited
GM animals: do the ends justify the means. Gene Watch, June 2003.
www.genewatch.org
This article leaves an open-ended question of whether it is worth having genetically altered animals in the world. They may have some economic value and perhaps strong medicinal purposes. Perhaps animals have become something more than just a beast we catch, kill, and eat. The article addresses some of the GM animals of today, some for novelty, others for economy.
Health Hazards of Genetically-Manipulated Foods, http://www.soyinfo.com
The foods of GM plants have been tried and tested on animals and have shown to have a degrading effect on tissue and immune systems. Using this information will help my audience understand that though GM has good applications and intentions, it is not an exact science. The researchers are supporters of soy products and have conducted experiments where they have manipulated foods, and fed them to animals. Their observations are an important controversy to address.
Kaczmarek, Katie. To Uplift or Not To Uplift: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web1/kaczmarek.html
Uplift is defined as the ability of an organism to survive in a given ecosystem. GM toys with this idea because the product that is created is not natural but came about of science and recombination of genes. This article addresses the potential environmental effects of a GM animal. Since the animal doesn’t have a natural set-up, but a rather convoluted genetic make up, would it be capable of sustaining itself in an ecosystem? This is an important topic for the essay as it addresses a possible environmental impact GM could have.
Macrae, Fiona. Winston backs breeding 'designer pigs with hearts for humans'.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk
This article addresses some ethical issues associated with GM pigs. It gives details about the anatomy of pigs and how similar they are to our own. The application of GM pigs is also identified, they can carry lungs as well as other vital human organs. Since the pig’s anatomy is similar to humans, why not engineer a pig that grows human organs? The idea is simple and could have hundreds of benefits for those waiting for transplants. Using this article will be a driving force in my perspective of GM products.
National Geographic. Produced by Chad Cohen. Meet the Super Cow.
www.youtube.com.
Super cow is an example of selective breeding, which is a non-intrusive form of GM. The term GM comes from genetic manipulation, and in this video the example given is the way that Belgian blue cows are bred. The cows have significant increase in muscle mass, and this was achieved through selecting only the “beefiest” of cows and bulls. The market for such meat is highly prized. These cows have a purpose and it is clearly indicated.
The Independent, UK. 5-Animals: Risk of GM animals is worth it, say scientists
http://news.independent.co.uk/
This article effectively identifies a coupe of risks associated with GM. They also include benefits such as economic benefitting and social benefit. The risks are not ignored but are rather juxtaposed with the reward that may present itself should research and testing continue without halt. They mention trial and error and the importance of continuing based on a preferred goal rather than stunt progress because of an ethical question. Theology is addressed in that,“GM is nothing more than selective breeding (something humans have practiced for centuries) accelerated.”
Humans have been taking advantage of the genetic traits of animals for hundreds of years. The domestic breeding of dogs, cats, cattle, and goats are a few examples of this. Dogs have been bred differently to satisfy a specific look or ability. Dachshunds were bred to hunt and pursue badgers down burrows, and sheep dogs were bred to herd sheep. The Maasai, a tribe in Eastern Africa, pick and choose cattle to use in ceremonies and as a sort of currency, the fittest and largest being highly prized. One well-known form of this breeding, known as “selective breeding” a form of genetic manipulation, is practiced by Belgian cow breeders. They are known as Belgian blues. Breeders choose the more muscled offspring to breed with other muscled cows. The result is a cow that appears to have been shot up with incredible amounts of steroids and other growth hormones. Their large appearance is completely natural, and companies pay top dollar for these walking meat houses (National Geographic). But selective breeding isn’t as intrusive as the GM, genetic manipulation, of today. Today we are able to take the gene from bioluminescent jellyfish and coral, and insert it into other creatures. The most notable version of this manipulation is the Glofish. The Glofish is a Zebra Danio that displays the “glow” gene. The fish glows brightly under bright light and even more so when put under a UV light. The fish are sold as pets. An immediate problem with this type of manipulation is the environmental effect it could have on the ecosystem. Katie Kaczmarek, a genetics researcher, says that, “If genetically altered organisms were released into the wild, it could dramatically affect the ecosystem”(prgh 9).
“Only the strong survive”, the Darwinian tagline, is a phrase we’ve heard over and over. What if this statement could be applied to a man-made organism? Suppose the creature is “weak”, or dependent on humans, and expires soon after being released into the wild. There is not much cause for alarm in this specific situation, because no real damage was done to the ecosystem. On the other hand, suppose the organism is not only independent, but overwhelms its own environment. It would, for a lack of a better word, conquer it. This has been seen in history before. When rabbits were brought to Australia, they multiplied and nearly decimated indigenous plant life. The animals that inhabited the continent were brought to near starvation because the rabbits did not have a natural enemy. Today, rabbits are considered the number one pest and are illegal to own. This is just a small taste of what introducing a foreign organism to a foreign ecosystem can do. Imagine the consequences of introducing an organism with man made abilities or qualities. To stop any sort of environmental damage, their genetic code could go on for a generation or two, and then become infertile. This set-up effectively turns the organism into a product that must be purchased from a distributor.
While selective breeding has been done to magnify a quality of an organism, GM allows us to construct an organism with a given purpose. The potential of GM organism, in theory, is practically limitless. GM animals could have dozens of applications to help us with the problems of today. Global warming, hunger, and healthcare are a few problems that GM animals could help with.
Global warming is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What if a plant could be genetically manipulated to perform photosynthesis in a faster, more productive fashion? Pulling in massive amounts of carbon dioxide and putting out just as much oxygen could be an interesting solution to put into action. However, the application of such plants may become an environmental problem in itself. Let’s say that the process worked, but all too well. The output of oxygen may eventually become too great and the world would be doomed to not global warming but oxygen poisoning or maybe a scorched earth, since oxygen feeds fire.
World hunger has always been a serious problem and the solutions never seem to satisfy. What if a plant could be genetically modified to sustain more people? Corn could grow faster and larger. A single stalk could have the potential to feed a couple dozen people. A tomato could be sliced into 20 sandwiches, or diced into four 16oz cans. The problems that arise from this are addressed from a nutritional perspective. GM foods have been found to have a negative impact. The researchers who specialize in soy products, and upload their findings on soyinfo.com, comment on the potential hazards of GM foods. During an experiment they found that “GM foods can, when fed to animals, cause very gradual organ damage and immune system damage” (soyinfo). Though it is still in its early stages, the gain from such foods can be gratifying to those who hunger for a solution.
Healthcare is another important problem to address. People who require a heart or a set of lungs are typically added to a very long waiting list. GM has been taking steps to help with this problem. “Pigs have hearts similar to humans in size, shape and function ”(line 69). So the idea of growing a pig with human organs sounds like an interesting puzzle for scientists (Fiona Macrae). The pigs would be born and grow with human hearts, lungs and intestines. The idea is to have a wide variety of organs ready for transplant for those who require it. The obvious remark one could make about that it is cruel animal treatment, but these pigs are no longer pigs. Rather, they are considered medical tools, like a scalpel or syringe, and are kept in a clean environment like a medical tool. They are recognized this way because they are born sterile and have a given purpose in life.
Genetically modified organisms are just another form of innovation on the horizon for the human race. They are created with a given purpose, whether it’s to feed, clean, heal, or entertainment. The term “product” will become stretched in its definition and laws will have to be written to fit their existence into society. We would still be using nature the way we have always been, but it will become more intrusive and interconnected. Selective breeding has proven to be a safe and manageable way to manipulate the genetic material of animals. Breeders of all types herald the method as a way to better human way of life. Scientists could say the same, with GM, but the risks have been observed as potentially destructive. But the theoretical potential for success would save many lives and make the world a better place to live in.
Also, check out GM pig promo on youtube
Works Cited
GM animals: do the ends justify the means. Gene Watch, June 2003.
www.genewatch.org
This article leaves an open-ended question of whether it is worth having genetically altered animals in the world. They may have some economic value and perhaps strong medicinal purposes. Perhaps animals have become something more than just a beast we catch, kill, and eat. The article addresses some of the GM animals of today, some for novelty, others for economy.
Health Hazards of Genetically-Manipulated Foods, http://www.soyinfo.com
The foods of GM plants have been tried and tested on animals and have shown to have a degrading effect on tissue and immune systems. Using this information will help my audience understand that though GM has good applications and intentions, it is not an exact science. The researchers are supporters of soy products and have conducted experiments where they have manipulated foods, and fed them to animals. Their observations are an important controversy to address.
Kaczmarek, Katie. To Uplift or Not To Uplift: The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web1/kaczmarek.html
Uplift is defined as the ability of an organism to survive in a given ecosystem. GM toys with this idea because the product that is created is not natural but came about of science and recombination of genes. This article addresses the potential environmental effects of a GM animal. Since the animal doesn’t have a natural set-up, but a rather convoluted genetic make up, would it be capable of sustaining itself in an ecosystem? This is an important topic for the essay as it addresses a possible environmental impact GM could have.
Macrae, Fiona. Winston backs breeding 'designer pigs with hearts for humans'.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk
This article addresses some ethical issues associated with GM pigs. It gives details about the anatomy of pigs and how similar they are to our own. The application of GM pigs is also identified, they can carry lungs as well as other vital human organs. Since the pig’s anatomy is similar to humans, why not engineer a pig that grows human organs? The idea is simple and could have hundreds of benefits for those waiting for transplants. Using this article will be a driving force in my perspective of GM products.
National Geographic. Produced by Chad Cohen. Meet the Super Cow.
www.youtube.com.
Super cow is an example of selective breeding, which is a non-intrusive form of GM. The term GM comes from genetic manipulation, and in this video the example given is the way that Belgian blue cows are bred. The cows have significant increase in muscle mass, and this was achieved through selecting only the “beefiest” of cows and bulls. The market for such meat is highly prized. These cows have a purpose and it is clearly indicated.
The Independent, UK. 5-Animals: Risk of GM animals is worth it, say scientists
http://news.independent.co.uk/
This article effectively identifies a coupe of risks associated with GM. They also include benefits such as economic benefitting and social benefit. The risks are not ignored but are rather juxtaposed with the reward that may present itself should research and testing continue without halt. They mention trial and error and the importance of continuing based on a preferred goal rather than stunt progress because of an ethical question. Theology is addressed in that,“GM is nothing more than selective breeding (something humans have practiced for centuries) accelerated.”
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