In November 2018, Dr. He Jiankui shocked the scientific community by announcing the birth of twins who had been genetically modified using CRISPR technology. This experiment crossed a controversial threshold and raised serious ethical concerns. As we delve into the world of genetic engineering, it is important to understand the implications of such experiments and the potential consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
Contents
Understanding CRISPR Technology
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to modify DNA with unprecedented precision. It utilizes an enzyme called Cas9, guided by a molecule called RNA, to target specific genes and make alterations.
DNA, the building block of life, consists of four chemical codes: Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T). These codes form genes, which are responsible for coding proteins that form the basic structures and functions of all living organisms.
Dr. He Jiankui used CRISPR-Cas9 to deliberately alter the DNA code in the twins, named Lula and Nana. Specifically, he targeted a gene called CCR5 and deleted a section that corresponds to a mutation known as delta32, which provides protection against certain strains of HIV.
Ethical Concerns and Unanswered Questions
Dr. He’s experiment raises numerous ethical concerns. Firstly, the genetic modification of human embryos has been widely debated within the scientific community, with many experts cautioning against such experiments until the technology is better understood and guidelines are established. Dr. He’s decision to proceed without consensus has pushed the boundaries of ethical practice.
Furthermore, the experiment lacked proper ethical approval and failed to undergo thorough testing in animal models. The potential long-term effects of the genetic modification on the twins are uncertain, and the scientific community may never have the opportunity to review and evaluate the impact of this work due to Dr. He’s disappearance.
The Need for Guidelines and Regulation
The experiment conducted by Dr. He Jiankui highlights the urgent need for clear guidelines and regulation in the field of genetic engineering. The World Health Organization has recognized this need and has established a working group to develop guidelines for the responsible use of gene-editing technology.
While genetic engineering holds tremendous potential for improving human well-being, it should be approached with caution. The risks and ethical implications must be carefully evaluated to ensure the safe and responsible application of this technology.
FAQs
Q: What is CRISPR technology?
A: CRISPR technology is a gene-editing tool that utilizes an enzyme called Cas9 and a molecule called RNA to modify DNA with precision.
Q: What were the ethical concerns surrounding Dr. He’s experiment?
A: Dr. He’s experiment raised concerns due to the lack of consensus within the scientific community, the absence of proper ethical approval, inadequate testing in animal models, and potential long-term effects on the twins.
Q: What steps are being taken to address these ethical concerns?
A: The World Health Organization has established a working group to develop guidelines for the responsible use of gene-editing technology.
Conclusion
The birth of genetically modified twins raises profound ethical questions about the boundaries of scientific experimentation. The need for clear guidelines and regulation is essential to ensure the responsible use of genetic engineering techniques. While the potential benefits of this technology are vast, it is crucial to proceed with caution and prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals and society.
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