Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification/manipulation (GM) and gene splicing are terms that apply to the direct manipulation of an organism's genes.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Healthy human eggs from a second mother are used. The child produced this way has genetic information from two mothers and one father.[1] The changes made are germ line changes and will likely be passed down from generation to generation, thus are a permanent change to the human genome.[1]
Human genetic engineering has the potential to change human beings' appearance, adaptability, intelligence, character and behaviour. It may potentially be used in creating more dramatic changes in humans. There are many unresolved ethical issues and concerns surrounding this technology, and it remains a controversial topic.
References
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Reading list
- British Medical Association (1999). The Impact of Genetic Modification on Agriculture, Food and Health. BMJ Books. ISBN 0-7279-1431-6.
- Donnellan, Craig (2004). Genetic Modification (Issues). Independence Educational Publishers. ISBN 1-86168-288-3.
- Morgan, Sally (2003). Superfoods: Genetic Modification of Foods (Science at the Edge). Heinemann. ISBN 1-4034-4123-5.
- Smiley, Sophie (2005). Genetic Modification: Study Guide (Exploring the Issues). Independence Educational Publishers. ISBN 1-86168-307-3.
- Zaid, A (2001). Glossary of Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture - A Revised and Augmented Edition of the Glossary of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic. Rome, Italy: FAO. ISBN 92-5-104683-2.
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See also
- Bioethics
- Biotechnology
- Biological engineering
- Canola
- Cloning
- Ethics of technology
- Eugenics
- Experimental evolution
- Genetic erosion
- Gene flow
- Genetic pollution
- Gene pool
- Genetically modified food
- Genetically modified organisms
- Transgene
- Human genetic engineering
- Ice-minus bacteria
- List of emerging technologies
- Marker assisted selection
- Monsanto
- Recombinant DNA
- Research ethics
- Stem cell
- Synthetic biology
- Transgenic bacteria
- Paratransgenesis
External links
General
- Ministry for the Environment NZ - Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification
- GMO Safety - Information about research projects on the biological safety of genetically modified plants.
- Genetic Engineering A UK site for students, with case studies and ethical responses
- Introduction to Genetic Engineering Covers general information on Genetic Engineering including cloning, stem cells and DNA.
- The 8th International Transgenic Technology Conference
News
- Genetically altered babies born, BBC News, Friday, 4 May, 2001
- DEFRA - Genetic Modification (GM)
- BBC News - GM potato trials given go-ahead - 01/12/06
- Brightsurf Science News - New study finds genetically engineered crops could play a role in sustainable agriculture - 06/08/07
- Research highlights on reporter genes used in genetic engineering
