GENETICALLY

MODIFIED HUMANS
What exactly is human genetic
engineering (HGE or HGM)
According to the Association of Reproductive Health
Professionals (ARHP), HGM is a process by which
scientists and medical professionals alter the genetic
makeup, or DNA, in a living human cell. Ideally, HGM
would be used to fix defective genes that cause
diseases and other genetic complications.

Genetic engineering provides the ability
to add or delete specific genes within a
living cell nucleus. Gene modifications
can have an impact exclusively on a
single person (somatic manipulation), or
on a person's children and all
subsequent descendants (germ line
manipulation).
There are 3 approaches on modifying
the genes of humans
1. Somatic cell manipulation
2. Germ line manipulation
3. Cloning
4. Splicing
Somatic manipulation
Somatic cells are all the cells of the
body that do not pass DNA on to the next generation.

Somatic cell manipulation is currently practiced in some medical
research centers under the name "gene therapy."

For example, researchers are experimenting with ways to
introduce genes into the blood
cells of patients with hemophilia (a blood disorder), and into
cells of the immune system in patients with Severe Combined
Immune Deficiency (SCID), a rare inherited disorder of the
immune
system. The idea is to "correct" the genetic component of the
disease instead of, or in addition to, treating the disease with
drugs. Hundreds of trials have been carried out, but in most
cases the patients have not been cured.
Germ line Manipulation
Germ line manipulation: Germ cells (sperm and eggs)
do pass DNA from one generation to the next.
Germ line manipulation refers to changes in the germ
cells changes which will be inherited by successive
generations. Designing future generations through
germ line manipulation is still in the realm of science
fiction, but just barely: some influential scientists are
arguing that it should be attempted.
Obviously, germline HGM tends to be
more controversial because the
introduction of the gene alters future
reproduction, whereas somatic HGM
only affects the individual on which it is
performed.
Germ line manipulation is sometimes suggested
as a way to prevent transmission of genetic
diseases, the same result can be achieved by
preimplanation screening and other means.
Germ line engineering is necessary, however,
to go beyond disease prevention and modify
the genetic endowment of children otherwise
expected to be healthy.
Cloning and its types
Recombinant DNA technology or DNA
cloning-- transfer of a DNA fragment from
one organism to a self-replicating genetic
element in order for the DNA to replicate itself
in a foreign host cell
Reproductive cloning-- used to generate
an organism that has the same nuclear DNA
as another currently or previously existing
organism

Therapeutic cloning---also known as embryo
cloning involves the production of human
embryos for use in research.
Splicing
A method where genes from one
organism are spliced into the DNA of
another organism. This is the most
common method of genetic
engineering.
Treatments and Therapies
Somatic treatments
Ex. Diabetes
-Area specific treatment-pancreas (production)
-Blood therapy- whole body (efficiency)

Disease Prevention
Germ line isolation
Ex. DNA mapping
-Genome or chromosome anomalies
-Birth defects can be detected and corrected
before conception
-Inherited Immunities


Social Implications
Extended longevity due to medical
advancements.
Decrease in healthcare expenses
Crime investigation and Forensic
technology
The controversy
On February 13, 2013, experts debated
whether the US should ban specifically
prenatal engineering. The Livescience.com
reported about this debate over HGM as the
concern turned from empowering parents to
give their children the best start possible to
creating designer babies who may encounter
genetic problems as a result of the genetic
engineering of humans.

The Association of Reproductive Health
Professionals noted that though many
assume that germ line engineering is
necessary to allow parents to avoid passing
on deficient DNA, other options do exist,
including adoption, gamete and embryo
donation, and even pre-implantation
diagnosis and selection. The latter allows
couples to have a child that is genetically
related to both parents yet does not carry the
genetic disease of concern.
Those in support of human genetic
engineering often believe that parents should
have the power to ensure that their children
have a healthy life. On this side of the debate,
the focus has often been on the protection of
the unborn child. And many respond to the
argument that HGM is dangerous and
uncertain by pointing out that reproduction
itself is uncertain and often leads to
congenital diseases and death.

Both technologically and morally, human
genetic engineering has a number of
problems that it must overcome before it
makes its way into mainstream acceptance
and medical practice. With more education
and research will come better understanding
and better decisions.

Scientific, religious, environmental and
political leaders and organizations
generally approved of somatic gene
therapy, but strongly opposed germ line
manipulation
"We've all known that the day would come
when we'd have to decide whether or not to
allow the reconfiguration of human beings
through genetic technology,"
-Dr. David King,
Editor of GenEthics News in London.
REMEMBER
Somatic Manipulation/Modification
non-inheritable
Not sperm and egg cells
Used for gene therapy (healthy genes added
to defective cells
Non-pathogenic virus (add desired genes
which spread throughout the body)



REMEMBER
Germ line Manipulation/Modification
Manipulation of sperm, egg or embryo cells
Inheritable(all future generations)
Can help improve physical and mental
capacities of people



REMEMBER
Cloning
Recombinant DNA or DNA Cloning
Therapeutic Cloning
Reproductive Cloning



Using our senses we learn

Using our senses we learn
5 %
5 %
10 %
80 %
POST TEST.docx