Surname, initials
EJJ 210 TUTORIAL ASSIGNMENT 1
Sabah, O
Student #
25012322
Word count: 710
Human Gene Editing
Introduction
Imagine a world in which you could edit human DNA just like editing text, removing
errors and even correcting mistakes. What was once thought to be science fiction
has now become actual reality through real science. New technology alongside
futuristic medicine has become so vital and needed in order solve many medical
challenges and cure a significant number of genetic diseases.
New groundbreaking Gene editing technology known as CRISPR has been a huge
medical breakthrough in which the ability to modify human DNA has become
possible to achieve. This CRISPR mechanism has allowed scientist to alter and
modify human DNA which poses a significant change in the medical industry where
a lot of genetic disease could be prevented and cured. This technology also brings
out certain ethical and risk issues that may leave us questioning this process.
In today’s speech ill discuss how and what this new human gene technology is how
the CRISPR mechanism works and the befits and risks society might need to know.
What is DNA
Before we dive into the gene editing technology it is important to understand what
DNA is. DNA is the human genetic material that is found in human cells. It is a set of
instructions that dictates the growth of the body. It contributes to our physical
characteristics and our biological process. DNA has a double helix structure in which
it carries genetic code otherwise known as genes. According to the national Human
Genome Research Institute genes determine human trait and certain characteristics
that us as humans obtain.
Motivation and why it matters
Genetic Mutation is the change human DNA where certain diseases are caused
which leads to genetic disorder such as sickle cell ammonia and cystic fibrosis. Many
diseases have no medication or cure where the help of genetic altercation and new
human gene editing technology such as CRISPR is very crucial.
How CRISPR technology works
CRISPR technology is a gene editing tool that incorporates very precise technology
that allows scientists the ability to alter and modify human DNA. According to the
Nobel Prize Chemistry of 2020 the CRISPR technology was initially used to fight
against unwanted viruses by locating certain bacteria in the human body. This
technology was then later modified to be able to alter human genes.
Surname, initials
EJJ 210 TUTORIAL ASSIGNMENT 1
Sabah, O
Student #
25012322
The CRISPR technology beings firstly to identify the targeted gene in which the
scientists want to alter. A molecule known as the guide RNA finds the DNA
sequence and locates the gene after which a protein enzyme known as Cas9 acts as
a molecular scissors and cuts the targeted DNA. Scientists later begin the process of
repairing/replacing the DNA. This precise gene modification allows for a controlled
genetic change and hence allows for a greater use in medical applications.
Benefits of Gene Editing
This new technology helps treat genetic diseases and correct harmful mutations to
the body. It has great use for medical therapy. According to the WHO (World health
organization) Gene Editing has great potential use for Cancer and its cure alongside
prevention. This technology can help change peoples lives in preventing inherited
diseases by having an early gene correction which in return leads to a healthier
future generation. The technology also allows medical research to be able to
understand certain disease provide and develop personalized medication.
Risk/Ethical Issues
With such technology certain ethical and risk issues rise which makes us question.
Social inequality becomes a thing in which the less privileged are at a disadvantage
for such kind of treatment due to their economic status. Risks are significant as
unintended DNA mutations can lead to long term side effects. Selecting physical trait
of a child such as their intelligence and physical ability also known as Designer
babies raises ethical concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion gene editing technology can change many lives with technologies such
as CRISPR there is a huge scientific advancement in the medical field. Many
unwanted diseases are avoided huge medical improvement /advancement in
healthcare is seen. There also is certain ethical concerns and safety risks that incur
from such process which needs certain regulation and policies to help maintain an
ethical standard. With such new technology we need to be able to find the
responsible way to use it and help change many lives.