INTRODUCTION
Modern science and technology has made fascinating discoveries and incredible innovations. There have been amazing advances in all areas and disciplines from engineering and robotics to science and medicine. It is the latter that has made some of the greatest advances and innovations. Human beings learn more and more everyday about how to treat illnesses and prevent diseases. They have also learned so much about the how the human body works; right down to the genes that make all living things what they are. It is possible today for scientists to understand how genes affect traits and that sometimes those genes can be removed, replaced or modified in order to express more desirable traits within living things. Genetic modification of living organisms is not brand new, plants have been modified to resist disease or survive in a greater variety of environments for many years (Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 2016). However, they are also able to change the genetics of animals, as well. There are many people who are in support of such advancements and the benefits they might yield, while others are diametrically opposed to such “modification” of any kind because of the probable unforeseen consequences. After reviewing the available information it becomes clear that the two sides make valid arguments on both sides of the topic.
BACKGROUND
What is genetic modification? Genetic engineering or genetic modification specifically speaks to the transfer of donated genes within a species or transferring of genes between different species. Genetic engineering is a means of eliminating undesirable or negative genes and the ability to introduce more beneficial traits. Many animal species have participated in genetic modification, including chickens, sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, cats, fish, rates, mice and pigs. A prime example is the "Enviro-Pig. The "Enviro-Pig was a pig that was modified to decrease the amount of phosphorous produced in comparison to traditional pigs with the same dietary consumption; the pig emitted 30 percent to 60 percent less phosphorous (Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 2016). The benefit of this is that pig has a lesser effect on its environment. The process of genetic modification is essentially the same for all living things. There are four specific steps required.
Step 1: Identify the Trait of Interest-Scientist identify what beneficial trait they are seeking. For example they want to try to find the trait that would allow an animal to survive in different climate. They would look at animals that are already designed to survive in that desired climate (Powell, 2015).
Step 2: Isolate the Genetic Trait of Interest- The search to analyze the genes of the animal containing the desired trait. They do this very much through a process of elimination, until the trait is isolated on the genetic code. They now have the means to transfer the trait (Powell, 2015).
Step 3: Insert the Trait into New Genetic Code-In many cases researchers use specially engineered bacteria to deliver the new trait and introduce the trait to the new genome, ideally transferring that trait to the new genome (Powell, 2015).
Step 4: Grow the New GMO- Once that trait has been successfully introduced to the target organism it is necessary to monitor the development to determine if the correct trait manifests. If successful, the organism will absorb and embody the new trait to the benefit of the animal (Powell, 2015).
DISCUSSION
There are, again, a number of different reasons researchers may want to modify animals, something that may be highly beneficial in the future, including preventing extinction of species. The ability to make such changes has led to some interesting discoveries and possible advancements with many applications in the future. One of these cases is the case of the “Spider-Goats.” Most people who hear that, no doubt, have a comical image of half-spider, half-goat hybrids, like something out of science fiction. That is not the case. The “Spider-Goats” have had their genome altered to produce the same genetic trait that allows spiders to produce silk proteins in the milk that they produce. Spider silk is an incredibly strong substance, but in order to be useful they would need far more silk than an army of spiders could produce (Boatman, 2012). This is an exceptional example regarding isolating a specific trait from one species and manifesting that trait in an entirely unrelated species (Powell, 2015). By modifying the goats, larger quantities of silk proteins can ultimately be extracted from the milk. The potential uses of spider silk could be applied for its strength to things like bridge supports. There are suggestions that it could be manipulated as a lighter and stronger form of body armor for the military and law enforcement. Finally it has medical applications as well. Spider silk is not only strong; it is, also, flexible. There is research into using spider silk to replace tendons in the human body (Boatman, 2012). Genetic engineering and genetic modification of animals has many positive aspects that could make the research highly beneficial and there are also, potential, negative implications as well. In order to understand them clearly it is best to discuss them individually.
Opposition to Genetically Modified Animals
Playing God: The genetic understanding of genetic modification and the means to augment, change and modify living things is an incredible power. It is the means to deciding what lives and what dies. To interfere with the natural order of things is highly discouraged because of the infinite unforeseen consequences that could result from their actions. This makes genetic engineering too risky to embrace (Houdebine, 2014)
The Human Factor: What are the risks that these same technologies will not just be used on lower order animals, but human beings, as well. There is already the technology to genetically test one’s unborn offspring and design them manifest traits they want their child to manifest. This is no different than changing animals within nature; many ask as human beings do we have the right to change that design (Powell, 2014).
The Humane Issue: There are many who worry that human beings creating modified animals may not be thinking of the animal’s well-being. For many this is a huge problem because it could be harming animals and causing them future problems (Ormandy, Dale and Griffin, 2011).
Support for Genetically Modified Animals
Change the Animals for Survival: Again many modified animals have been changed in order to make it more likely that they will survive in an era of environmental destruction and climate change. Giving these animals’ new traits that can benefit them, aiding in preventing extinction of species all around the globe (Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 2016).
Quality of Life: The ability to understand and eliminate genetic diseases and disorders could make lives better all across the board. No longer will there be worries about children born with congenital diseases and could improve the quality of life for billions (Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 2016).
Transplant Organs: If certain animals in a research setting are genetically modified to reflect more human traits, therefore making it possible for human beings, who are waiting for an organ transplant, to receive their organ from an animal (Houdebine, 2014).
World Hunger: Hunger is already a serious humanitarian issue all over the world. In many cases it is poverty that prevent access to precious livestock or animals are becoming to scarce to meet humanity’s consumption needs. Many livestock animals could be made to reproduce faster, reach maturity faster and require less food to survive; this could be a huge and effective step against hunger (Ormandy, Dale and Griffin, 2011).
Both sides of this argument make valid and logical points. Genetically modified animals can represent, both, scientific innovation, but also, could have some negative side effects that need to be consider. If genetic modification of animals can be used to aid in preventing extinction and maintaining natural environments, then that is a worthwhile cause, deserving of support. This is especially true when one considers that the bulk of environmental problems are caused by human beings. However, that does not mean that the technology should not be monitored and held to a strict standard; they must consider all ethical conundrums that the technology produces. No animal should be tormented or mistreated in order to meet these scientific goals (Ormandy, Dale and Griffin, 2011). All the same, the potential applications of genetic modification cannot be ignored. Ending congenital diseases, eliminating the codes related to hereditary diseases and offering much needed transplant organs is worthwhile (Houdebine, 2014). This is especially considering that huge number of people who may die before they ever receive the organ that they need.
CONCLUSION
Like many things, the issues of genetically modified animals, is much like a “double-edged sword,” which means that there are positive benefits and negative consequences, both foreseen and unforeseen; it becomes a matter of weighing the pros against the cons on the issue. After reviewing the science, the intention and a number of different benefits versus consequences it become clear that the ability to genetically modified animals is a powerful tool. It could be misused. It can be abused. These are things that must be prevented and addressed. However, these issues do not seem severe enough to warrant the banning or abandonment of the technology. Technology that has the potential to improve lives, protect the environment, eliminate and treat diseases and preventing is necessary. Genetically modified animals should be supported, but it should always remain monitored and must be held to a high ethical standard.
REFERENCES
Boatman, L. (2012). Bridges made of spider silk? You can thank the goats for that. Berkeley
Science Review. 1. Retrieved January 19, 2017, from http://berkeleysciencereview.com/bridges-made-of-spider-silk-you-can-thank-the-goats-for-that/
Houdebine, L. (2014). Impacts of genetically modified animals in the ecosystem and human
activities. Global Bioethics. 25(1). 3-18
Ormandy, E.H., Dale, J. and Griffin, G. (2011). Genetic engineering of animals: Ethical issues;
including welfare concerns. The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 52(5). 544-550.
Powell, C. and Maurer, A. (2015). How to make a gmo. Science in the News: Harvard
Biotechnology Innovation Organization. (2016). Genetically engineered animals: Frequently
asked questions. BIO. 1. Retrieved January 19, 2017, from https://www.bio.org/articles/genetically-engineered-animals-frequently-asked-questions
