Genetics and its Role in Biological Processes
The article explains how the procedures work and why they are known as "the blueprint for life." Genes work as a set of instructions that direct each bodily part's performance of certain tasks. For instance, genetics control how a muscle should work and when it should do certain tasks. More specifically, genes have a role in the production of proteins that make up the fundamental framework of all living things (up to 50% of each cell in an animal's body). The protein-making process in genes is conducted using enzymes, which transcribe the DNA code to mRNA that consequently travel to ribosomes to initiate the protein creation process. Additionally, genes are utilized for regulatory functions within the body thus not all DNA are applied in the coding process. In this regard, genetics are central to every process within an animal’s life.
Ethical Issues in Genetic Research
While the study of genetics has presented new avenues in understanding the structure of the animal body, a plethora of ethical issues have emerged. To begin with, there have been dissenting opinions regarding genetic engineering in humans to create 'designer' babies. The issue is that reckless experimentations will yield potentially disastrous outcomes. Secondly, there is the concern that the monetization of genetic research will not be within the moral standards of scientific research for the benefit of all humanity. This would see the development of unhelpful practices that would stifle the integrity of business practices. Finally, the incomplete nature of research in human genetics complicates the future of gene therapy in human beings. Additional research using human subjects would not be within the realm of acceptable practices. These practices are also applicable to plants; hence, genetics remains a controversial subject within multiple fronts.
References
The Tech. (2017, November 27). Ethics. Retrieved from http://genetics.thetech.org: http://genetics.thetech.org/about-genetics/ethics
The Tech. (2017, November 27). How do genes work? Retrieved from http://genetics.thetech.org: http://genetics.thetech.org/about-genetics/how-do-genes-work
