Free Ethical Issues in Genetic Manipulation OCR A Level Biology revision notes – covering specification point 6.1.3(g).
Genetic Modification of Animals: Ethical Issues
The table below outlines some of the benefits and risks of using genetically modified animals:
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Animals can be modified so their organs are less likely to be rejected when transplanted into humans, increasing the supply of potential donor organs. | Inserting human genes into animals raises concerns about the long-term effects of transferring genes between species. |
| Animals can be modified to produce human pharmaceutical proteins in their milk (e.g. proteins too complex for bacteria to synthesise). | Using animals for human uses raises ethical objections. |
The ethical issues relating to the genetic manipulation of humans are described in the Gene Therapy topic as they relate to germline cell and somatic cell modification.
Genetic Modification of Microorganisms: Ethical Issues
The table below outlines some of the benefits and risks of using genetically modified microorganisms:
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Microorganisms can be modified to produce medicines (e.g. insulin, human growth hormone) and vaccines. | Modified microorganisms could escape and transfer genes (e.g. antibiotic-resistance marker genes) to wild populations, with potential impacts on disease prevention. |
| Modified microorganisms are used as model organisms for research and as vectors for transferring genes into other organisms. |
Genetic Modification of Plants: Ethical Issues
The table below outlines some of the benefits and risks of using genetically modified plants:
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Crops (e.g. Golden Rice) can be modified to produce nutrients (e.g. β-carotene, a vitamin A precursor) to reduce dietary deficiencies in populations. | Genes (e.g. for herbicide tolerance) could transfer to wild plants, potentially producing herbicide-resistant weeds. |
| Crops (e.g. soya) can be modified to produce insecticidal proteins (e.g. Bt toxin), which kill pests that feed on the plant, reducing the need for insecticide sprays. | Genetically modified seeds and the genes they contain can be patented, restricting farmers’ access through licensing costs. |