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Genetic Engineering and Its Applications > Research Links
Chapter 17
discussed a popular news item—genetic engineering. Only a few short years
after learning what DNA is, scientists now manipulate the information in the DNA
of plants and animals in order to improve life that is of agricultural, medical,
or technological interest to society. This scientific prowess has set off a
series of philosophical, religious, and scientific debates on whether or not
humans should tamper in the genetics of life. The following sites supplement Chapter 17 and also provide additional perspectives on the scientific status
and societal debates of genetic engineering.
17.1 Using Recombinant DNA Techniques to
Manufacture ProteinsRecombinant
DNA Techniques in Biochemistry
Using recombinant DNA techniques, we can
produce biological molecules, such as insulin, by inserting the gene for the
production of the protein into bacteria or insects, and then growing the host
organisms and harvesting the chemicals. This Access Excellence site describes
the basics of recombinant DNA technology, and discusses the many ethical issues
surrounding its use. Follow the link at the bottom of the page to "Transfer
and Cloning of the Insulin Gene" to learn about one common application of
this technology.
Keywords: recombinant DNA, insulin, biochemistry
17.2 Gene Hunting Based on Pedigree
Analysis
Cystic Fibrosis Carrier: More Information
One
of the many inherited genetic diseases our medical community deals with is
cystic fibrosis, with 1 in 25 to 30 people being carriers. This site
describes the genetics and medicine of the disease. Follow the links throughout
the site to learn more about this autosomal recessive disease.
Keywords:
cystic fibrosis, autosomal recessive, genetic markers
Rare Genetic
Diseases in Children: Detection
Rare genetic diseases in children occur
as a result of parents passing on defective genetic material to their offspring.
This site details the methods doctors use to clinically seek out the source of a
genetic disease and how they develop and prescribe therapies.
Keywords:
genetic disease, mutation analysis
17.3 Can Gene Therapy Cure Inherited
Diseases in Humans?Medical Ethics: Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a hot topic in today’s medical and scientific fields. This site presents several articles on the ethics and implications of gene therapy. These articles discuss the perils and promise of this research.
Keywords:
gene therapy, ethics, genetic testing
Gene
Therapy, the First Decade
Gene therapy as a viable medical therapy
has been researched and discussed since the advent of molecular biology
techniques. This article discusses the important research and state of knowledge
covering studies in gene therapy for the last ten years.
Keywords: gene
therapy, history, genetic engineering
17.4 Biotechnology in
Agriculture Harvest of Fear: PBS Presentation
on Transgenic Crops
Genetically modified food products are among the
technologies that our current abilities in molecular biology provide for. This
site, from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), discusses the major benefits
and risks of GMO consumption. Follow the links to learn about current issues in
GMO production and consumption and to take part in an online discussion on the
topic.
Keywords: GMO, food consumption, organic
Transgenic
Crops: A Balanced Overview
Transgenic crops, a type of genetically
modified food, give farmers more options in the productivity of their labors,
like the luxury of using less pesticide while increasing yields. This site
contains a balanced review of the arguments for and against using transgenic
crops.
Keywords: transgenic crops, regulation, genetically modified
organisms
Organic Food
This site discusses the arguments against the genetic engineering of food organisms and plants. Follow the links to see how the philosophical, medical, ethical, and scientific arguments for strictly regulating how we genetically engineer our food stack up against those who are for such technology.
Keywords: organic, genetically modified food, safety
Genetic
Engineering and Its Dangers: Philosophy Essays
Genetic engineering, genetically modified foods, and gene therapy are scientific technologies that
are embroiled in philosophical and religious debate. This site lists a
collection of articles written by faculty and students at San Franscisco State
University on the religious, philosophical, and technical aspects of genetic
engineering.
Keywords: philosophy, genetically modified foods, gene
therapy
EPA and Biotechnology
Crops
Genetic modification, as discussed in the chapter, is one of
several ways biotechnology is used to modify food and other crops.
This site describes a pending review by the EPA on the registration process of
all biotechnology modified crops.
Keywords: GMO, biotechnology,
agriculture
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2003
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