Genetic Engineering- Love it or shove it?

One of the greatest scientific accomplishments for the last century has been the Human Genome Project, which enabled the world to view the entire human genome sequence. This is the first time in history that a speices has been able to view and understanding its own building blocks.

For years, scientists have observed, isolated and manipulated DNA from other species. This is the process known as genetic engineering, which we have studied over the last week. You have also completed the process yourself by making E. coli glow green. With this ability, scientists have generated many new products such as insulin for diabetes, fungus and drought resistant crops, and bacteria capable of ridding our planet of waste. With all of the knowledge you have accumulated, you will now need this knowledge to form an opinion.

Do you think scientists should use genetic engineering?

Your task is to answer the question with your own opinion; however, you must have support for your decision. To simply say yes or no is inadequate and will result in no points. You must provide an intital post that answers the question and provides three reasons why you think this. In addition to your intial post, you must also reply to at least one of your fellow classmates by agreeing or disagreeing with them. Your reply must include at least one source that helps you support or refute the other person's opinion. You must also cite the sources you used to help you form your opinion. Several sources are listed below.

http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/GEessays/gedanger.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/genetically_modified/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/gene_therapy/
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/benefits-of-human-genetic-engineering-faq.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-genetic-engineering.html
http://www.ifgene.org/proscons.htm
http://www.udel.edu/physics/scen103/CGZ/cons.html
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml
http://www.naturalnews.com/genetic_engineering.html

In the end you need:

• an intitial post that clearly states your opinion and 3 reasons why you feel this way


• at least one reply to a classmates intitial response that agrees or disagrees and provides a source to reinforce your reply.

Extra, Extra...

Below is a video produced by another high school science about the possible direction of genetic modification in humans. For extra credit, watch the video and post your response to the video. Let us know what you think or feel on this issue. Is it alright to modify other species but not humans?