Human Genetic Manipulation

Human Genetic Manipulation
Types and Applications

Somatic Modification
Negative Genetic Engineering
Not sperm or egg cells
Used for gene therapy (healthy genes added to defective cells
Non-inheritable
Non-pathogenic virus (add desired genes which spread throughout the body)

Germ Line Manipulation
Positive genetic engineering
Manipulation of sperm, egg, or embryo cells
Inheritable (all future generations)
Can help improve physical and mental capacities of people

Resolvable Conditions (fully or partially)
Alzheimer's
Diabetes
Lymphoma
Cystic Fibrosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Achondoplasia
Bipolar disorder
Down Syndrome
Huntington's disease
Sickle Cell Anemia
Color blindness
Hemophilia
(AND MORE!)

Treatments and Therapies
Somatic Treatments
Example- Diabetes
Area specific treatment- pancreas (production)
Blood treatment- whole body (efficiency)

Disease Prevention
Germ Line isolation
Example- DNA mapping
-genome or chromosome anomalies
-birth defects can be detected and corrected before conception
-inherited immunities

Social Implications
Extended longevity due to medical advancements.
Decrease in healthcare expenses
Crime investigation and Forensic technology

Sources Cited
Gunderson, Martin. "Seeking Perfection: A Kantian Look at Human Genetic". Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 2007: 87-102.
Simmons, D. (2008) Genetic inequality: Human genetic engineering. Nature Education 1(1) Web. 1 Nov. 2009.
Shanks, Pete. Human Genetic Engineering: A Guide for Activists, Skeptics, and the Very Perplexed. New York: Nation Books, 2005.
Marks, Stephen. "Tying Prometheus down: The international law of human genetic manipulation". Chicago Journal of International Law . Chicago: University of Chicago Law School, 2002. Web. 1 Nov. 2009.
Communications and Public Liaison Branch, "Genome.gov". National Human Genome Research Institute. 10/15/2009 <http://www.genome.gov/Research/> Web. 1 Nov. 2009.