Anthropology

Anthropology 1: Human Evolution

Recombinant DNA technology is defined as a series of procedures that are used to recombine DNA segments. A recombinant DNA molecule is constructed from segments of two or more different DNA molecules. Under certain circumstances, a recombinant DNA molecule can enter a cell and replicate, either on its own or after it has been integrated into a chromosome. Some examples of DNA technology are the insertion of bacterial DNA into certain crops, cloning, and genetically engineered growth hormones. One can argue that these DNA technologies are controversial in relevance to product safety, ethical issues, environmental issues, animal welfare, and the issue over the experimental use of human embryos. As an anthropology student, I have come to the decision of being for recombinant DNA technology. Rather than being against. It has been over two decades in which scientists have been utilizing methods of recombinant DNA technology. A common method that has been used is the insertion of human genes that direct the production of multiple proteins into bacterial cells in laboratories. In addition, the reformed bacteria can then produce human gene products. One example would be insulin. During the 1980’s diabetic patients relied on insulin taken from non-human animals. Although, the amount of insulin was not enough and some patients even become allergic to insulin. Since 1982, scientists have been using human insulin produced by bacteria. Not only is human insulin allergy-free, but also there is availability for all diabetics (Introduction to Physical Anthropology). Another form of recombinant DNA technology is cloning. Taking this matter further, scientists have cloned mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, cats, sheep cattle, horses, a mule and dogs. It has come to further notice that, researchers have recently created clones of dead mice that were frozen for sixteen years. One can argue that cloning gives scientists and researchers the hope that eventually it will be in their reach to clone extinct animals like mammoths by using their frozen dead bodies (Introduction to Physical Anthropology). Additionally, cloning has influenced the treatment of diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis. For example, cloning identifies which is the mutated gene (the gene that causes genetic diseases). During the process, the defected gene is replaced with a new identical healthy gene that functions the same way as the defected gene. Not to mention, multiple copies of the gene are formed through the process of cloning. Granted that the process of cloning benefits our medical technology, it is also one of the most controversial forms of it as well (Advantages of Recombinant DNA). A vaccine is a type of recombinant DNA technology that is used everyday in medical clinics and hospitals. DNA vaccines are used for treating diseases and show positive results for the patient. In brief, genetic material is injected directly into the body through the vaccine. When recombinant DNA is injected in the body, cells take that foreign gene and start producing the protein. Meanwhile, these proteins stimulate the immune response and thus the immune system targets the particular antigen. All in all, one can suggest that the use of vaccines is an easier approach to treat diseases within the body (Advantages of Recombinant DNA). Recombinant DNA has played a significant role in the production of genetically modified plants. For instance, when the recombinant DNA is present in the plant genome, it allows the plant to become resistant against insects. For example, BT corn is a genetically modified crop, which has the gene of bacillus thuringiensis. Bacillus thuringiensis develops insecticides in the crop. Therefore, when an insect makes the attempt of even nibbling on the crop, it would die. Genetically modified foods are strongly useful in places where the quality of crop survival is difficult. A place where there is not proper supply of nutrition and water. As a result, scientists have developed plants with the appliance of recombinant DNA and drought resistant. Another example includes cows that have been genetically modified by the insertion a hormone known as bovine somatotropin in the milk using bacterial plasmid. Consequently, bovine somatotropin increases the production of milk in cows (Advantages of Recombinant DNA). Even though forms of Recombinant DNA technology benefits many fields of food productivity and science, controversies still exist. In specifics, there are strong ethical concerns in regards to genetically modified technologies. One can argue that that developing and utilizing a certain technology inherently incorrect regardless of the results of developing it or the uses to which it is put. Furthermore, other objections justify that developing and using the technology is wrong when used in ways that produce or provide to morally unacceptable circumstances or consequences. There are many objections made against recombinant DNA technology. If one were to object GM technology, one would argue that GM technology is fundamentally unnatural and therefore opposing to ecological sustainability because it substitutes highly error-prone human manipulation for the natural progress of life activities. Another argument implies that GM technology institutes an essential assault on nature by devaluing the original character and intrinsic worth of nature. In sum, GM technology violates the sanctity character of life by reducing life to genome sequences, disrupting naturally established species barriers, and advocating the treatment of living things as commodities to be owned, traded, and redesigned at will. Pursuing this ahead, one can suggest that GM technology poses unacceptable risk of creating hazardous and irreparable environmental threat, which will decrease the ability of the ecosystem to sustain all life (Ethical Evaluation of Recombinant DNA Research). After thorough analysis, I have come to the conclusion that I am pro recombinant DNA technology rather than against. Firstly, I would like to point out that certain objections that are made against the forms of recombinant DNA technology are harsh and unrealistic. If one researches about GMT, one will know that the process is safe, productive, and eco-friendly. For example, GMT allows farmers to practice safer ways to grow their crops. Not to mention, GMT usage has reduced the usage of pesticides and insecticides. Not only are pesticides harmful for consumers, but also for the environment. In regards to the safety of environment, GMT has encouraged farmers to practice agriculture in forms that are not threats to the soil they grow their crops in and thus our ecosystem. To be fair to both the pros and cons of recombinant DNA technology, the concept will be appreciated or depreciated depending who you talk to. Someone who does not believe in the modernization of science technology will not approve of GMT. Data has represented that recombinant DNA technology is a controversial topic. Therefore, there will be those who will approve of forms of DNA technology and those who disprove. One thing is for a fact; recombinant DNA technology is too successful to be paused or stopped for the sake of unethical, harmful, and unnatural concerns.