What are the Ethical Concerns of Genome Editing?
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics develops through several mechanisms, driven by genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer. The main mechanisms include: 1. Mutations: Spontaneous genetic mutations can occur in bacterial DNA, altering the target sites of antibiotics, reducing their binding effRead more
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics develops through several mechanisms, driven by genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer. The main mechanisms include:
1. Mutations: Spontaneous genetic mutations can occur in bacterial DNA, altering the target sites of antibiotics, reducing their binding efficacy, or modifying metabolic pathways to bypass the antibiotic’s effects.
2. Enzyme Production: Bacteria can produce enzymes, such as beta-lactamases, that deactivate antibiotics by breaking down their molecular structure.
3. Efflux Pumps: Some bacteria develop efflux pumps that actively expel antibiotics from their cells, reducing the intracellular concentration of the drug to sub-lethal levels.
4. Altered Permeability: Changes in the bacterial cell membrane or wall can reduce the uptake of antibiotics, limiting their access to target sites.
5. Target Modification: Bacteria can modify the molecular targets of antibiotics, such as ribosomes or enzymes, so that the drugs can no longer bind effectively and exert their effects.
6. Biofilm Formation: Bacteria can form biofilms, complex communities that provide a protective barrier against antibiotics and the immune system, making eradication difficult.
7. Horizontal Gene Transfer: Bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through transformation, transduction, or conjugation, spreading resistance traits rapidly within and across species.
These mechanisms collectively enable bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment, necessitating the development of new strategies and drugs to combat bacterial infections.
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Genome Editing is a process by which alterations are made to the DNA (genetic material) of an organism. These genetic alterations can cause changes in physical traits like hair colour, eye colour, body height, etc. Editing can be done on somatic cells as well as germline cells. This process has manyRead more
Genome Editing is a process by which alterations are made to the DNA (genetic material) of an organism. These genetic alterations can cause changes in physical traits like hair colour, eye colour, body height, etc. Editing can be done on somatic cells as well as germline cells. This process has many prospects for example, it can be used to prevent, treat or cure certain diseases.
Inspite of the benefits this technology offers, there are various ethical issues involved.
Some concerns are:
1) Some arguments say that when germline genome is edited, there is alteration in the genome of embryo at its earliest stages, which may effect every cell. This means that it has an impact not only on the person who may result, but also on his/her descendants.
2) Should people be allowed to use this technology to embrace basic human characteristics like height or skin colour?
3) It is difficult to ensure that people completely understand the risks and benefits involved with altering their genome.
4) The high cost of genome editing may make it available only to the wealthy section of society, thus ensuring fair and equitable access is a big challenge.
5) Genetically engineered humans may feel alienated from themselves or feel a confused identity.
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