Genetic Techniques and Ethical Considerations

Running head: BIOL202 ASSESSMENT TASK 2
Genetic techniques and ethical considerations
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1BIOL202 ASSESSMENT TASK 2
Part 2
Answer A
CRISPR-Cas9 refers to a unique technology, which holds promise in enabling
medical researchers and geneticists to edit certain parts of the genome. The technology
principally focuses on removal, addition, or alteration of different fragments of the DNA
sequence being edited. In other words, this technology has been identified as the simplest,
precise and versatile method that facilitates the process of bringing about genetic
manipulation in an organism (1). Some of the most potential applications of this CRISPR-
Cas9 technology encompass correction of genetic defects, improvement in the yield and
hybrid vigour of crops and the treatment and prevention of several diseases. Two common
examples where the3 CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been used are given below:
 CRISPR-Cas9 has shown its potential as a powerful genetic tool for the treatment of a
plethora of medical conditions, which are related to certain genetic components such
as, hepatitis B, cancer, and high cholesterol. Recent researches have been conducted
to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology in treating cystic fibrosis, a hereditary
disorder that is caused due to mutations in a gene encoding the CFTR protein (2).
 The technology has also been used for editing the genome of body cells or somatic
cells.
Answer B
The basic mechanism by which this technology conducts the process of gene editing
involves a process of delivering Cas9 nuclease that is complexed with a synthetic gRNA
(guide RNA) inside a cell, thereby assisting in the process of cutting down the genome at a
desired location. This allows the genes to be removed or helps in addition of new genes (3).

2BIOL202 ASSESSMENT TASK 2
Although this technology is used to edit the genomes that are present in the somatic cells, a
lot of debate exists regarding the potential for editing germline or reproductive cells. This can
be attributed to the fact that the changes that are made in these germline cells will be passed
on to the next generations, thereby creating ethical complications (4).
Most of the ethical issues that are related to genome editing are focused on the human
germline editing. The debate regarding this germline genome editing has regained interest
following the discovery of the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 to make accurate editing. Attempts
hd been taken in April 2015 tom alter the DNA present in non-viable human embryos with
the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This research was focused on editing parts of the
endogenous beta-globin gene (HBB), a mutation in which is responsible for the occurrence of
beta-thalassemia among humans. Upon use of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, low efficiency
was obtained with respect to homologous recombination efficiency, which in turn contributed
to the development of mosaic embryos (5).
Although the purpose of the study was focussed on treating the lethal heritable
disease, it was rejected due to certain ethical concerns. Most researchers suggested that
although editing of the genome with the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology could eradicate
several genetic diseases, before child birth, making genetic modifications to the human
embryo, commonly known as germline modifications, would be heritable and might lead to
the onset of unpredictable effects on the future generation (6). Researchers have also argued
that all kinds of genome editing in the human embryo with the use of this technology could
also lead towards unethical or unsafe uses of the technique (7).
Other ethical concerns that disapprove the use of CRISPR-Cas9 were related to the
fact that none of the 85 human embryos used for the study met the criteria of showing a
precisely altered beta-globin gene. They either died or showed no genetic alterations (5).