Essay on Human Genome and Genetic Modification: Regulations and Ethics

This essay examines human genome and genetic modification, exploring the manipulation of the human genome through gene editing technologies. It supports gene modifications for their role in society, such as in gene doping for athletes and disease prevention, while acknowledging the potential for mosaicism, phenotypic changes, and high costs. The essay discusses the controversial aspects of gene deletion and the importance of regulations at international, central, and county government levels, with the World Health Organization setting the standards. The author also references various sources, including CRISPR videos and articles on genetic engineering, to support their arguments and provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Running head: HUMAN GENOME AND GENETIC MODIFICATION 1
Human Genome and Genetic Modifications
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

HUMAN GENOME AND GENETIC MODIFICATION 2
Human Genome and Genetic Modifications
1) What is your general opinion on the topic?
The human genome and genetic modification is simply the manipulation of the human
genome (gene make up) using molecular engineering technology. The development of
technology through which genes are modified is called gene editing. I support gene
modifications due to their vital role in society. For instance, genetic modification has promoted
the development of better athletes with gene doping (Simmons, 2018). Unlike in the past
incidences whereby individuals used to take drugs in promoting athletes skills, currently, gene
doping is the most utilized technology. Modifications are also made to prevent human beings
from being attacked by diseases.
2) What are your reactions to the video (be thorough and specific)?
I was happy with the role of genetic modification upon watching the video. For instance, I
learned that genetic modifications have greatly promoted the manufacturing of chemicals such as
insulin which helps in promoting safety against diseases (CRISPR, 2018, 2:17-2:30).
3) Main issues regarding genetic modifications.
The fundamental issue with genetic modification is mosaicism. Usually, cells in the body
carry a similar set of genes. However, gene editing may result in a scenario whereby some cells
carry a genetic change. Such a change may later lead to diseases (Hershlag, 2019). Such diseases
at an individual level may waste societal funds in treatment or lead to the death of skilled
personnel who would have greatly enhanced the economic development of the society. Genetic

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modifications are practiced in very few scenarios and at a very high cost which affects economic
development (CGS, 2018).
Genetic modifications may lead to phenotypic changes in the coming generation. Genes work
in harmony with each other, therefore, deleting a single gene and replacing it with another will
ultimately change the entire functioning of the genes thus leading to phenotypic changes like
yellow eyes and lighter skin at an individual level. The phenotypic changes may make the human
being unable to cope with the environmental factors thus affecting the entire daily functions in
the society. As a result, human beings may go into extinction.
4) What aspects of the issue are controversial?
The controversial aspect circumnavigates the significant role of gene deletion. A scientific
study has revealed that gen deletion (CCR5) has been associated with the treatment of HIV
infection in the proceeding generations. Also, even though gene modifications arise with health
complications, they serve a fundamental purpose in the treatment of diseases and preventing
attack by human diseases.
5) What Levels of regulations should be imposed upon the genetic modification and
who should be responsible?
Certain rules and regulations should be set to control genetic modifications both at the
international level, central government level, and the county government level. At the
international level, the world health organization should be responsible for setting the standards
regarding genetic modifications. The central government and the county government should base
their regulations to that of the WHO. Medical institutions should exercise their responsibilities in
preventing unauthorized genetic modifications.

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References
CGS (2018). Human genetic modifications [online]. Retrieved from:
https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/topics/human-genetic-modification
CRISPR (2018). Genetic engineering will change everything forever [YouTube]. Retrieved
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhjPd4uNFY
Harshlag, L. (2019). Born in China. What could go wrong [online]? Retrieved from:
https://www.livescience.com/64166-first-genetically-modified-babies-risks.html
Simmons (2018). Genetic Inequality: Human Genetic Engineering [online]. Retrieved from:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetic-inequality-human-genetic-
engineering-768