GM Ethics - Animals

'Discuss the ethical concerns raised by the genetic manipulation of animals (including humans), plants and microorganisms' - OCR specification

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  • Created by: Liv
  • Created on: 23-05-16 21:34

GM Ethics - Animals

Advantages

  • Pharmaceutical chemicals can be produced in milk.
  • There could be increased milk or meat production.
  • Compatible organs for transplantation to humans could be produced (xenotransplantation) to solve the problem of long donor waiting lists.

Disadvantages

  • Animal welfare issues arise from genetic manipulations that might lead to animal suffering.
  • There are strong religious objections - cows are sacred to Hindus and pigs are considered unclean by orthodox Jews and Muslims.
  • Medical concerns exist about possible disease transfer between animals and humans.
  • Xenotransplantation may not be feasible due to physiological problems (e.g rejection from immune system).

Evaluation

The genetic modification of animals may have economic and medical benefits but there are moral and religious objections to using animals and more research is needed before xenotransplantation and other uses can become feasible.

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