Lets start by looking at the cell and the source of heritable traits. We know that all organisms are made up by cells and that new cells can only spring from existing cells. Cell growth depends upon the production of new cells and within each cell exists DNA. DNA contains the hereditary instructions need for each organism to grow and develop. Every parental organism gives the correct amount of DNA to its offspring. Humans give their children twenty-three chromosomes from each of the parents.

DNA looks something like a twisted staircase, and when in a condensed form, each DNA molecule is called a chromosome. Genes are formed in pairs are located in these chromosomes. During reproduction the gene pairs are split apart and randomly passed on to the offspring. During the replication of the gene pairs chance events such as mutations, ca

What about possible prejudice and discrimination?

There are many animals that are on the verge of extinction because of the absents of genetic variation. If we were to pick and choose our own genes, could we unknowingly do the same to ourselves?

The parade of genetically engineered marvels, during the past recent years, has been shocking: "Flavr-Savr" tomatoes that stay fresher longer; "giant salmon" that grow 37 times faster than the normal fish; "transgenic" pigs that are injected with human genes which causes them to produce milk with human protein that prevents blood clotting; and "supermice" injected with rat growth genes which makes them grow twice their normal size, are just a few.

"Evolutionary Wisdom of Genetic Roulette?" Science 31 Oct. 1997: 882

All of the above are things that need to be considered before we can truly continue with research and experimentation. There are no guarantees when changing genes. The possible and unexpected mutations, antibiotic resistance, and all other effects are all unknown. There are many questions that must be asked before making any kind of decision towards the future of genetic engineering and towards human kind.

Some diseases are preventable through genetic engineering, but is it possible that we could accidentally produce a virus? Would we be prepared to face it?

Should we even interfere with nature?

What about the unexpected effects?

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Approximate Word count = 1529
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)