Ethical Issues in Biotechnology
- Biotechnology involves the manipulation of living organisms or their components for useful products.
- It has major benefits in fields like medicine, agriculture, and industry.
- Ethical concerns include issues like human genetic modification, cloning, GMOs, and animal testing.
- These concerns challenge our moral values and societal norms.
- Ethical balance is needed between progress and protection of rights.
ELSI of Biotechnology
- ELSI stands for Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of biotechnology.
- Genetic testing can reveal disease risks, but it may lead to discrimination or stigma.
- Legal protections are required to safeguard genetic information.
- The social impact involves ensuring that biotechnology benefits society equitably.
- Proper regulations are necessary to address the ethical concerns arising from biotechnology advances.
Risk and Ethics of Biotechnology
- Biotechnology offers great potential but comes with certain risks.
- Genetic modification and cloning can cause unintended environmental effects, like spreading GMOs.
- Ethical concerns include:
- Lack of proper regulation and transparency.
- Exploitation of biological resources without long-term planning.
- Potential risks to biodiversity and health.
- There’s a need for responsible management to balance progress and safety.
Recombinant Therapeutic Products for Human Healthcare
- Chymosin: This is a milk-clotting proteolytic enzyme. Used in cheese production, produced by recombinant microorganisms E. Coli.
- Tryptophan: A precursor to serotonin, used in medical treatments.
- Bovine Somatotropin (rBST):
- Effect on Animals: Related to health problems in cows, like mastitis and lameness.
- Effect on Humans: Regulatory bodies consider it safe, but there are still concerns about its connection to cancer or hormonal disruption.
Recombinant Food and Religious Beliefs
- Recombinant foods (GMOs) involve altering crops for better yield, resistance, and nutrition.
- Religious beliefs may oppose GM foods due to:
- Dietary laws in some religions.
- Ethical concerns about genetic modification.
- These issues raise questions of consent and respect for cultural beliefs in biotechnology.
Eating Genes Everyday
- GM foods involve consuming crops modified at the genetic level.
- Concerns about health risks include:
- Allergic reactions or antibiotic resistance.
- Unpredictable long-term effects on human health.
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO have deemed GM foods safe, but ongoing research is required.
Are GM Foods Safe?
- GM foods have been extensively tested and approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA and WHO.
- Studies show that they are as safe as conventional foods in terms of nutrition and toxicity.
- However, concerns persist about their:
- Environmental impact.
- Allergenicity.
- Gene transfer to wild species.
- These concerns necessitate continuous monitoring and risk assessments.
Monitoring Animal Experiments in India (CPCSEA Guidelines)
- In India, CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals) regulates animal testing.
- Key guidelines include:
- Ensuring humane treatment of animals.
- Promoting alternative methods to animal testing.
- Requiring ethical review committee approval for experiments.
- Ensuring minimal discomfort to animals during experiments.
Release of Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEOs)
- Release of GEOs like ICE-minus Pseudomonas syringae is carefully regulated.
- Field trials must undergo risk assessments to ensure no harm to the environment.
- Regulatory authorities monitor genetically modified plants, animals, and microorganisms to avoid negative impacts on:
- Biodiversity.
- Ecosystem health.
- Field trials are conducted under strict guidelines to track and control the behavior of GEOs.