Gene Editing: And How it Affects Us | Teen Ink

Gene Editing: And How it Affects Us

May 31, 2019
By clinehan BRONZE, Atascadero, California
clinehan BRONZE, Atascadero, California
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

What is gene editing and should we use it? Gene editing is the science that replaces a specific place in the genome of DNA with another strand of “healthy” DNA. The first gene editing technologies were discovered in the late 1900s, but the most recent gene editing technologies were invented in 2007.  According to “Issue Overview: Gene Editing” in late 2015, researchers shared with the public the first successful use of the technique to treat mature animals. The researchers repaired a defective gene of muscular dystrophy in mice. There are many supporters of gene editing but like everything, there is also detractors of the subject. Gene editing should only be used by professionals for professional reasons.

While supporters may say that gene editing should be used by everyone such as “Gene editing kit stirs up debate over do-it-yourself DNA creations” Josiah Zayner says, “Its a craft. You don’t need to be a genius, or go to school.” There are multiple pros but also multiple cons of gene editing. I do not agree with Joshua, people should only use gene editing when necessary. Despite that, gene editing could go terribly wrong of it gets into the hands someone bad. However gene editing can extend life, but could also shorten life. For example. If a person who has underwent gene editing, it could have weakened their immune system. So, if they got sick, the person could die because their body could not fight off the sickness.

Proponents also say that gene editing could get rid of cancer forever. Like in “What is gene editing and how does it work?” an article was shared on how gene editing is very useful in ways to extend life. In the article a girl with leukemia (blood cancer)  was cured with gene editing. The science of gene editing brings up debate because people think gene editing is like playing God. Gene editing should only be used to treat illness or disease. Not to change smarts, hair color, eye color or height.

In conclusion, gene editing is the future of science so it should be used, but not by any person. Gene editing is a dangerous technology that could turn badly, however it could also help many people. Using gene editing to cure disease should be aloud for anyone to use, whether you’re rich or poor. But, gene editing should be illegal for “daily” use by civilians. Gene editing needs to be handled by professionals not by uneducated people. We should prevent “designer” babies, but also cure disease.   


The author's comments:

Gene editing is a big advancement in human history. It can be useful but it could also be harmful. Who should use it? The rich, poor, doctors? 


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