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5.5 analyse information from secondary sources to identify examples of the use of transgenic species and use available evidence to debate the ethical issues arising from the development and use of transgenic species

analyse information from secondary sources to identify examples of the use of transgenic species and use available evidence< to debate the ethical issues arising from the development and use of transgenic species

  • Analyse information that describes examples of the use of transgenic species to find evidence that should be part of a balanced debate on the ethical issues arising from the development and use of transgenic species. Some starting web sites are provided below.
  • Be critical in identifying and evaluating the quality of scientific evidence provided. Carefully check printed material for scientific rigor. There are few checks on material published on the web. Look for information about the credentials of the authors of the information you are reviewing.

Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering and Transgenics (external website) by Linda MacDonald Glenn, An ActionBioscience.org original article, USA, June 2004

Bumpy Road for Biotech (external website) Rachel’s Environment and Health News #760 January 30, 2003, USA

How Safe is GM Food? (external website)Editorial, The Lancet, Vol 360, Number 9342, October 26, 2002, UK S

Some ethical issues arising from the development and use of transgenic species

Transgenic organisms are those that have DNA derived from another species incorporated into their genetic complement.  This is done by genetic engineering techniques.  Both plants and animals have been genetically modified to create ‘improved’ strains of a particular species.

The following are two examples.

Genetically engineered salmon: 

The gene coding for the protein, bGH (bovine growth hormone), is incorporated into the genes of salmon.

  • Outcome – larger, faster growing fish
  • Evaluation – Possible farmed source of fish as food. However, the fish are kept in ponds that offer no escape to the wild because there is much concern that they will upset or destroy natural ecosystems.

Potato plants:

A pea gene for lectin has been incorporated into potato plants.

  • Outcome – protection against insect attack. Lectin is a protein which interferes with digestion in insects.  It is termed an ‘antifeedant’.
  • Evaluation – As potatoes are a staple food source for many populations throughout the world, it is important to maintain and increase production.  Protection against insect attack improves the success of growing potatoes.  Concerns exist about controlling the ‘escape’ of these transgenic potatoes into the wild as the technology is only recent and long-term impacts on the environment have yet to be observed or evaluated.