Science builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions on the universe.
Biotechnology combines disciplines such as biology, especially genetics, molecular and micro-biology, engineering and computer science and can be divided into three main categories:
Red biotechnology is about using our knowledge on genes or rather DNA for medical purposes.
Genetic screening
With genetic screening genetic disorders or inherited diseases can be found.
Genetic engineering
In genetic engineering, the genome is altered. This way diseases could be prevented or cured with for instance genetically modified bacteria. Another possible development are designer babies, i.e. genetically designed human beings – an ethical horror scenario for many.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
When using in-vitro fertilization, the embryos´ genes could be tested before implantation, thus preventing hereditary diseases. This is ethically debatable as it can mean the death of “imperfect” beings.
Therapeutic cloning
Reproduction of organs, based on stem cell research.
Reproductive cloning
Cloning whole organisms – for instance a human being. Dolly, a sheep, was the first cloned mammal (1996).à strict regulations apply depending on the location.
CRISPR / CAS9
A method that made gene editing cheaper and more effective.
Genetic manipulation – genome editing – can make plants more resistant to climate change, diseases and pests à Genetically modified organisms / GMOs, which could boost yields and decrease starvation and malnutrition.
The first genetically modified food on the marked was the Flavr Savr tomato (in 1994).
→ Danger of monopolies → biodiversity in jeopardy?
Arguments for gm crops
→ most of the plants farmed are used to feed animals
→ vegetarian alternative
|
|
+ |
- |
|
Red |
|
|
|
Green |
|
|
|
White |
|
|
Brave New World is a dystopian novel depicting a futuristic World State of genetically modified citizens in an intelligence-bases social hierarchy.
The novel Frankenstein published in 1818 depicts the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a hideous creature in a scientific experiment.
Sie befinden sich auf der AMP-Version dieses Artikels. Für spannende Empfehlungen und weitere Inhalte geht es hier zur Ursprungsseite (auch bei Anzeigefehlern empfehlenswert). Schauen Sie sich doch beispielsweise einmal den Zeitrahl zur Religionsktritik an.