Genetic enhancement

Definition

Genetic enhancement refers to the use of biotechnology to improve or augment specific traits in an organism, beyond what is considered normal or necessary for health. This involves altering genes to enhance physical or cognitive abilities, aesthetics, or other desirable characteristics, as opposed to merely treating or preventing diseases. It raises ethical questions about human potential, societal implications, and the distinction between therapeutic interventions and enhancements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Genetic enhancement raises significant ethical questions about fairness, access, and the potential for a genetic divide in society.
2. The distinction between therapy and enhancement is often debated; while therapy aims to restore normal function, enhancement seeks to push beyond typical limits.
3. Technologies like CRISPR have made genetic enhancement more accessible and precise, leading to increased interest in creating 'designer babies'.
4. Potential benefits of genetic enhancement include increased intelligence, athletic performance, and resistance to diseases.
5. Critics argue that genetic enhancement could lead to unintended consequences, including health risks and the loss of genetic diversity.

Review Questions

• How does genetic enhancement differ from gene therapy in terms of purpose and ethical considerations?
  • Genetic enhancement differs from gene therapy primarily in its goals; gene therapy focuses on correcting or treating genetic disorders to restore normal function, while genetic enhancement aims to improve traits beyond typical human capabilities. This difference leads to varied ethical considerations; enhancement raises questions about fairness, potential coercion in reproductive choices, and societal impact, whereas therapy emphasizes patient welfare and the right to health. The blurred lines between these two concepts complicate discussions about regulations and moral responsibilities in biotechnology.
• What role do technologies like CRISPR play in the development of genetic enhancement, and what are some potential societal impacts?
  • CRISPR technology has revolutionized the field of genetic enhancement by providing a precise method for editing genes, making it feasible to alter specific traits in humans. This ease of use raises concerns about the ethical implications of creating 'designer babies', potentially leading to societal divides based on enhanced versus non-enhanced individuals. The capability for widespread use of such technology could affect social dynamics, influence ideas of 'normal' human abilities, and create pressure on families regarding reproductive choices.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of genetic enhancement on future generations and its impact on concepts of identity and diversity.
  • The long-term implications of genetic enhancement could fundamentally alter concepts of identity and diversity by promoting a narrow definition of 'ideal' traits that may be culturally or socially constructed. As enhancements become more common, there may be less acceptance of natural variation in human traits, leading to pressures for conformity and potentially eroding the value placed on diversity. Moreover, if certain enhancements confer advantages in intelligence or physical ability, this could exacerbate social inequalities and create generational divides between those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot. Such shifts might redefine what it means to be human and raise profound questions about the future of our species.

Related terms

Gene Therapy: A medical technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease, often by correcting defective genes rather than enhancing traits.

CRISPR: A powerful tool for editing genes that allows scientists to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function with precision.

Ethical Considerations: The moral implications and dilemmas arising from genetic enhancement, including issues of equity, consent, and the definition of 'normal' human traits.