BIO 410 Wk 5 Discussion – Ethics of Biotechnology

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to other students.

Due Thursday

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

This is the final week of the class, and over the past four weeks you have investigated the mechanisms involved in transferring genetic material and how this can be studied in animal populations. Thank you for working hard and engaging in these discussions. As we conclude the course, this week focuses on biotechnology, including an evaluation of the societal and ethical issues in biotechnology. Scientists at the cutting edge of genetics must weigh the benefits of new technologies with the ethical issues they raise.

Discuss the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering for medical, environmental, legal, and pharmaceutical uses. What are the pros and cons to our society? Why is genetic engineering such a controversial ethical issue? How would you assess the importance of the Ethical Legal Social Implication (ELSI) Program’s impact on the privacy and confidentiality of genetic information, and its implications for medical practice, genetic counseling, and reproductive decision making?

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.