LIFE SCIENCE

OBJECTIVE LIFE SCIENCE

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which advance in biotechnology has likely caused the greatest ethical debate?
A
mapping human DNA (human genome)
B
using embryonic stem cells to cure diseases
C
forming new drugs for treating diseases
D
genetic engineering corn to produce more ears
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Opponents argue that the research is unethical, because deriving the stem cells destroys the blastocyst, an unimplanted human embryo at the sixth to eighth day of development. As Bush declared when he vetoed last year’s stem cell bill, the federal government should not support “the taking of innocent human life.”

Detailed explanation-2: -Embryonic stem cells might also trigger an immune response in which the recipient’s body attacks the stem cells as foreign invaders, or the stem cells might simply fail to function as expected, with unknown consequences. Researchers continue to study how to avoid these possible complications.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles.To obtain embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life.

Detailed explanation-4: -Stem cells allow us to study how organisms grow and develop over time. Stem cells can replace diseased or damaged cells that can not heal or renew themselves. We can test different substances (drugs and chemicals) on stem cells. We can get a better understanding of our “genetic machinery.”

There is 1 question to complete.