Basic paper for use in Human Reproduction classes Very interesting angle
Morality and the Human Genome Project
Does the Human Genome Project affect the moral standards of society?
Can the information produced by it become a beneficial asset or a moral evil?
For example, in a genetic race or class distinction the use of the X chromosome
markers can be used for the identification of a persons ethnicity or class
(Murphy,34). A seemingly harmless collection of information from the
advancement of the Human Genome Project. But, lets assume this information is
used to explore ways to deny entry into countries, determine social class, or even
who gets preferential treatment. Can the outcome of this information effect the
moral standards of a society?
The answers to the above and many other questions are relative to the
issues facing the Human Genome Project. To better understand these topics a
careful dissection of the terminology must be made.
A slight mutation in the matched nucleotides can l...
"Skeleton of human (1) and gorilla (2), unnaturall...
English: The first printout of the human genome to...Websters Dictionary defines
morality as ethics, upright conduct, conduct or attitude judged from the moral
standpoint. It also defines a moral as concerned with right and wrong and the
distinctions between them. A Genome is 'the total of an individuals genetic
material,' including, 'that part of the cell that controls heredity' (Lee,4).
Subsequently, 'reasearch and technology efforts aimed at mapping and
sequencing large portions or entire genomes are called genome projects'
(Congress,4). Genome projects are not a single organizations efforts, but instead
a group of organizations working in government and private industry through
out the world. Furthermore, the controversies surrounding the Human Genome
Project can be better explained by the past events leading to the project, the
structure of the project, and the moral discussion of the project.
The major events of genetic history are important to the Human Genome
Project because the...