CRISPR: A Door Into The Future | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

CRISPR: A Door Into The Future

Is genome editing a blessing or a curse?

20
CRISPR: A Door Into The Future
Youtube

The idea of biotechnology and its use to edit the true formation of life has been prevalent since the 1960s when the purpose of DNA was first discovered. After this breakthrough, scientists began to insert DNA snippets into bacteria, plants, and animals in order to modify them for research, medicine, and agriculture. Since the 1970s, scientists have made numerous new discoveries using gene editing and have since created new medications (growth hormone and insulin) and genetically modified foods. Despite the benefits of gene editing, it has its drawbacks in that until recently it has been expensive, complicated, and time taxing. A few years back, though, a brand new technology was invented: CRISPR.

CRISPR is a precise, cheap and easy method of genome editing. It is ultimately like a GPS system which has the ability to edit live cells, turn genes on and off, and target particular genes. It consists of a Cas9 Protein and a guide RNA strand which detects a certain sequence of DNA in the genome (which needs to be edited). Once detected, the guide RNA inserts itself in between the two DNA single strands (now split) while the Cas9 protein is notified to cut that piece out of the genome leading the cell into panic due to loss of a piece of DNA. Now, scientists are able to modify the area between the homologous DNA and insert it back into the cell. CRISPR makes this process effective by allowing us to insert or remove DNA at a calculated spot rather than randomly guessing and checking. The evolutionary nature of CRISPR can essentially change the world as we know it.

Although the usage of CRISPR is precise, cheap, and easy, is it ethical? Is it moral to ultimately change a person's fate by defeating a deadly disease or prolonging a lifespan? Is it right to design your baby? These questions are becoming increasingly controversial and urgent. For example, CRISPR's eradication of deadly diseases such as cancer and HIV or other genetic diseases (Huntington's Disease and Hemophilia) make humans somewhat invincible and may lead to an overall population bomb which could be environmentally straining as more babies are born with an arguably longer lifespan. In fact, at some point, a person's lifespan may be increased to hundreds of years. Although Earth may not be able to sustain this growth many are arguing that this will not be a problem because, if space travel permits, with this technology humans will be able to live on other planets as well. Is this idea realistic, though? How would people feel if they were given no choice but to move not countries, but planets? Is it possible to transfer billions of people? Additionally, eradication of a certain disease from offspring may prompt parents to ultimately create a child of their liking in terms of everything from intelligence to appearance using advanced genome editing. This could essentially lead to a whole new species being created—superhumans. Those who do not meet the criteria would be killed off by natural selection or otherwise. At this point in research, almost anything is possible. The only question is if it's morally or ethically sound.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Wonderful Things About The Holidays

Some of the best things about the upcoming holiday season.

1238
christmas decoration

As the holidays approach, there are many wonderful things that start to appear. From weather to food and even to the decorations, there are so many wonderful things about the holidays.

1. Cold Weather

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

14 Thoughts Every College Student Has During Winter Break

The most common: "Is it time to go back to school yet?"

3552
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Little Changes You Can Make That Will Have a Big Impact On The Enviroment

Simple switches to eco-friendly habits could add up and have a positive effect on the environment!

676
flower in hand
PxHere

In the past decade, there has been a recent surge of compassion for the environment. Many people are beginning to realize how much of a negative impact their daily lives have on the environment. In case you weren't aware the average person has about four pounds of trash per day and American's make up only 5% of the world population and produce a startling 40% of the world's waste. If you care about the environment, here are some smalls changes you can make that will have a big impact!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

4947
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments