Genetic Technologies
Genetic Technologies
Genetic Technologies
Genetic Technologies
In order to determine the effectiveness of the shark nets, we collected DNA samples from shark nets around NSW. In order to process and analyse these pieces of DNA, we used multiple processes such as PCR, and gel electrophoresis in order to identify the genus and species of the shark. Before completing the tests on our DNA samples, I expected to see more targeted sharks than non-targeted sharks, but to my surprise, there were an outstanding amount more non-targeted sharks compared to targeted sharks. Let me run through the processes we put these these DNA samples through first before we dive into the ethical and social implications of genetic technologies.
PCR
PCR
In order to duplicate the target strand of DNA, we had to put the samples into a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) machine. The machine completes cycles of heating and cooling in three stages in order to duplicate the target DNA. These three stages consist of Denaturation, Annealing and Extension, heating to 94, 52 and 72 degrees respectively. By running the PCR Machine through 30 cycles, you are able to duplicate one piece of target DNA into 1 billion in about an hour. The importance of having so many copies is so that the analysis of the DNA sample is much easier. The higher the concentration of the target DNA sample, the easier it makes it for a scientist to extract the genetic code.
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis allows you to check whether a DNA extraction had worked. It works by running an electric current from the negative electrode through the DNA samples, towards a positive electrode. The shorter the fragment, the further it’ll move. It helps us see how long our fragments are, as it sorts them by size. The image below provides insight to how the gel electrophoresis results should look.
My opinion
My opinion
My opinion
I personally believe the use of these genetic technologies can be considered ethical as they only require a small sample from the already deceased animal. The samples are extracted, processed and analysed in order to give us an idea what to do for the future of human protection on beaches. As seen in my phylogenetic tree below, you can notice there are many more non-targeted sharks compared to the actual targeted sharks. The smooth hammerhead, and dusky sharks are harmless to humans and pose no threat to any beach goers.
Benefits and limitations of genetic technologies
Benefits and limitations of genetic technologies
**big paragraph**
The introduction of genetic technologies into the modern world can be extremely beneficial to the future of the human race, however at the moment there are a few limitations that are keeping it from advancing. Genetic technologies have the potential to increase the lifespan of humans and animals alike. It has been predicted by leading scientists that it may be possible for humans to achieve an average lifespan between 100-150 years somewhere in the near future due to implications of genetic technologies. Another benefit of genetic technologies is that we would be able make disease a thing of the past while also aiding in the creation of better pharmaceutical products. Genetic mutations would be able to cured with a simple vaccine and leading diseases such as heart and Alzheimer’s disease have been predicted to be curable via the use of genetic technologies.
There are still however, some uncertainties that are holding back genetic technologies from entering the modern world. One of these being an ethical barrier. A lot of people religiously believe the human body must remain in its pure form with no genetic modification. To them, genetic engineering is an unacceptable act and the human body should remain in a divine form according to their beliefs. Another limitation holding genetic technologies back is the creation of new genetic issues. As the genetic engineering field is fairly new, there are still a lot of uncertainties when it comes to the effects on the human body after genetic modification. Human trials have yet to be tested however tests on animals have shown the benefits of genetic engineering. One final negative to the implication of genetic technology is the reduction or removal of genetic diversity. As defective genes are replaced by functional ones, genetic diversity will no longer exist. If every human possessed identical genomes, the uprise of a single virus or illness could end our entire population.
To wrap things up, genetic technologies are our first step into the future when it comes to our progression as a human race. They have many benefits that include increasing our lifespan but approximately 30%, however there are still too many uncertainties associated with genetic technologies to allow us to adapt them in modern medical practices.