Genetically Modified Bacteria
1. Find one example of a genetically modified bacterium used to benefit humans. Provide the genus and species (full scientific name), and discuss the primary uses. You may use one of the examples above or find your own example, but the organism must be genetically engineered or altered. Remember, the genus is the first part of the scientific name and the species is the second part, like this: Escherichia coli.
2. Is it ethical to use genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not?
3. Would you be willing to use medicine or other products that are created by genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not?
4. When a new organism is created in a lab, the scientist responsible for the discovery can patent the new organism. What ethical concerns surround the idea of owning the patent on a living organism?
Student 1
Preston Reid
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Hello Professor and Classmates
Hello Everyone,
It would be of benefit to National Express Packaging Company to issue end point devices to its employees. This would enable any necessary employees, and management, the ability to communicate with customers and fellow employees on an as needed basis. Customers could call whenever the need arose, instead of having to wait for a specific time frame to call, or have to wait for an email response.
Customer satisfaction is key in keeping a business operational and successful. Using end point devices to download customer satisfaction forms, and the ability to retrieve them anywhere, can enhance business relations. Another possible use not mentioned is the ability to use IM chatting. Sometimes a situation arises where a voice call is not possible. Customers may be in a crowded environment, airport, mall, shopping center and being able to send a IM chat/text message adds convenience.
Yes it can be ethical to use bacteria. This is because bacteria has DNA to help find out what is wrong with someone.
If is came down to saving my life then yes I use medicine. Even though I hate medicine and do not like taking any kind of medicine. If I had to take any medicine to save my life I would.
The ethical concerns would have to be the scientist is now the new discovery of a new organism. With the scientist finding a new organism he or she could name the new organism. Maybe the organism the scientist found can fix something else that is very bad.
Ray
Student 2
John Hodges
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Unit 9
1. Find one example of a genetically modified bacterium used to benefit humans. Provide the genus and species (full scientific name), and discuss the primary uses. You may use one of the examples above or find your own example, but the organism must be genetically engineered or altered. Remember, the genus is the first part of the scientific name and the species is the second part, like this: Escherichia coli.
In researching genetically modified bacterium I came across one that is very cool! This bacteria is known as Pantoeaagglomerans. This bacteria is found in the midgut of mosquitos. Scientists have modified this bacteria to secrete proteins that are toxic to the malaria parasite, therefore reducing the spread of malaria by mosquitos.
2. Is it ethical to use genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not?
This modification is completely ethical because it does not harm the mosquitos or humans. In fact this discovery could drastically reduce the amount of people infected with malaria. Studies have shown that it is 98% effective in preventing the development of malaria inside mosquitos.
3. Would you be willing to use medicine or other products that are created by genetically modified bacteria? Why or why not?
It would depend on the amount of research and testing done to confirm that it was safe for use. When it comes to medication, I believe it would depend on how badly I needed the medication. Its side effects would play apart in my decision to use them or not as well. When referring to food products I would prefer for them not to be genetically modified. According to the World Health Organization the some concerns for genetically modified foods are Health effects such as toxicity, the potential of provoking allergic reactions, and the stability of the inserted gene. The WHO states that they cannot make a general statement that all Genetically Modified Organisms are safe and that safety is determined on a case by case basis. Overall, I would say that I rather not use genetically modified bacteria unless it was completely necessary.
4. When a new organism is created in a lab, the scientist responsible for the discovery can patent the new organism. What ethical concerns surround the idea of owning the patent on a living organism?
The scientist would have the ethical responsibility of ensuring that the organism was safe for use. Another ethical responsibility would be to ensure that the organism was controlled and contained properly in order to prevent its accumulation in the environment.
References:
Frequently asked questions on genetically modified foods. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2016, from http://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/
Genetically Engineered Bacteria Prevent Mosquitoes from Transmitting Malaria. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2016, fromhttp://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2012/jacobs-lorena-bacteria.html
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