fundamentals
Ethical Controversies in Genetics
Gene Editing
Scientists are able on a limited basis to change (edit) the deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA ) within a living cell. That is, they are able to remove, add, or modify a specific segment of DNA. Newer advances have allowed better control over exactly which segment of DNA is removed and where a new segment is placed. This control is important because a major goal of this process is to be able to replace an abnormal gene with a normal one, and this requires precise control. Removing the wrong piece of DNA could be dangerous or fatal. CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing(clusteredregularlyinterspacedshortpalindromicrepeats–CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a newer, more efficient technique for editing the mutated DNA sequence of a gene. This technique is still in experimental stages but has been done on several human embryos in attempt to fix a genetic defect. Gene editing would particularly help people with diseases like cystic fibrosis that are caused by a single abnormal gene. Gene editing may be less helpful for disorders that are caused by many different genes. A future possibility may even be to make genetic changes that enhance healthy people, such as making them smarter, stronger, or longer living. The main ethical concerns about gene editing are that mistakes might be made that could be dangerous to a person and difficult to correct. Also, any negative changes that affect a person's sperm or eggs could potentially be passed to future generations. 