Application of Reproduction and Genetics

Genetic Engineering and GM Crops

Genetic Engineering is the manipulation of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits. Genetic material may be added, removed or altered.
Genetic engineering offers potential solutions to issues such as crop disease, pests, and food shortages, via the creation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
GM crops may be engineered to be resistant to pests, disease, or harsh environmental conditions. Alternatively, they may be modified to improve nutritional content.
Controversy surrounds GM crops due to potential impacts on biodiversity, food chain disruption and unforeseen health effects.

IVF and Assisted Reproduction Techniques

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body, in a lab. This is a common assisted reproductive technology.
IVF can provide a solution for individuals or couples who struggle to conceive naturally due to a variety of health issues.
Other assisted reproductive techniques include artificial insemination and surrogate motherhood.
Ethical issues surround IVF and assisted reproduction, including concerns over “designer babies” and the fate of spare embryos.

Cloning and Stem Cells

Cloning produces organisms genetically identical to the parent organism. It can be naturally occurring, as in the case with identical twins, or artificial like in the case of Dolly the sheep.
Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells with the potential to become any type of cell in the body.
Through manipulation of stem cells, scientists can potentially grow new organ tissue for transplant, among other medical applications.
The legal and ethical considerations surrounding cloning and stem cell research is a widely debated issue.

Applications of DNA Sequencing

DNA Sequencing allows scientists to read and interpret the genetic information contained within a DNA molecule.
Applications include forensic science (DNA fingerprinting), Personalised Medicine (understanding an individual’s genetic susceptibility to certain diseases), and Archaeogenetics (studying human history and evolution).
Sequencing technologies are being constantly refined, leading to faster and cheaper sequencing. However, the implications for privacy and data security are ongoing concerns.

Revision summary: The application of reproduction and genetics in real world scenarios spans from the fields of agriculture, through genetic engineering and GM crops, to the medical field with IVF and stem cell use, to the study of life itself with DNA sequencing. Each application has its own ethical and practical issues and are subject to continual debate and refinement.