Karp 3). Genes are passed from parents to children, with each parent contributing an equal share. Genes are portions of DNA which encode the production of proteins. Each discrete unit of DNA is a chromosome. "No one knows how many genes are located on our 46 chromosomes, but estimates range from 50,000 to upwards of a million" (Jones 6). The biological information contained in these genes determines not only hair color, eye color, and gender but also in conjunction with the environment, dictates the health--physical and mental--of the gene owner. "All genetic diseases, all genetic changes, take place as a result of a change in a minute portion of the organism affected" (Carney 39). That is, the slightest variation in but one chromosome--even just one gene--can produce extraordinary changes.
For as long as life has existed on earth, nature has instigated genetic change and mutation. Charles Darwin's work The Origin of Species examines the effects of natural change. This mutation is the genesis for desirable new species of animals, the creator of change. But gene mutation also creates destructive side-effects, including such genetically-based diseases as Tay-Sachs, hemophilia, and Down's syndrome. Recently, science has developed the ability to initiate genetic change or inhibit natural change. The tremendous implications of genetic
Simply put, the controversy concerns whether or not scientists should investigate genetic engineering and if so, to what extent. At the heart of this controversy is the fear that experiments in gene manipulation will create a "brave new world" in which the control of genes will be coldly and viciously pursued. That is, scientists will develop strains of life for very narrow purposes, thus depriving most species of any chance for improvement and change. Further, some people feel that "attempts to alter man's basic genetic makeup or create life by novel techniques are unacceptable efforts t...