Talk of the town：Genetic modification
【明報專訊】This is apparently an important scientific and medical breakthrough, but it raised certain ethical concerns as well - should human beings edit the genes of the animals and raise them just to obtain their organs?
◆What is genetic modification?
A gene is a part of the DNA in a cell that controls different features of living things. Some diseases or disorders are passed through genes from the patients' parents. Genetic modification (基因改造) refers to the technique to edit genes like adding genes or inactivating unwanted genes. Genetic modification is often claimed to be beneficial to society in many aspects, for instance growing genetically modified crops may increase harvest yield and alleviate food crisis.
◆What are the controversies?
Some activists oppose genetic modifications on a few grounds. They are concerned about the unknown consequences of genetic modification. Since genetic modifications are not natural evolution or development, they may cause irreversible changes to the ecosystem.
◆What did they do to the genes?
For this organ transplant case, the team made 10 genetic modifications to the pig to make its organs fully compatible with the human body. 4 genes were inactivated since they may cause rejection responses from the patient's body. 6 genes were inserted to make the organs more adaptive to the new body. Sophisticated medical machines and experimental drugs were also used to sustain the patient's life.
■Gear up
1. Most crops in the world are genetically modified crops.
(True/ False/ Not Given)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
beneficial (adj) 有好處的
alleviate (v) 緩解
evolution (n) 進化
adaptive (adj) 有適應性的
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第334期]
