BRAINCAKEEthics
Gene technology raises ethical questions as well as scientific ones. Ethics is about deciding what is right, not just what is possible.
Is it natural?
Some people object to moving genes between species, seeing it as unnatural or as "playing God". Others point out that selective breeding has changed crops and animals for thousands of years.
Animal welfare
Producing GM and knockout animals uses many animals, and some suffer health problems. Supporters argue that the medical benefits, such as proteins from pharming or knowledge from disease models, justify this if suffering is minimised.
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Key terms in this lesson
- utilitarian
- An ethical approach that judges an action right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
- informed consent
- Agreement to take part in a trial or procedure given after being told the possible risks and benefits.
More in Gene Technology
- Cloning Plants
- Genetic Modification of Crops
- Genetic Modification of Soya Bean
- Gene Technology in Animals
- Gene Technology in Humans
- Knockout Mice
- Human Gene Therapy
- Safety of GM Crops
All 17 lessons in Gene Technology · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics