Genetically Modified Organisms
Humans have tried to influence the development of organisms for centuries by selectively breeding plants and animals. Advances in genetics make it possible to engineer organisms at the cellular level to improve everything from the productivity of crops to the viability of animal organs and tissues for transplantation to humans. There are basically two ways to genetically alter an organism: A transgenic animal has been modified by the introduction of a new gene, whereas a knock out is an animal in which a given gene is no longer expressed. Religious and ethical concerns include respect for the well being of future generations of the organisms and possible effects on the environment.
See also BIOTECHNOLOGY; DNA; GENE THERAPY; GENETIC DETERMINISM; GENETIC ENGINEERING; GENETICS; XENOTRANSPLANTATION
Bibliography
Applegate, John S. "The Prometheus Principle: Using the Precautionary Principle to Harmonize the Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms" Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies 9, no. 1 (2001): 207–264. Available from http://ijgls.indiana.edu/
Pontifical Academy for Life. "Prospects for Xenotransplantation: Scientific Aspects and Ethical Consideration." September 26, 2001. Available from http://www. vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acd... /
Wolfenbarger, L. L., and Phifer, P. R. "The Ecological Risks and Benefits of Genetically Engineered Plants." Science 2088 (2000): 290.
DONNA M. MCKENZIE