Evolution has been defined as the gradual change of an organism over a fast amount of time. However, modern advancements could change evolution as we know it. Gene splicing a term used to refer to the process by which the DNA of an organism is cut and a gene, which could be from another organism, is inserted. The result of changing the gene makeup will alter the compositions of proteins in an organism. If done correctly, the changes could cause species to evolve over a short time-span and develop different variations. Having said that, gene splicing is very difficult even with closely related species. It’s hard to imagine that scientist are able to help species evolve.
I can see positives and the negatives of being able to alter a species evolution. The environment has developed in a way which it should be perfectly balance to support all life in its ecosystem. One change to a species could completely offset the balance and cause major damage. On the other hand, there are some species that are having trouble surviving and are becoming endangered. Gene splicing could help these dying species adapt to their environment enough to repopulate. But, we have to realize that splicing is still new territory. We do not know all of the consequences for changing a single organism. Therefore, we need to approach all changes we make carefully.
Gene splicing is very interesting and inventive. The question is do we have a right to play a role in evolutionary matters? If a species is going extinct due to natural origin, who are we to stand in the way of the process. Natural selection, adaptations and mutations are all apart of a bigger picture which I do not believe we should interrupt.
ReplyDeleteThis is very fascinating, but this is also what I would call a "gray area" in science; that is, there is no right or wrong answer as to whether it is right to perform gene splicing with animals. Regardless of that, gene splicing is definitely a new tactic that could change the tested animals and their environments.
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