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Ethical problems:
 -ethical problems

DNA

Genetic engineering

For genetic engineering, scientists use special techniques to change the DNA of living organisms. Every human being has unique DNA. Strengths of DNA make up our genes. (For more information about DNA, see the topic DNA fingerprints on this website). Scientists take parts of this DNA out and put it into another gene. Scientists are using this technique to get specific features of an organism. They use it for example with food. Genetic modified crops are common these days. The good parts of DNA are gathered so that you get the best quality crop. Of course, this is an easy explanation of a really difficult process. You can’t just randomly gather pieces of DNA you want to put into an organism. You have to follow strict rules, and the DNA has to be in a specific sequence, otherwise you don’t get a organism that can live and function.
Scientists are also trying to use this technique, of taking parts of DNA out and putting it into another gene, for humans. But with humans it’s even more difficult than with crops. In health care this technique can be very helpful, if scientists can “gather” the best parts of DNA to make a medicine or cure people.
Another way of genetic engineering is using stem cells. This will be explained in more detail below.

Stem cells

To start with, what exactly are stem cells?
Stem cells are cells which can develop into a lot of different types of cells. This can be very handy in the health care. There is a possibility, that stem cells can make a whole new organ. This goal of making a new organ out of people’s stem cells, hasn’t been achieved yet. But scientists are working on it. This can mean, that in the future it’s possible, that you don’t need a donor kidney anymore, but that scientists and doctors make a new heart for you, from your stem cells. If scientists can achieve this goal, we no longer need donor organs.

There are a lot of ethical disagreements about genetic engineering. This is discussed in more detail in the topic ethical problems.