genetic engineering essay hook

Home — Essay Samples — Science — Technology & Engineering — Genetic Engineering

Essays on Genetic Engineering

What makes a good genetic engineering essay topic.

When it comes to writing a captivating genetic engineering essay, the topic you choose is paramount. It not only grabs the reader's attention but also allows for effective exploration of the subject matter. So, how can you brainstorm and select a standout essay topic? Here are some recommendations:

Brainstorm: Kickstart your ideas by brainstorming topics related to genetic engineering. Consider the latest advancements, ethical concerns, controversial issues, or potential future applications. Jot down any ideas that come to mind.
Research: Once you have a list of potential topics, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and understand different perspectives. This will help you evaluate the feasibility and depth of each topic.
Consider Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely piques your interest. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the entire process more enjoyable and motivate you to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Relevance: Ensure that the chosen topic is relevant to genetic engineering. It should align with the scope of the subject and allow you to explore various aspects related to it.
Uniqueness: Strive for a unique and imaginative topic that stands out from the ordinary. Steer clear of generic subjects and instead focus on specific areas or emerging trends within genetic engineering.
Controversy: Controversial topics often generate more interest and discussion. Consider exploring ethical dilemmas, potential risks, or societal impacts of genetic engineering to add a thought-provoking element to your essay.
Depth and Scope: Assess the depth and scope of each topic. Make sure it provides enough material for a comprehensive essay without being too broad or too narrow.
Audience Appeal: Keep your target audience in mind. Choose a topic that would captivate readers, whether they are experts in the field or individuals with limited knowledge about genetic engineering.
Originality: Strive for originality in your topic selection. Look for unique angles, lesser-known areas, or innovative applications of genetic engineering that can make your essay stand out.
Personal Connection: If possible, choose a topic that connects with your personal experiences or future aspirations. This will enhance your engagement and make your essay more meaningful.

Igniting Thought: The Finest Genetic Engineering Essay Topics

Below are some of the most captivating genetic engineering essay topics to consider:

Genetic Engineering and the Future of Human Evolution
The Ethical Dilemmas of Designer Babies
Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Balancing Benefits and Concerns
CRISPR-Cas9: Unleashing Revolutionary Potential in Genetic Engineering
The Potential of Genetic Engineering in Cancer Treatment
Genetic Engineering's Role in Creating Sustainable Food Sources
Genetic Engineering and Animal Welfare: Navigating Ethical Considerations
Genetic Engineering and its Impact on Biodiversity
The Social and Economic Implications of Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering's Influence on Human Longevity
Enhancing Athletic Performance: The Power of Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering Techniques for Disease Prevention and Treatment
Genetic Engineering's Role in Environmental Conservation
Genetic Engineering and the Preservation of Endangered Species
The Psychological and Societal Effects of Genetic Engineering
The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering for Non-Medical Purposes
Exploring the Potential Risks and Benefits of Genetic Engineering in Space Exploration
Genetic Engineering and the Creation of Biofuels
The Morality of Genetic Engineering: Insights from Religious and Philosophical Perspectives
Genetic Engineering's Role in Combating Climate Change

Thought-Provoking Genetic Engineering Essay Questions

Consider these stimulating questions for your genetic engineering essay:

How does genetic engineering impact the concept of natural selection?
What are the potential consequences of genetic engineering on human genetic diversity?
Is it ethically justifiable to use genetic engineering for cosmetic purposes?
How does genetic engineering contribute to the development of personalized medicine?
What are the social implications of genetically modifying animals for human consumption?
How does the use of genetic engineering in agriculture affect food security?
Should genetic engineering be used to resurrect extinct species?
What are the potential risks and benefits of genetically modifying viruses for medical purposes?
How does genetic engineering influence the balance between individual rights and societal well-being?
Can genetic engineering be the solution to eradicating genetic diseases?

Provocative Genetic Engineering Essay Prompts

Here are some imaginative and engaging prompts for your genetic engineering essay:

Imagine a world where genetic engineering has eliminated all hereditary diseases. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a scenario.
You have been granted the ability to genetically engineer one aspect of yourself. What would you choose and why?
Write a fictional story set in a future where genetic engineering is widespread and explore the consequences it has on society.
Reflect on the ethical considerations of genetically modifying animals for entertainment purposes, such as creating glow-in-the-dark pets.
Create a persuasive argument for or against the use of genetic engineering in enhancing human intelligence.

Answering Your Genetic Engineering Essay Queries

Q: Can I write about the history of genetic engineering?

A: Absolutely! Exploring the historical context of genetic engineering can provide valuable insights and set the foundation for your essay.

Q: How can I make my genetic engineering essay engaging for readers with limited scientific knowledge?

A: Simplify complex concepts and terminologies, provide relevant examples, and use relatable analogies to help readers grasp the information more easily.

Q: Can I express my personal opinion in a genetic engineering essay?

A: Yes, expressing your personal opinion is encouraged as long as you support it with logical reasoning and evidence from reputable sources.

Q: Are there any potential risks associated with genetic engineering that I should discuss in my essay?

A: Yes, incorporating a discussion on the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering is essential to provide a balanced perspective.

Q: Can I include interviews or case studies in my genetic engineering essay?

A: Absolutely! Interviews or case studies can add depth and real-life examples to support your arguments and make your essay more compelling.

Remember, when writing your genetic engineering essay, let your creativity shine through while maintaining a formal and engaging tone.

The Ethics of Genetic Engineering

The 4 forces of evolution: a comprehensive analysis, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Genetic Engineering

Ethical issues of genetic engineering, the dangers of genetic engineering to humanity, the use and ethics of genetic engineering, let us write you an essay from scratch.

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Potential and Consequences of Genetic Engineering

The issue of the use of genetic modification of humans, reasons why genetic engineering should be banned, genetic engineering: an overview of the dna/rna and the crispr/cas9 technology, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Review of Human Germline Engineering

Positional cloning of genetic disorders, engineering american society: the lesson of eugenics, bioethical issues related to genetic engineering, cloning and ethical controversies related to it, genetic editing as a possibility of same-sex parents to have children, adhering to natural processes retains the integrity of a natural human race , genetically modified organisms: soybeans, gene silencing to produce milk with reduced blg proteins, the role of crispr-cas9 gene drive in mosquitoes, the life of gregor mendel and his contributions to science, eugenics, its history and modern development, morphological operation hsv color space tree detetction, cytogenetics: analysis of comparative genomic hybridization and its implications, genetically engineered eucalyptus tree and crispr, review of the process of dna extraction, review of the features of the process of cloning, heterologous gene expression as an approach for fungal secondary metabolite discovery, review of the genetic algorithm searches, genetic engineering: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.

Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism.

Genetic engineering as the direct manipulation of DNA by humans outside breeding and mutations has only existed since the 1970s. In 1972, Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecules by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with that of the lambda virus. The first field trials of genetically engineered plants occurred in France and the US in 1986, tobacco plants were engineered to be resistant to herbicides.

It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesising the DNA. Used in research and industry, genetic engineering has been applied to the production of cancer therapies, brewing yeasts, genetically modified plants and livestock, and more.

Relevant topics

Engineering
Natural Selection
Time Travel
Space Exploration
Mathematics in Everyday Life
Charles Darwin
Stephen Hawking

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Presentations made painless

Get Premium

102 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Genetic engineering is a rapidly advancing field that holds great potential for solving numerous challenges facing humanity today. From developing new medical treatments to improving crop yields, the possibilities are endless. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and genetic engineering also raises ethical and social concerns. If you're looking for essay topics on genetic engineering, here are 102 ideas and examples to get you started.

The ethical implications of designer babies
The use of genetic engineering in agriculture
The potential risks of gene editing in humans
The role of genetic engineering in personalized medicine
The impact of genetic engineering on biodiversity
The future of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
The ethical considerations of editing the human germline
The use of genetic engineering in combating genetic diseases
The potential for genetic engineering to address food security issues
The implications of gene editing in non-human organisms
The intersection of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence
The role of genetic engineering in environmental conservation
The ethical considerations of gene editing in animals
The impact of genetic engineering on society
The potential for genetic engineering to enhance human performance
The use of genetic engineering in forensic science
The implications of genetic engineering on human evolution
The role of genetic engineering in synthetic biology
The ethical considerations of gene editing in sports
The potential for genetic engineering to address climate change
The impact of genetic engineering on animal welfare
The use of genetic engineering in developing new drugs
The implications of gene editing in the military
The ethical considerations of gene editing in the criminal justice system
The potential risks of genetic engineering in warfare
The role of genetic engineering in space exploration
The impact of genetic engineering on privacy rights
The use of genetic engineering in creating biofuels
The implications of gene editing in the fashion industry
The ethical considerations of gene editing in the entertainment industry
The potential for genetic engineering to create new materials
The impact of genetic engineering on the economy
The role of genetic engineering in education
The use of genetic engineering in disaster response
The implications of gene editing in the legal system
The ethical considerations of gene editing in the arts
The potential for genetic engineering to revolutionize transportation
The impact of genetic engineering on social justice
The role of genetic engineering in urban planning
The use of genetic engineering in public health
The implications of gene editing in mental health
The ethical considerations of gene editing in the workplace
The potential for genetic engineering to improve communication technologies
The impact of genetic engineering on global politics
The role of genetic engineering in international relations
The use of genetic engineering in disaster recovery
The implications of gene editing in conflict resolution
The ethical considerations of gene editing in humanitarian aid
The potential for genetic engineering to address human rights issues
The impact of genetic engineering on cultural heritage
The role of genetic engineering in addressing inequality
The use of genetic engineering in promoting diversity
The implications of gene editing in promoting peace
The ethical considerations of gene editing in promoting democracy
The potential for genetic engineering to promote sustainability
The impact of genetic engineering on promoting social cohesion
The role of genetic engineering in promoting human dignity
The use of genetic engineering in promoting human flourishing
The implications of gene editing in promoting human rights
The ethical considerations of gene editing in promoting social justice
The potential for genetic engineering to promote global citizenship
The impact of genetic engineering on promoting intercultural understanding
The role of genetic engineering in promoting social responsibility
The use of genetic engineering in promoting environmental sustainability
The implications of gene editing in promoting economic development
The ethical considerations of gene editing in promoting human well-being
The potential for genetic engineering to promote peacebuilding
The impact of genetic engineering on promoting cultural diversity
The role of genetic engineering in promoting social inclusion
The use of genetic engineering in promoting social cohesion
The implications of gene editing in promoting gender equality
The ethical considerations of gene editing in promoting social equity
The potential for genetic engineering to promote social justice
The impact of genetic engineering on promoting environmental justice
The role of genetic engineering in promoting global justice
The use of genetic engineering in promoting social sustainability
The implications of gene editing in promoting economic justice
The ethical considerations of gene editing in promoting human dignity
The potential for genetic engineering to promote social equity

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

Arguing For and Against Genetic Engineering

Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel recently spoke at Stanford on the subject of his new book, The Case against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering. He focused on the “ethical problems of using biomedical technologies to determine and choose from the genetic material of human embryos,” an issue that has inspired much debate.

Having followed Sandel’s writings on genetic enhancement for several years, I think that this issue deserves special thought. For many years, the specter of human genetic engineering has haunted conservatives and liberals alike. Generally, their main criticisms run thus:

First, genetic engineering limits children’s autonomy to shape their own destinies. Writer Dinesh D’Souza articulates this position in a 2001 National Review Online article: “If parents are able to remake a child’s genetic makeup, they are in a sense writing the genetic instructions that shape his entire life. If my parents give me blue eyes instead of brown eyes, if they make me tall instead of medium height, if they choose a passive over an aggressive personality, their choices will have a direct, lifelong effect on me.” In other words, genetic enhancement is immoral because it artificially molds people’s lives, often pointing their destinies in directions that they themselves would not freely choose. Therefore, it represents a fundamental violation of their rights as human beings.

Second, some fear that genetic engineering will lead to eugenics. In a 2006 column, writer Charles Colson laments: “British medical researchers recently announced plans to use cutting-edge science to eliminate a condition my family is familiar with: autism. Actually, they are not ‘curing’ autism or even making life better for autistic people. Their plan is to eliminate autism by eliminating autistic people. There is no in utero test for autism as there is for Down syndrome…[Prenatal] testing, combined with abortion-on-demand, has made people with Down syndrome an endangered population…This utilitarian view of life inevitably leads us exactly where the Nazis were creating a master race. Can’t we see it?” The logic behind this argument is that human genetic enhancement perpetuates discrimination against the disabled and the “genetically unfit,” and that this sort of discrimination is similar to the sort that inspired the eugenics of the Third Reich.

A third argument is that genetic engineering will lead to vast social inequalities. This idea is expressed in the 1997 cult film Gattaca, which portrays a society where the rich enjoy genetic enhancements—perfect eyesight, improved height, higher intelligence—that the poor cannot afford. Therefore, the main character Vincent, a man from a poor background who aspires to be an astronaut, finds it difficult to achieve his goal because he is short-sighted and has a “weak heart.” This discrepancy is exacerbated by the fact that his brother, who is genetically-engineered, enjoys perfect health and is better able to achieve his dreams. To many, Gattaca is a dystopia where vast gaps between the haves and have-nots will become intolerable, due to the existence of not just material, but also genetic inequalities.

The critics are right that a world with genetic engineering will contain inequalities. On the other hand, it is arguable that a world without genetic engineering, like this one, is even more unequal. In Gattaca, a genetically “fit” majority of people can aspire to be astronauts, but an unfortunate “unfit” minority cannot. In the real world, the situation is the other way round: the majority of people don’t have the genes to become astronauts, and only a small minority with perfect eyesight and perfect physical fitness—the Neil Armstrong types—would qualify.

The only difference is that in the real world, we try to be polite about the unpleasant realities of life by insisting that the Average Joe has, at least theoretically, a Rocky-esque chance of becoming an astronaut. In that sense, our covert discrimination is much more polite than the overt discrimination of the Gattaca variety. But it seems that our world, where genetic privilege exists naturally among a tiny minority, could conceivably be less equal (and less socially mobile) than a world with genetic engineering, where genetic enhancements would be potentially available to the majority of people, giving them a chance to create better futures for themselves. Supporters of human genetic engineering thus ask the fair question: Are natural genetic inequalities, doled out randomly and sometimes unfairly by nature, more just than engineered ones, which might be earned through good old fashioned American values like hard work, determination, and effort?

“But,” the critics ask, “wouldn’t genetic engineering lead us to eugenics?” The pro-genetic engineering crowd thinks not. They suggest that genetic engineering, if done on a purely decentralized basis by free individuals and couples, will not involve any form of coercion. Unlike the Nazi eugenics program of the 1930s, which involved the forced, widespread killing of “unfit” peoples and disabled babies, the de facto effect of genetic engineering is to cure disabilities, not kill the disabled. This is a key moral difference. As pointed out by biologist Robert Sinsheimer, genetic engineering would “permit in principle the conversion of all the ‘unfit’ to the highest genetic level.” Too often, women choose to abort babies because pre-natal testing shows that they have Down syndrome or some other ailment. If anything, genetic engineering should be welcomed by pro-life groups because by converting otherwise-disabled babies into normal, healthy ones, it would reduce the number of abortions.

In addition, the world of Gattaca, for all its faults, features a world that, far from being defined along Hitler-esque racial lines, has in fact transcended racism. Being blond-haired and blue-eyed loses its racially elitist undertones because such traits are easily available on the genetic supermarket. Hair color, skin color, and eye color become a subjective matter of choice, no more significant than the color of one’s clothes. If anything, genetic engineering will probably encourage, not discourage, racial harmony and diversity.

It is true that genetic engineering may limit children’s autonomy to shape their own destinies. But it is equally true that all people’s destinies are already limited by their natural genetic makeup, a makeup that they are born with and cannot change. A short person, for example, would be unlikely to join the basketball team because his height makes it difficult for him to compete with his tall peers. An ugly person would be unable to achieve her dream of becoming a famous actress because the lead roles are reserved for the beautiful. A myopic kid who wears glasses will find it difficult to become a pilot. A student with an IQ of 75 will be unlikely to get into Harvard however hard he tries. In some way or another, our destinies are limited by the genes we are born with.

In this sense, it is arguable that genetic engineering might help to level the playing field. Genetic engineering could give people greater innate capacity to fulfill their dreams and pursue their own happiness. Rather than allow peoples’ choices to be limited by their genetic makeup, why not give each person the capability of becoming whatever he or she wants to, and let his or her eventual success be determined by effort, willpower, and perseverance? America has long represented the idea that people can shape their own destinies. To paraphrase Dr. King, why not have a society where people are judged not by the genes they inherit, but by the content of their character?

Looking at both sides, the genetic engineering controversy does raise questions that should be answered, not shouted down. Like all major scientific advances, it probably has some negative effects, and steps must be taken to ameliorate these outcomes. For example, measures should also be taken to ensure that genetic engineering’s benefits are, at least to some extent, available to the poor. As ethicists Maxwell Mehlman and Jeffrey Botkin suggest in their book Access to the Genome: The Challenge to Equality, the rich could be taxed on genetic enhancements, and the revenue from these taxes could be used to help pay for the genetic enhancement of the poor. To some extent, this will help to ameliorate the unequal effects of genetic engineering, allowing its benefits to be more equitably distributed. In addition, caution must be taken in other areas, such as ensuring that the sanctity of human life is respected at all times. In this respect, pro-life groups like Focus on the Family can take a leading role in ensuring that scientific advances do not come at the expense of moral ethics.

At the same time, we should not allow our fear of change to prevent our society from exploring this promising new field of science, one that promises so many medical and social benefits. A strategy that defines itself against the core idea of scientific progress cannot succeed. Instead of attempting to bury our heads in the sand, we should seek to harness genetic engineering for its positive benefits, even as we take careful steps to ameliorate its potential downsides.

Please wait while we process your request

Writing About Genetic Engineering

Academic writing

Essay paper writing

Genetic engineering, being one of the main lines of scientific and technological progress, actively contributes to speeding up the solution of many problems concerning food, agriculture, energy, and environment. It’s no wonder that essays and research papers on genetic engineering are so frequently assigned in schools and universities. And if you want to make your paper stand out among other students’ work, read this article to find out the best writing tips and ideas.

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is an area of molecular biology and genetics. It is aimed at creating genetic structures according to the previously prescribed plan as well as the formation of organisms with a new genetic program. Modern research makes a unique contribution to the study of the structural and functional organization of the genomes of various organisms. The methodology of genetic engineering is constantly being improved. More and more people use it in solving the most diverse problems of biology.

Genetic engineering essay topics

Struggling with the topic choice? Here is our top pick for your review:

The concept of human genetic engineering essay
Genetic engineering problems essay
Essay on genetic engineering in food production
Human cloning and genetic engineering argumentative essay
Human genetic engineering essay
Cloning essay
Genetic engineering definition essay
The benefit of genetic engineering essay
Genetic engineering history essay
Genetic engineering in agriculture essay

Genetic engineering persuasive essay topics

Persuasive essay against genetic engineering: ethical considerations
Should genetic engineering be legal persuasive essay
Genetic engineering should be banned essay
The dangers of genetic engineering
Essay on why genetic engineering is bad
Bioethics and genetic engineering
Are genetically engineered foods good or bad for us?
Should parents be allowed to change the genome of their children?

Genetic engineering argumentative essay topics

Argumentative essay on genetic engineering: should people be allowed to experiment under no supervision?
Is genetic engineering ethical?
Is genetic engineering harmful to agriculture?
Should genetic engineering be permitted?
Advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering essay
Essay on genetic engineering pros and cons
Arguments against human genetic engineering essay
Should it be a crime to clone people?

How to write an essay on genetic engineering?

It is not a secret that essay writing on genetic engineering is a challenging process. Despite the increasing popularity of such assignments, students do not know how to write it successfully. Let’s consider the main tips on how to write this type of work so that you will feel confident during the writing process:

Mind the size of your paper. An essay usually ranges from one to seven pages. The most important thing in this case is not to make it too long and boring.
Narrow your focus. Due to the small size of the paper, it is impossible to analyze many aspects of the phenomenon under consideration. So, focus your attention on one central thesis, which can be supported by secondary statements.
State your own opinion. In fact, the whole essay is built on the views and ideas of the author. So make sure that apart from referring to ideas of experts in the field, you speak your mind and back up your claims using credible sources.
Be careful with the style. Writing an essay, you do not need to use complex language. While you will have to use terminology, provide definitions to terms that are not widely known by people of your age. At the same

Genetic engineering essay outline

Making an outline is an important stage of any paper writing process. It helps you to organize your ideas and get a general understanding of what you are going to write about in each section of your work. Therefore, even if you are writing a short essay on genetic engineering, be sure to stick to the following outline:

Genetic engineering essay introduction. Roughly speaking, this section consists of three parts: the sentence that is designed to catch the reader’s attention (which is called a genetic engineering essay hook), background info part, and a genetic engineering essay thesis statement. The main goal of your intro is to give a general overview of the issue you are going to consider in your paper.
Main part. Here, you need to discuss all the ideas you have concerning your topic. Remember that each genetic engineering essay argument has to be reinforced by strong examples and evidence. Usually, a regular body of the essay consists of 3-5 paragraphs (depending on the length of your paper, with each paragraph covering one of the points you have made in a thesis.
Genetic engineering essay conclusion. The final part of your essay comprises of three main parts: restated thesis, brief overview of the arguments made in the body of the paper, and some insightful sentence that ends your paper. Make sure that you restate your thesis by paraphrasing it instead of copying it from the intro. As for the final sentence, it is a good idea to put a rhetorical question or write some ideas that will give your readers some food for thought.

You may also review any genetic engineering sample essay to better understand how to outline yours. While a lot will depend on the chosen topic and the length of the paper, a sample will give you an idea of how your arguments can be presented in the text or how to section the paper.

Genetic engineering essay questions

Sometimes it only takes one question to write a brilliant text on some topic. As there are a lot of questions that people have today concerning genetic engineering, we have prepared the best ones for your consideration:

Will genetic engineering change our society forever?
Will there be genetic consequences in the future?
Are the scientists just seeking to create an ideal human being?
Does genetic engineering serve a higher purpose?
What are the dangers of genetic engineering?

You can either use some of these as a topic for your paper or as a “food for thought” part in your conclusion.

How to come up with a creative title for a genetic engineering essay?

Interesting genetic engineering essay titles are 50% of the success of your paper. Despite the fact that the title consists of only a few words, students often encounter difficulties when trying to come up with any. What title will be good for the essay? Experienced specialists say that those are the ones that leave the readers wanting to learn more.

Here are some criteria for a catchy title:

Intrigue the reader! Let him or her stop the glance at the title and feel the need to get acquainted with all the information.
Target the right people. The correct title is always focused on a specific target audience. It makes it clear to the reader that the material is created for him or her and will be useful.

Genetic engineering research paper topics

Before moving to tips on writing research papers, it is crucial that you choose the topic that you are going to cover:

Possibilities of genetic engineering research paper
Genetics and its impact on human diseases
Genetics and Parkinson’s disease
GMO health risks
Agriculture and land use policies in the United States
The current goals of biotechnology
Eugenics in the US
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Ethical issues in genetic engineering and transgenics
The persistence of genetically modified organisms in the environment
The role of genetic engineering in the eradication of global hunger

How to write a research paper on genetic engineering

The main goal of such an assignment is to demonstrate a student’s academic knowledge of a subject. In this case, a student has to find and analyze a big number of credible sources in order to support his or her ideas with factual data from recent studies. In order to cope with a task successfully, it is also important to:

Set goals for your research. Before starting the writing process, you need to understand the direction of the research and develop some research questions. Only then you can move to the literature review step.
Make an outline. It’s an important aspect of any paper-writing process. A well-detailed outline helps to keep your ideas organized and your writing focused.
Research carefully. Genetics is an exact science, and writing about it requires referring to accurate and credible sources. Moreover, as this field is constantly changes, the more recent the sources you use are, the better.
Cite all the sources properly. Make sure that all the sources you use are referred to in the paper and put in the reference list in the end. Every genetic engineering research paper written by students is checked for plagiarism, and proper citations and paraphrasing techniques will allow you to avoid any potential issues with the originality of your work.
Proofread your paper. It’s a good idea to proofread any piece of writing in general. Going through your research paper a few times after you finish it will help you understand .

Outline for a research paper on genetic engineering

Introduction. You have two tasks here: to put forward a hypothesis and develop a strong thesis statement that briefly describes what you are going to research. Before that, introduce the reader to the topic and provide some background info on it.

Body. The body of your paper will be divided in a few sections such as methodology, literature review, results/findings section, and a discussion section. Basically, you will have to show how you have obtained factual information, what you have found, and what you can conclude based on those findings.
Conclusion. The main goal here is to restate a thesis, explaining whether you have proved it in your paper or not. Additionally, it is necessary to make a quick overview of the body paragraphs and state your contribution to the research on the topic.

If it is hard for you to visualize the outline, try checking research paper examples on genetic engineering and the way information is presented there. As you will likely see, sections vary depending on the focus of the research, methods used, and quite a few other factors, which is why it is always best to have a rubric to follow.

Interesting ideas for a research papers and essays on genetic engineering

Genetic engineering has always been quite controversial and burning topic. There are various ideas in this field worth of your attention, but we have decided to present to you the most interesting ones. Perhaps, one of them will become your essay or research paper basis.

Animal cloning

Cloning, in the most general sense, means accurate reproduction of an object any number of times.
The creation of animals and plants with specific qualities, such as resistance to diseases and unpleasant climatic conditions, has always been a very tempting idea. As such specifies would be able to produce a huge amount of meat, milk, fruits, vegetables, and other products, it could become a solution to food crisis in a lot of regions.
In combination with transgenesis, cloning of animals opens up additional opportunities for the production of valuable biologically active proteins for the treatment of various animal and human diseases.
Scientists developed several methods for cloning animals:
The method of parthenogenesis, in which the division and growth of an unfertilized ovum is induced. This method has certain limitations since it allows the cloning of only female individuals.
The so-called ‘embryo splitting’ technology, which, according to scientists, can’t be identical to the ‘parent’ body.
The most successful and promising method is ‘nuclear transfer’ or, as it is also called, a surgical method. It is based on replacing the haploid nucleus of the ovum with a diploid nucleus taken from the cells of the embryos. These cells are not yet differentiated, so their nuclei easily replace the function of the diploid nucleus of a newly fertilized cell.
In 1928, the German embryologist Hans Spemann (1869-1941) cloned the salamander for the first time with the help of a nuclear transplant from one cell to another.
Later successful experiments on the transplantation of the nuclei of the body cells into an ovum were carried out in 1952 by American scientists Robert Briggs and T.J. King. They received a genetic copy of the frog.
A similar result was achieved in 1960 by John Gurdon in Great Britain. In 1983, geneticists managed to create clones of adult amphibians.

Human cloning

200 years ago, human cloning was an unattainable fantastic idea. Science is constantly progressing and, perhaps, in a few centuries, cloning will become as common as the so-called test-tube babies now.
In the second half of the last century, genetic experiments were conducted quite regularly. In 1978, the first test-tube baby was born in England. Thanks to such experiments, people who have problems with getting pregnant can also have children.
On January 4, 1985, another female child from a test tube was born in London to the world’s first surrogate mother. Since then, it became clear that the child can be carried and given birth to not only by the biological mother.
In December 1998, the world was shocked by the news about the creation of the first human clone of a resident of South Korea. The shocking experiment was interrupted at the prenatal stage.
Experiments in human cloning began to take place in many countries of the world since then. In 1998, the Chicago scientist, Richard Seed, said that he intended to create a whole laboratory for human cloning. According to his opinion, in the future, there will be many people wanting to have their own clone.
It’s worth writing that in 1999, the US issued a law banning such experiments. A little later, most European countries signed the Paris Convention on the prohibition of genetic cloning of humans.
At the end of February 2000, scientists began to view the clone as an identical twin of a certain person whose birth was delayed in time. Preliminary legislative acts were considered, according to which clones should officially have the same legal rights and responsibilities as any other human being.
In the end of February 2000, a group of Canadian scientists began to conduct experiments on growing organs of the human body.
In March 2000, the press reported that Russian scientists illegally started secret experiments to create clones of people. At that time, the whole world officially refused to try to clone humans. Despite this, underground research is still conducted.
In April 2000, the British government canceled the ban on cloning embryos. According to scientists, this should help to create perfectly healthy human organs necessary for transplantation. The benefits are obvious, and the probability of rejection of such organs is minimal.
In early 2002, scientists of PPL Therapeutics reported that they were able to create several clones of pigs, whose organs were ideally suited for transplantation to humans.
In January 2003, the birth of another cloned child was announced. This time the experiment was conducted by Dr. Severino Antinori.
At present, cloning of human embryos is prohibited in many countries of the world.

Background information for a genetic engineering essay or research paper

The basis of genetic engineering methods is the ability of restriction enzymes to divide DNA into nucleotide sequences. They can be incorporated into the genes of bacterial cells in order to obtain hybrid or chimera forms. These hybrid forms consist of their own DNA and additionally embedded fragments of DNA that is not characteristic of them.

Genetic engineering is divided into gene, genome, and chromosome types. The essence of the first (gene) type is the purposeful rearrangements of the natural genome to change the genetic characteristics of viruses and cells. For example, cellular genes that confer the properties of oncogenicity on viruses can be moved to the viral genomes.

The essence of genome engineering lies in a purposeful reorganization of the genome of prokaryotes for the creation of new species. With the help of genome engineering, a large amount of additional genetic information may be introduced, and a hybrid organism, which differs from the original one in many ways, may be created.

Chromosome engineering is focused on the chromosomes of cells of higher and lower microorganisms (prokaryotes, eukaryotes). It became one of the reasons why the treatment of hereditary diseases, as well as breading of animals and various plant species is currently possible.

Your email address will not be published / Required fields are marked *

Try it now!

Calculate your price

Number of pages:

Order an essay!

Fill out the order form

Make a secure payment

Receive your order by email

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay Step by Step

Writing a critical thinking paper is a complicated task that requires analytical skills and the ability to process and evaluate information, providing your personal, well-justified opinion on the…

15th Nov 2022

Writing an Essay on Poverty

Poverty was and is one of the biggest vices of society. This phenomenon is dangerous not only for poor strata but also for any other social class, as it leads to crimes and political unrest. Person…

27th Jul 2020

How to write critical thinking questions?

When answering questions (writing tests, exams, etc), there's always a temptation to look up the right answers in a book or on the Internet. That's how critical thinking questions were…

28th Oct 2016

Get your project done perfectly

Professional writing service

Reset password

We’ve sent you an email containing a link that will allow you to reset your password for the next 24 hours.

Please check your spam folder if the email doesn’t appear within a few minutes.

Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Improving the quality and duration of human life are the key priorities of the world’s developed economies and countries. For more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of socially significant diseases, along with the rehabilitation of patients, technological breakthroughs in the field of biomedicine are necessary. They are primarily associated with the creation of fundamentally new drugs, products for cell and gene therapy, and tools for precise molecular diagnostics. Human genetic engineering is one such method, formulating a significant breakthrough in the field of medicine. However, it is a controversial aspect in terms of ethical issues, as genetic changes can lead to unforeseen consequences. At the same time, it makes it possible to cure complex diseases or correct some problems for a person.

Genetic engineering is a recent breakthrough in humanity in the field of medicine, formulating one of the most complex processes. Genetic engineering technologies include the construction of functionally active genetic structures, their introduction into the human body, and integration into the genome (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). It allows one to develop new, in some cases, unique genetic, biochemical, and physiological properties. The creation of new biopharmaceuticals and cell cultures producing biologically active molecules in the future will provide the medical market with affordable, innovative drugs and diagnostic tools. However, there is a possibility that genetic engineering procedures will have a significant price, and only some people will be able to afford such treatment.

Point effects are required for the effective treatment of many diseases, primarily of an immune nature, sometimes at the level of individual cells. The creation of target-oriented drugs, including conjugated and DNA vaccines, will increase the effectiveness of treating oncological, rheumatic, and infectious diseases, as well as disorders of the nervous system (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). The first direction in the development of the trend is associated with the use of recombinant DNA to obtain biological products with desired therapeutic properties and high rates of bioavailability and specificity of action (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). As a result, new drugs will appear that are effective in diseases caused by immune system disorders. The creation of diagnostic biosensors formulates another direction for therapeutic cellular products, and specific molecular fragments obtained based on genetic engineering technologies. These solutions could increase the diagnostic value of portable tests being brought to the medical device market.

Implementing new genes into a microorganism, plant, animal, or human body opens new possibilities to gain new body characteristics. These treats have never been enjoyed by the object before and could promote better living or treatment. One can reorganize these genotypes by transforming DNA, a molecule that is responsible for transfer, custody, and pass from one breed to another descent, and execution of the genetic program for the evolving and performing of living entities (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). Moreover, transformations occur in ribonucleic acid, one of the key molecules in all living entities’ cells.

The key aspects of standard genetics were founded in the middle of the 19th century due to the tests of the Czech-Austrian scientist and biologist Gregor Mendel (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). The foundations of transferring of ancestral features from parental entities to their scions, outlined by him based on the experiments on plants in 1865, unfortunately, were not significantly popular among the cotemporaries (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). After several decades, the followers of this trend returned to focus on the aspect of genetic engineering, and the issue began to be studied more carefully. Therefore, nowadays, genetic engineering is applied in many areas, and on its basis, an independent area of healthcare area has been formed, which is one of the contemporary parts of biotechnology.

The medicines that are currently under clinical experiments are remedies that potentially can cure cardiovascular disease, arthrosis, AIDS, and oncology. Several hundred companies engaged in genetic design are promoting the manufacturing of medicines and diagnostics. Nowadays, human insulin obtained by means of retransmitted DNA is actively utilized by many healthcare providers. Human insulin-cloned genes were implemented into a bacterial cell (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). Since 1982, various companies in developed countries have been producing genetically designed insulin (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). In addition, many new diagnostic drugs have already been implemented into healthcare practice.

Despite the apparent positive effects of these discoveries and the possibility of improving the level of a cure for diseases and the quality of life of people, genetic engineering has other aspects. Speaking from an ethical point of view, it can have negative consequences as genetic changes can be used for devastating effects. Thus, organizations have introduced various restrictions and moratoriums on experiments, introducing more humane principles. In addition, genetic engineering brings humanity closer to the possibility of cloning, which opens up many options. For example, one could grow a clone for later organ transplantation or use it as a donor. However, whether such a procedure is ethically acceptable remains an open question as opinions differ.

There are many options for the development of events in the field of genetic engineering, and not all of them have been studied. Therefore, they must be consistently fixed and regulated, as bad scenarios of the development of events cause most fears. As a rule, it all starts with helping people and inventing new drugs, and then a person may come to desire to change his child’s hair or eyes or to create an army of universal soldiers who are not afraid of pain and do not know fear. Modern society is so heterogeneous culturally and economically that any methods that can significantly change the genome can create conditions for class and species stratification (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). For example, representatives of the rich world will be able to significantly prolong their lives and not be afraid of any diseases, unlike less wealthy people, and this is a serious ground for conflicts and clashes.

However, many incurable diseases occur due to pathological changes in the cell genome. Traditional drugs are not effective enough in their treatment due to low specificity and, in some cases, significant toxic effects on the body. Moreover, they do not act on the very cause of such diseases, namely somatic mutations of the genome. It is expected that one will be able to target gene expression, interrupting the sequence of pathological changes in the cell (Wheale & Schomber, 2019). In addition, the person will be able to control the critical mechanisms of development, and treatment of oncological diseases will become possible with the help of technologies for the therapeutic use of RNA interference.

To conclude, human genetic engineering is one of the major medical breakthroughs, giving many opportunities for healing and improving life. Genetic engineering is a new direction in the field of molecular biology, which has become widespread in many areas of medicine and biology relatively recently. However, despite the positive effects, it has some controversial ethical aspects. Genetic engineering provides limitless opportunities for humans, including creating their own fearless army, which can be used for crimes. In addition, errors during surgery at the gene level can lead to irreversible negative consequences.

Wheale, P., & Schomberg, R. (2019). The social management of genetic engineering . Routledge.

Mitochondrial Diseases Treatment Through Genetic Engineering
Women as Subjects of Gene Editing and Cloning
Sequencing Bacterial Genome
Reasons for Sequencing the Genome
Agriculture and Genetics Disciplines Relationship
Natural Selection: The Roles of History, Chance, and Natural Selection
Meg Tirrell's "Unlocking My Genome: Was It Worth It?"
Ethical Issues with Fetal Anomalies
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Manipulation
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 11). Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-genetic-engineering-key-principles-and-issues/

"Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues." IvyPanda , 11 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/human-genetic-engineering-key-principles-and-issues/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues'. 11 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues." February 11, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-genetic-engineering-key-principles-and-issues/.

1. IvyPanda . "Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues." February 11, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-genetic-engineering-key-principles-and-issues/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues." February 11, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-genetic-engineering-key-principles-and-issues/.

Home / Essay Samples / Science / Biology / Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering Essay Examples

The success of gene therapy in curing genetic disorders.

Gene therapy is the process by which genes can be used to treat or prevent future disease. Human gene therapy began approximately three decades ago, in the 1970’s genetic engineering first became possible through the use of recombinant DNA technology; however, difficulties were noted during...

Benefits of GM Food to Combat Starvation in the Third World Countries

With genetic engineering, genetically modified foods (GM foods) are produced by inserting new genes into an organism’s original DNA. This can improve the quality and quantity of food. It has therefore been suggested to solve the problem of famine in the Third World, which concerns...

Genetically Engeering in Eysium and Gattaca

A huge worry in society today is whether we should be genetically engineering ourselves. Are we crossing the lines when it comes to this dilemma? Genetic engineering is something so impactful that it could make a huge difference to the entire world, but will this...

Genetically Modified Crops and Its Impact on Human Health

People have been naturally genetically modifying plants for thousands of years. While this hasn't caused any adverse health issues in humans, it is proven that genetically modified crops and their consumption have shown traces of some unwanted health issues. Although genetic engineering is a common...

Pest Control in Commercial Agriculture

Research in biological pest management in agroecosystems and general plant crops is one of the essential parts of ensuring a viable crop yield as well as sustainability of the crop field and the surrounding environment. Involving myself in specialized research with pests that cause substantial...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Organisms (gmos)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) GMOs are transgenic organisms carrying foreign genes either from virus, bacteria, plants, humans in order to improve their genetic structure for particular purposes. In this procedure the beneficial or gene of interest is identified which is then isolated and multiplied and...

Synchronization of Flowering in Cocoa

Cocoa production – an industry valued at upwards of $6 billion annually – is an important source of income for 5 million smallholder farmers in developing countries throughout the tropics (World Cocoa Foundation, 2018). The agricultural production systems undergirding this industry, however, face a number...

The Safety of GM Foods for Human Consumption

Genetically modified (GM) foods have been proven to be a reliable option in an ever expanding world in helping to alleviate world food shortages. Genetically modified foods first appeared in the 1930s and with the advancement of technology, they have proven consistently to be superior...

Rasgrf2 and Gene Transfer Mechanisms

The gene RASGRF2 codes for a protein involved in neuron signalling, including the dopamine reward pathways of the brain. Previous research has shown that at least the "RASGRF2 rs26907" variant is associated with binge drinking and mice engineered to have their version of the same...

Application of Genetic Engeniering to Help Cure Parkinson's Disease

How can genetic engeniering help cure Parkinson's disease? The Parkinson's disease ended many lives, plenty of people have suffered from this disease. The Parkinson disease is a genetically inherited disease, Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

About Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification or genetic manipulation, is the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells.

Genetic engineering is the science of manipulating genetic material of an organism. The first artificial genetic modification accomplished using biotechnology was transgenesis, the process of transferring genes from one organism to another, first accomplished by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. It was the result of a series of advancements in techniques that allowed the direct modification of the genome.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->