In this essay, I will analyze the pros and cons of gene patenting and give my opinion on whether genes should be patented or not, based on the information found. Patents are typically granted for something that's tangible, like a mechanical device. It's done to protect inventors and companies from being ripped-off by their competitors; they're the ones who put the time and work into developing the technology, so they should be protected from those looking to copy their ideas. It's a process that works, and it makes sense. According to the Daily Explainer, George Dvorsky explained "Recently, the system has been expanded to keep pace with developments in technology, including advances that have been brought about by the biotech revolution. Subsequently, patents have been granted for less tangible things - including "inventions" that are connected to fragments of genetic code." The New England Journal of Medicine stated, "The Supreme Court believes human genes are not patentable." Furthermore, "all nine justices of the court agreed that the segments of DNA that make up human genes are not patentable subject matter under section 101 of the Patent Act because they are products of nature." This decision was led by the definitions of the Genetic Code and Patent Code. .
Genes are components of DNA that reflect how a living thing will go about life such as appearance, personality, environment adaptation and instructions for its body. There are two different types of genes, those that are natural and some that are artificial, meaning that they have been scientifically made or altered. The ability to patent a gene could be a significant leap in the world of medicine, as it would create an incentive. Scientists and researchers are fascinated by their findings, but monetary value does drive them. If one could not measure their success it would be pointless to strive for anything.
Genes from non-plant cells can also be transplanted into the plants. ... The gene used to accomplish this is the same BT, gene mentioned earlier. This gene was patented by Monsanto. ... No evidence has shown this is true but it opens the lines for debate. ... Also, if these processes become the way of the future, only few companies have the technology and will patent it. ...
genetically modified food Definition All living things contain genes. Genes contain information that helps shape how each living thing works. ... What's more, there is a view on patenting genes should be democratic. Gene patenting is the kind of issue that should be opened up for public debate and scrutiny. ... Patenting allows industry to take control of and exploit organisms and genetic material, treating them as exclusive private property that can be sold to or withheld from farmers, breeders, scientists and doctors. ...
" (Spears, 2011) The debate on genetic engineering has been going on for some time and is not likely to end anytime soon. ... A GM organism is a living plant, animal, fungus or bacterium that has been altered by insertion of a new gene (or genes) though a process called transformation. ... Nowadays people can take a gene that gives resistance to a fungal infection in a wild plant and inserted them into a food plant that lacks this protection. ...
Genetically modified foods have been a big topic for debate recently. ... People may think that the debate over genetically modified foods is not paramount. ... And so, the debate on genetically modified foods is at a standstill with each side saying why is better than the other. ... Recently an anti-freeze gene from a cold water fish has been introduced to plants, so that plants with this gene will be able to handle the cold weather. ... Just as giving a gene for fighting the cold, Plant Biologists can come up with a gene that would help a plant live with a minimal amount of water (Transgenic...
However, the resulting "Golden Rice" has been locked in patent disputes, regulatory hurdles, and debates over its effectiveness and socio-economic implications. ... They developed rice plants containing two genes from the daffodil and one gene from a bacterium. (Sutton, 2) These genes enable the production of beta-carotene in the rice endosperm. ... (Sutton, 4) Two genes from the daffodil and one from the bacterium Erwinia uvedovora produce the enzymes phytoen synthase, phytoen desaturase, and lycopene b-cyclase that systematically catalyze the production of beta-carotene from geranylgeranyl d...
Beecher's article triggered discussions and debate inside and outside of medicine about the importance and practicality of obtaining consent from research subjects or surrogates if the subjects could not provide consent for themselves. ... The debate about the desirability of legalizing euthanasia (painless termination of life to end a terminally ill patient's suffering) raises a lot of ethical and legal questions, from how to assess the competency of those requesting death to whether, and to what degree, physician or nurse involvement is necessary for those seeking to end their liv...
In 1969 Shapiero and Beckwith isolate the first gene. ... It is the first clone created from an adult cell. (4) Although, many believe cloning to be beneficial to mankind, just like with any new discovery cloning has become a widely debated controversial topic. In 1978 the release of David Rorvik's book, In His Image: The Cloning of a Man, sparks a worldwide debate on cloning ethics. (4) Many would argue that cloning has tremendous positive aspects and would only better our way of life. ... Through cloning and knowledge of genetics, scientists can create transgenic animals (mostly pigs...
According to Nature Education, "Today, we can incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species through genetic engineering, optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances" (Phillips). ... Using herbicides on GM crops would increase the risk of weeds carrying the transmitted gene on and becoming tolerant themselves to herbicides. ... Introducing new genes in order to create hybrid crops can be dangerous to our health as well. Besides the fact that GM crops use herbicides, that contain chemicals that co...
Before genetic engineering was capable of manipulating or inserting genes, genetic engineering was only able to express desired genes by breeding. ... Although there has been a debate over the use of genetically engineered crops, careful regulation, not boycotting, can continue to provide benefits to consumers and producers. ... Once purified the gene or genes are fused with other pieces of DNA to form recombinant DNA molecules. ... The genetically modified crop had a gene that reduced the amount of frost damage. ... This raises ethical and religious concerns about patenting genes and ab...