Question 17GS3GS3
CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.
Main Body
CRISPR technology is an advanced gene editing tool which acts as a molecular scissor to cleave harmful gene (e.g. arranged) and replace them with target genes. It addresses the genetic cause of disease. CRISPR is also used to introduce desirable trait in organisms such as higher yield in plants & self-termination in mosquitoes. Recent developments1) CRISPR-CAS9 is used to treat forms of cancer such as blood cancer, home armed eh. 2) Used to correct gene defects pertaining to dysfunction of various body part. e.g. Sickle cell anaemia.
3Used in biotechnology to improve food nutrition, crop yield and disease resilience. 4) Used to enhance yield of crops like Jatropha for biofuel production. Opportunities: 1) Curing cancer and other genetic diseases. 2) Preventing disease by making alterations to gametes. 3) Food and nutritional security. 4) Energy security through biofuels. 5) Modifying body immunity to better fight infections. Ethical challenges: 1) Risk of genetic divide - accessibility to treatment only to the wealthy. 2) Designed babies and 'perfected' genomes → unintended health effects. 3) GMM crops → bio-contamination, unintended health effects. 4) Issues of safe affect such as gene rejection, cytokine storm, auto-immune dysplance etc.
Way forward: As per Omvides Convention on Biothics - i Uphold plurality of humanity. ii Equitable access to treatments. iii Precautionary principle in genetic engineering.
220 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
As per Omvides Convention on Biothics - i uphold plurality of humanity, ii equitable access to treatments, iii precautionary principle in genetic engineering.
23 words
Topper
ISHAN BHATNAGAR
AIR 52025
Subject & Paper
GS3GS3
Topic
Science and Technology
Applied Biotech
CRISPR gene editing technology and applications
Writing Stats
243
Total words
1
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone