'Modern genetics can now prevent many inherited biological disorders. Embryo's can be screened for some genetic disorders and can be manipulated to produce particular desirable characteristics in children. Evaluate the arguments for and against genetic en

... 'Modern genetics can now prevent many inherited biological disorders. Embryo's can be screened for some genetic disorders and can be manipulated to produce particular desirable characteristics in children. Evaluate the arguments for and against genetic engineering in humans'. The concept of genetic engineering can be traced back to at least 8000 BC in the Middle East, Orient and the Americas (Roger Straughan, 1996). However, more recently in history this concept was used by the Nazi's in an attempt to create a 'super race' through their 'eugenics' programme. We are now able to alter germline genes in somatic cells to treat disease, as well as being able to screen for inherited diseases in unborn foetuses. Many would argue that this could revive 'eugenics' in the wrong hands; and therefore is ethically dubious (eNotes.com, 2008). Alternatively, stem cell research over the past thirty years has enabled the birth of the first IVF

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