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> this could actually be a good direction to move in. We can not only eliminate genetic diseases, but also genes that predispose us to other common diseases lik
by tomp 12y ago
> this could actually be a good direction to move in. We can not only eliminate genetic diseases, but also genes that predispose us to other common diseases like cancer.
But where does this stop? Replace a gene -> replace mitochondria -> replace a whole chromosome -> replace the sperm/egg -> replace the whole child. We've come back to the real world, i.e. adoption.
- guard-of-terra 12y agoHowever, adoption is not quality controlled, and with the "whole child", we are presumed to control the outcome. However if this becomes widespread, we should be fighting to preserve diversity of benign genes.
- baddox 12y agoI'm not sure why you think adoption is at this end of the continuum. I would say that complete genetic engineering of a zygote "from scratch" would be at this end of the continuum. Somewhere in between would be selecting exactly which of your and your partner's genes go into the zygote.
- jebus989 12y agoMost uses of "gene" in this thread should be replaced by allele.