AU Biology Discussion

rachel: 1. One of the opening lines is quoted as saying that “Mother Nature” wants us to tamper with our DNA. Should we be tampering with the DNA in our body? When might be a good time to modify our genome? When might be a bad time to intervene with our genome?

I think tampering with the DNA in our body is a dangerous idea. I could see how it would be good to modify our genomes when trying to treat diseases or something of the sort but I do believe that it can have some negative outcomes that could outweigh the benefits. For example, if there was a way to tamper DNA to cure cancer that is absolutely amazing, but what if a couple years into the future you find out that the “cure” you created actually shortens your lifespan and causes you to go blind

2. How do you feel knowing that Vincent can be so harshly discriminated against solely based on his genetic fingerprint? What if jobs really took genetic testing into account, would that be fair business practice?

I thought it was beyond unfair that Vincent was judged solely on his DNA. Everyone gave up on the idea that Vincent could be anything in this world from the moment he was born. It was really sad to see how his parents treated him in comparison to his “genetically thriving” brother. Especially, since he was able to accomplish his dreams regardless of what others and his genetic fingerprint said he could accomplish. I do not think it would be fair business practice to take genetic testing into account. I understand how it would benefit business owners because they would think they are getting top notch employees, but I believe that those who are genetically unfavored can do just as good of a job. 

done

4 hours ago

and Tiffany ka: 

1. One of the opening lines is quoted as saying that “Mother Nature” wants us to tamper with our DNA. Should we be tampering with the DNA in our body? When might be a good time to modify our genome? When might be a bad time to intervene with our genome?

Whether we should be tampering our DNA is still up to science. I assume that many people cannot come to a final decision on the topic because humanity doesn’t have the information, we need to come one yet. And those who do have a firm stance now are likely basing their answer off primed beliefs or personal experiences that cannot be applied to the general public. Tampering with DNA needs to be explored more in order to conclude whether it should become common practice based on safety, effectiveness, and long-term results. As indicated in the movie when the doctors modified potential baby’s DNA, it seems like a good time to do so when the likelihood of serious and life-threatening illnesses are present in the DNA. The ability to remove that possibility and offer a healthy life to someone who would otherwise not seems like a noble cause. However, if the intent is to modify anything and everything I think that is intervening with natural order. There is no legitimate need to ensure something like hair color for example.

2. How do you feel knowing that Vincent can be so harshly discriminated against solely based on his genetic fingerprint? What if jobs really took genetic testing into account, would that be fair business practice?

That would open another branch of job discrimination which would follow the lead protest, riot, appeals for political reform, etc. At first, genetic modification would seem like the new greatest thing but it genetic fingerprints became the sole indicators of a person’s worth in the work force then little then the perceived progress would be a hindrance.

3. What is symbolized when Vincent beats Anton in a second swimming challenge, and thus, saving him again? Do you think that someone can outperform their predetermined genetic potential?

It symbolized that we are not what society tells us we are. We are neither as weak as we are told in Vincent’s case or as strong as we a made to believe like his brother. Genetic potential places a very real limit on what we can achieve. People who go the gym for example may become disappointed because their body type doesn’t match the results they want to see. They can keep training, but their DNA has determined the way in which their body will look. I don’t see this concept discussed as often when referring to the brain, but I assume the same goes. According to DNA, an individual’s brain must have a predetermined ability of what type of information it will be best at comprehending, storing, and utilizing. I don’t think that someone can outperform their predetermined genetic potential. However, mentality and the desire to try plays a big role because people can still realize they are capable of more than what society says so based on DNA. They may discover that their capabilities extend further than what was believed prior.