Can someone list the pro's and con's (and ethical concerns) of artificial selection/domestication/selective breeding and also gene therapy?
Artifical selection/Selective Breeding:
Pros;
1.) Aesthetic appeal
2.) Economic value (higher crop yields, shorter harvest time etc)
Cons;
1.) Lack of genetic diversity which could lead to the loss of disease-resistant alleles, hence increasing the susceptibility of the organisms to disease.
2.) Continuation of traits which are disadvantageous for survival/reproduction
e.g. English bulldogs have been selectively bred to maintain a 'pure line' but their shortened muzzles and flattened faces cause respiratory problems. So many features artificially selected for can be detrimental to the survival of the organism.
Genetic modification:
Pros;
1.) Can permanently alter the genotype to produce "ideal" phenotypes.
2.) Can reduce the use of toxic insecticides in crops.
e.g. In Bt corn the corn has been genetically modified to produce insecticidal proteins protecting it from many of its pests and this reduces the use of toxic insecticides.
Cons;
1.) Unwanted gene flow between GMO's and non genetically modified organisms: unwanted spread of GMO's.
Hope that helped. Sorry don't know much regarding ethical issues.
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