Question

Researchers involved in sequencing the human genome anticipated that the effort would raise ethical, legal and social concerns. Identify and describe at least one ethical, legal or social concern. (100+words)

Answer 1

Human genome project is large scale study and sequencing of all genes occuring with in th humans. The project is affected with several etical, legal and social issues. The ethical concern of human genome project is comparison of genomes of different individuals of different races. By revealing genetic differences and other factors associated with genome of a specific race, it may result in promotion of racism for certain traits which should not be spupposed to.

The legal implications include the maintaining the gene databases of both accused and innocent. At present, DNA finger printing technoloy is widely used for solving crime suspicion cases. But, maintenance gene data bases of innocent may have the chance of misuse or innocent may be intentionally accused as supect. Such concerns raise the legal authority responsibility about maintenance of invidual genome data.

The social concerns and implications also interrupted the human genome project. These include the revealing the genetic disorders of individuals. The genetic defects have been identified and genetic screening of indibniduals for defects and disorders is not encouraged by individuals as it could damage their social reputation.

Thus, ethical, legal and social concerns always come in the way of development of human genome project and require much efforts to clear these implictions to move forward.