Ethics of biotechnologyIB MYP Biology: Revision notes
Section 1
Weighing up biotechnology
Biotechnology can bring real benefits but also risks and ethical questions. An ethical issue is a question about what is right or wrong, where people may disagree. Scientists, governments and the public weigh up:
- Benefits (who gains, how much)
- Risks (health, environment, safety)
- Ethical issues (is it right to do it, is it fair, who decides)
- Evidence (how strong and reliable it is)
A good evaluation gives points on both sides, uses evidence, and ends with a justified conclusion.
Section 2
GM crops
A genetically modified (GM) crop has had a gene from another organism put into it. Examples: golden rice (makes beta-carotene for vitamin A), crops resistant to insects or herbicides, and drought-resistant crops.
Benefits: higher yields, more nutritious food, less pesticide use, crops that grow in harsh conditions. Risks and issues: genes may spread to wild relatives; effects on other organisms; seed from large companies may be costly and make farmers dependent; some people object to eating GM food or feel it is unnatural; long-term effects are not fully known.
Section 3
Cloning and stem cells
Cloning (cuttings, tissue culture, embryo transplant, adult cell nuclear transfer) gives many identical copies of a useful plant or animal. Drawbacks: no genetic variation, low success rate, cost, animal welfare, and fears about human cloning.
Stem cells are unspecialised cells that can divide and differentiate into many cell types. Embryonic stem cells are taken from early embryos, which destroys them. Adult stem cells are found in tissues such as bone marrow but make fewer types of cell.
Benefits: could replace damaged cells in spinal injuries or diabetes. Issues: many people believe an embryo is a potential human life; supporters point out that leftover IVF embryos would be destroyed anyway.
Section 4
Gene therapy and genetic screening
Gene therapy puts a working gene into a patient's cells to treat an inherited disorder. It could treat the cause, but the effect may wear off, it may carry risks, and it is expensive.
Genetic screening (newborn babies, carriers, embryos) can find disorders early so that treatment or choices can follow.
Issues: anxiety and false results; privacy of data and possible discrimination by employers or insurers; choosing embryos for non-medical features (designer babies); decisions about ending a pregnancy.
Section 5
Bioprinting
Bioprinting builds tissues from layers of living cells. It could provide skin for burns, replace donor organs and test drugs without animals.
Issues: high cost and unfair access; whole organs are not yet possible (blood vessels); long-term safety is not known; where the cells come from (for example embryonic stem cells).
Section 6
Answering a Criterion D question
For a discuss or evaluate question:
- Give at least two benefits with who gains.
- Give at least two risks or drawbacks, including ethical, social, economic or environmental ones.
- Use evidence from the question (data, trial results).
- Finish with a justified conclusion that says what you recommend and why.
Listing only advantages, or only drawbacks, earns few marks. A conclusion without a reason does not count as justified.
That's the notes covered.
Carry on to the next subtopic.
Exam questions on Ethics of biotechnology
- Golden rice is a variety of rice that has been genetically modified with genes from maize and a bacterium so that its grains make beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. It was developed to help children in countries where rice is the main food and a lack of vitamin A causes blindness and weakens the immune system. Some environmental groups have opposed growing it.Explain why growing golden rice could improve the health of children in some countries.2 marks
- Stem cells can be taken from early embryos left over from IVF treatment at a fertility clinic in Seoul. Stem cells can divide and differentiate into many types of cell, and researchers hope to use them to replace the damaged nerve cells of patients with spinal injuries. Taking the stem cells from an embryo destroys the embryo.Suggest two reasons why some people support using the leftover IVF embryos to obtain stem cells.2 marks
- A national survey asked 1000 adults whether parents should be allowed to have embryos screened for genetic characteristics before IVF treatment. 72% agreed with screening for a serious inherited disease that causes early death, 31% agreed with screening to choose eye colour, and 15% agreed with screening to choose a baby's expected intelligence. The adults were chosen at random from all regions and age groups of the country.Describe the pattern in the survey results and suggest a reason for it.3 marks
Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).