Question
What are the major ethical concerns surrounding (a) genetically modified organisms (GMOs), (b) stem cell research, and (c) gene therapy? Present arguments from both sides for each issue.
(NEET + CBSE 12 pattern)
Solution — Step by Step
Arguments for GMOs:
- Increased crop yields can help feed growing populations
- Bt cotton and golden rice address pest damage and vitamin deficiency
- Reduced pesticide use benefits the environment
Arguments against GMOs:
- Unknown long-term effects on health and ecosystems
- Transfer of allergens or antibiotic resistance markers to humans
- Corporate control of seed supply (terminator technology)
- Risk of “genetic pollution” — GM genes spreading to wild relatives through cross-pollination
Arguments for:
- Potential to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries, diabetes
- Adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) avoid embryo use
Arguments against:
- Embryonic stem cell research involves destroying human embryos
- Raises questions about when life begins
- Risk of commodification of human embryos
- Slippery slope concern: could lead to human cloning
Arguments for:
- Can cure genetic disorders like SCID, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia
- Somatic gene therapy affects only the individual patient
- Potential to eliminate inherited diseases from families
Arguments against:
- Germline gene therapy would alter future generations without their consent
- Risk of unintended mutations (off-target effects with CRISPR)
- “Designer babies” — enhancement beyond disease treatment raises equity concerns
- Expensive, potentially widening the gap between rich and poor
flowchart TD
A["Bioethics Issues"] --> B["GMOs"]
A --> C["Stem Cell Research"]
A --> D["Gene Therapy"]
B --> E["Benefits: food security, less pesticide"]
B --> F["Risks: health unknowns, genetic pollution"]
C --> G["Benefits: cure degenerative diseases"]
C --> H["Risks: embryo destruction, cloning concerns"]
D --> I["Somatic: affects only patient"]
D --> J["Germline: affects future generations"]
J --> K["Designer babies concern"]
I --> L["Generally accepted if safe"]Why This Works
Bioethics is not about right or wrong answers — it is about understanding the tradeoffs. Every powerful technology in biology comes with potential benefits and risks. The ethical framework involves balancing:
- Beneficence (doing good) vs. non-maleficence (avoiding harm)
- Autonomy (individual choice) vs. justice (fair distribution of benefits and risks)
- Present needs vs. future consequences
India’s regulatory bodies like the GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) evaluate GMOs, and the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) provides guidelines for stem cell and gene therapy research.
Alternative Method — Case Study Approach
Study specific real-world cases:
- Bt cotton in India — increased yields but farmer dependency on seed companies
- Dolly the sheep (1996) — first cloned mammal, sparked cloning debate
- CRISPR babies in China (2018) — He Jiankui’s controversial gene editing of human embryos, widely condemned
For NEET, bioethics questions are typically straightforward. Know the key terms: somatic vs. germline gene therapy, biopiracy, biopatent. Remember that somatic gene therapy is generally considered ethical (affects only the patient), while germline therapy raises concerns because changes are inherited by future generations.
Common Mistake
Students often present only one side of the argument — either all-positive or all-negative views on GMOs or gene therapy. In CBSE board answers and NEET, you should present both sides. The question is testing whether you understand the complexity of the issue, not whether you personally support or oppose the technology.