The Genome Project and the Disruption of Evolution :: Genetics Darwin Science Essays

The Genome Project and the Disruption of Evolution The genome project was successfully completed in June 2001. As a result, many controversies have arisen regarding the morality of altering a persons genetic organisation. These arguments will most certainly proceed for generations to come. However, the real problem will involve how evolution itself will be dramatically neutered if genetic manipulation is allowed. If every human being alters his genes to make yield free of diseases and variations, then stock-stilltually the human commonwealth will be void of variation. Variation has always been the appoint to life. With even a slight modification in environment, the whole human population, if permitted to qualifying natures plan, could die out. Altering the genetic makeup of a human offspring is evolutionarily wrong.Admittedly, a perfect race seems like an grand lifestyle. Since the beginning of time, military personnel have strived to have perfect bodie s, clear complexions, and high IQs. Now with the finish of the genome project, they may have the opportunity to erase all defects and diseases. Although this sounds like the ideal situation for mankind, it is far from ideal. If every human altered the genetic makeup of his offspring, eventually the human population would have no allowances for variation and no way to combat sudden environmental challenges. Charles Darwin first proposed that variation was the key to life. Without it, natural selection could not occur. Because natural selection is the driving blackmail of evolution, evolution is ultimately disrupted. Darwin stated in his Origin of Species, The preservation of indulgent variations, I call Natural Selection. (Raven and Johnson, 13) If the entire human population were altered so that each human were perfect in every way, then, as each reproduced, there would be no variation in ones offspring. (Gendron) The differences between individuals develop t hrough minor mutations. Those harmful to an individual usually go down the chance of survival. However, there are some that enhance the survival of that individual. These mutations airing throughout the population. Over time, this leads to the creation of new-fashioned, more fit species. (Rine) Unfortunately, manipulation of the new offsprings genes would quickly prevent the normal genetic mutations from occurring.