The use of Recombinant DNA Technology can only Benefit Humans

Some human diseases are caused by a defective gene. An example is cystic fibrosis, a disease of mucous glands throughout the body that usually develops during childhood and makes breathing increasingly difficult. If a child receives two copies of the defective gene call the CF gene, one copy from each parent, then the child will develop that disease. Biotechnology is used in several ways in detecting, diagnosing and treating cystic fibrosis.

* Genetic testing can alert parents their child has two copies of the CF gene, permitting diagnosis even before the disease develops in the child.

* Children with cystic fibrosis can enjoy some relief from the mucus build-up in their lungs by breathing in a mucus-breaking drug made with recombinant DNA technology. The drug contains a protein that chews up the DNA so the mucus is easier to remove from the lungs by coughing.

* An experimental approach to curing cystic fibrosis uses a genetically engineered cold virus that delivers to the patient's lung cells a working version of the defective gene. The new gene enables lung cells to make the protein that is lacking in cystic fibrosis patients.

The effects of any new technology introduced on the scale anticipated for biotechnology extend beyond the factories and research centres influencing our everyday lives. Biotechnology has, for example, made it possible to detect, and in some cases treat, diseases such as sickle-cell anaemia, diabetes and cystic fibrosis. Following initial concerns that genetic engineering could give rise to infections organisms, the spread of which would be difficult to contain. While it is not possible to eliminate completely the risk of a genetic engineering accident, the experience of the last ten or so years of research has indicated that the chances of constructing a disease-producing organism by accident are very remote. This is because such pathogens require an extremely complex set of distinct characteristics, and are effective only when all are present.

Many people have voiced concern about biotechnology and genetic engineering. Scientists have considered the issue of safety over recent years. A special science committee specifically looked at if the environment was affected by organisms genetically engineered using recombinant DNA technology. They concluded that there was no evidence that suggested that it was a hazard to the environment.

It will be essential that such issues are aired in public debate as the technology develops. Many countries are actively reviewing the safety and ethics of biotechnology research and its applications. Some countries have already established research guidelines for work on embryo research and surrogate motherhood. Lawyers and the public at large will be required to face up to these similar questions as the biosciences, and biotechnology in particular, move forward.

Some critics suggest that the ability to diagnose a genetic disorder before any treatment is available does more harm than good because it creates anxiety and frustration. Indeed, geneticists have isolated several disease-causing gene mutation in the beta-globin gene that results in sickle cell disease was identified in 1956, but there is no treatment as yet. Scientists eventually may develop successful therapies, but until they do, this criticism is significant. The moral question then arises as to who has access to this information and how this will affect the individual's quality of life.

The benefits include solving world food shortages, and improvements in medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. Because the prospect of serious biohazards appears to be receding, it does not mean that strict regulation of the new technology should be relaxed. Provided such vigilance is maintained, mankind can look forward to a wide range of exciting prospects that stem from biotechnology.