Discuss the Moral and Ethical issues of Cloning Animals
Discuss the Moral and Ethical issues of Cloning Animals Cloning animal is a type of reproductive cloning, involved in the production of a genetically identical organism as its 'parent'. This process requires the transfer of a nucleus from a donor adult cell (somatic cell) to an egg which has no nucleus. If the egg begins to divide normally it is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate mother. The first successful animal cloning is the cloning of sheep - Dolly in 1996. Some people would argue that the act of cloning is morally wrong as it requires the experiments of living cells. As animals are living organisms, it is therefore wrong to manipulate with their cells and killing the cell after the experiment is equivalent to killing an animal. The experiment might also be regarded as torture to animals, as we add in chemicals in Petri dishes to stimulate growth of cells. However, some people would agree with the act of cloning, as this is for the greater good. The result of animal cloning could lead to the evolution of reproductive and therapeutic cloning, and eventually could clone an entire organ for cure of diseases, e.g. cystic fibrosis, diabetes, infertility etc. It benefits the whole human community, and some people would regard the sacrifice of a few animals as a necessary and acceptable act. As most of us eat meat during meals, this is equivalent to killing an
Issue report: 'Smart' Drugs
Issue report: 'Smart' Drugs By Oluwaniyi Jason Osunkoya Main issue: Smart drugs in society Subsidary issue: Prescription in the UK Word count: 2001 Target audience: A Level biology students In this report I shall be looking at drugs that enhance the mind and whether they have a place in society. But first of all one must understand the nature of these new drugs. These drugs are a kind of super drugs. Their reliable and have very few side effects if any. They appear to always work, and not many people have reactions to them. The research and development into this area has been relatively new however it is obvious that if this aspect of biology is left untouched then it would probably turn into something much akin to the steroids industry, with which multiple companies sell these enhancers to anyone willing to buy them, with barely any regulation. There are many different issues that arise from these drugs that will need to be looked into. When the issues are looked at just on the surface it seems like there is no reason why these sorts of drugs should not be sold over the counter. However is this really the case? Economical Issues There are massive gains to be made from these types of drugs. Take for instance Modafinil it is a drug that reduces the amount of sleep you need over 4 days to 0 hours. Yes 0 hours. That sort of thing could mean that you could spend more
The problem of low genetic diversity in cheetahs and its effects on conservation.
Low Genetic Diversity in Cheetahs What is genetic diversity? Genetic diversity is the variation of characteristics in a population of the same species and is very important because it allows that species to adapt to new environments and fight off diseases that occur during the evolution of that species (1). Genetic diversity can also be used to find out the origins of species as well as finding out what other species it links to, for example you can look at the characteristics and origins of humans and see that we have descended from primates also the modern humans started in Africa and then colonize in other parts of the world which was found out by looking at genetic diversity in different areas (2). Every living thing contains in their cells the instructions for their development and growth, these are known as genes and they cause all of our physical and mental characteristics that control the way different organisms (of the same or different species) react to different environments. These variations within the same species is what gives us the genetic diversity, therefore it is vital that these organisms have a high genetic diversity so they can adapt to our ever-changing ecosystem so that the group within the species with the better characteristics can
An Investigation into the Mitotic Nuclear Division of Allium Sativum Root Tip Cells, and the Relative Duration of Each Phase of this Cellular Cycle
An Investigation into the Mitotic Nuclear Division of Allium Sativum Root Tip Cells, and the Relative Duration of Each Phase of this Cellular Cycle. Aim To conduct an investigation into the relative durations of the phases that occur in the mitotic nuclear division of meristematic Allium Sativum root tip cells, evaluating the validity of a hypothesis proposed that states that these mitotic phase durations will be of different. Hypothesis The Expected Results: The Relative Length of Each Stage of Mitotic Nuclear Division Through the process of conducting background research, it has been possible to suggest a theoretical ratio concerning the timing for each stage of the mitotic cycle; "Although the stages of mitosis are necessarily shown as static events, it must be emphasized that the process is a continuous one and the names "anaphase", "metaphase", etc., do not imply that the process of mitosis comes to a halt at this juncture. Moreover, the stages shown are not selected at regular intervals of time, e.g. in the embryonic cells of a particular grasshopper the timing at 38°C is as follows: prophase 100 min, metaphase 15 min, anaphase 10 min, telophase 60 min." 1 These specified times essentially form the ratio that will be used throughout the investigation (dividing each stage in the ratio by a factor of 5 provides the ratio (20:3:2:12), and allow a range of
How light intensity affects biodiversity
How Light Intensity Affects Biodiversity Introduction : I chose to do a study into how light intensity affects biodiversity because I thought it would be an interesting and unusual topic to investigate. Also, one of the themes we do is on organisms and the environment, and part of that topic is water and light are important to living organisms. I carried out my investigation at the top of the slope at the side of the sports hall, and I took all of my results at the same level. The source of shade was two trees near the top of the slope. I am going to test the hypothesis that the higher the light intensity, the more species there will be. I believe this because plants need light to grow, so I would think that where it is lighter, more plants would be vying for it. I will be measuring the amount of species and the percentage of ground they cover, (and how much ground is bear,) inside the area I am using. Method : I used a quadrat, a light meter and a string with markings every 1 1/2 m. I decided on a level that I would take all my results from which had a range of different intensity's of light and decided on a point to start where I would get a decent number of results. From there I laid out the string to make it easier to keep the results equal distances apart, (1/2 m apart.) I put the quadrat down, using the string as a guideline of where to place it, and
Is there a relationship between the girth of a tree trunk and the percentage cover of lichen?
Is there a relationship between the girth of a tree trunk and the percentage cover of lichen? Experimental Hypothesis: The greater the girth of the tree trunk, the greater percentage cover of lichen. Null Hypothesis: The girth of the tree trunk will have no impact on the percentage cover of lichen. The independent variable is the girth of the tree trunk. It will be measured using a measuring tape as it can be wrapped around the tree trunk to get an accurate measurement, whereas a ruler cannot be wrapped around the tree trunk. The independent variable will be changed by examining different trees, as each tree will have a different girth, therefore changing the independent variable. The dependant variable is the percentage cover of lichen on the tree trunk. It will be measured using a ten square by ten square, acetate quadrat. This type of quadrat has been selected because it can be manipulated to follow the shape of the tree trunk. Also, having one hundred intersections in the ten square by ten square quadrat gives a particularly accurate result and automatically provides the result in a percentage. Using a metal quadrat would be limiting as it could not be manipulated to follow the shape of the trunk and using a ladder quadrat would give less accurate results as there are less intersections, or squares to count from. Only one species of tree shall be examined -
The Problem of Endangerment in Siberian Tigers
The Problem of Endangerment in Siberian Tigers Problem: Endangerment of Siberian Tigers caused by Human Intervention Siberian Tigers are the largest of the cat family unit1. They are known for their power and aggressive behavior towards threats against themselves and cubs as well as their recognizable marked pelage. Siberian tigers are one out of five endangered species of tiger left known as Panthera Tigris Altaica1. The Siberian tiger was once largely populated in the areas of China, Russia, Siberia, and Korea2. They are now near extinction in all areas except Russia. The species are close to extinction because of the problems: * Deforestation (loss of habitat and prey to farming), * Legal and illegal hunting and poaching2, * Exterminated by livestock farmers for killing animals1; * Habitat fragmentation * Low genetic diversity4 * Low breeding rate Figure 1 Eastern map showing present and historic Siberian Tiger range2 In the Siberian tiger historic range, an estimation of hundreds of thousands from all over the east has decreased to about 500 documented tigers living in conservations in Russia2. This low number in the tiger subspecies has made it vital to keep the population stable and escalating. If Siberian tigers are not kept stable or escalating, extinction will be a probable outcome for this subspecies, making it the fourth to become extinct in the Tigris
An Investigation into the effect of caffeine on reaction times
An investigation into the effect of caffeine on reaction times and short term memory Aim To investigate the effect of varying doses of caffeine on performance in simple reaction time and short term memory tests. Research and Rationale Having carried out the core practical on the effect of caffeine on the heart rate of Daphnia, I wanted to investigate the effect of caffeine on other functions of the body, and how this effect comes about. Caffeine is a natural pesticide, found in the leaves, beans and fruit of over 60 plants1, however in humans it acts as a central nervous system stimulant, reducing fatigue and restoring alertness2. It is said to be the most widely used drug in the world, with an average intake of 241mg per person, per day according to a Bristol survey3. I therefore decided to explore how it could affect reaction times and the extent of short term memory, as these are two factors involved in alertness. It has a similar structure to adenosine, meaning it binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. Caffeine and adenosine - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Caffeine_and_adenosine.svg - 22.10.08 When a nerve impulse travels through the synaptic knob, opening the Ca2+ channels, it triggers the release of adenosine, which is synthesised and stored inside the synaptic knob. Normally, the adenosine acts as a neurotransmitter when it is released into the
Can The Use Of Stem Cells Be Justified?
Can the uses of stem cells be justified? Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a more or less, repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialised function. www.stemcells.nih.gov However, a large debate about the use of stem cells in everyday medicine has been raging for a number of years now. The main argument is an ethical dispute. Do the benefits out weigh the costs, to be justified as an alternative treatment for patients suffering from spinal injuries, right up to diabetes? The process of obtaining embryonic stem cells destroys a human embryo which is unethical as it is a belief that, it is wrong to use any human being's life, even a potential human being, just to remove certain parts, therefore consequently ending that life. Labnotes - stem cells: potent research January 2003 This is a strong view taken by many religious people because of their belief that all life is sacred and life starts at the moment of fertilisation, so a fertilised cell should have the same status as a human being. Others argue that an early embryo is just a ball of cells, so it cannot have any
For each of the animal groups you have chosen, describe the structures involved in the biological process you have named. In each case, describe how these structures function, and explain how they allow each group to survive in their habitat.
For each of the animal groups you have chosen, describe the structures involved in the biological process you have named. In each case, describe how these structures function, and explain how they allow each group to survive in their habitat. Insects: Insects have developed an internal gas exchange system. Insects have holes spiracles around the body, these holes are attached to a network of tubes that pass throughout the whole of the body. The tubes get smaller in size and end with a fluid filled tip at the body cells. The circulation system is not required in the transport of gases. The insect has several adaptations to allow an efficient gas exchange rate. The tubes end directly at the body cells which require oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The distance the gases have to travel is therefore small - increasing the rate of diffusion. This also ensures there is a concentration gradient of gases at the gas exchange surface. The gas exchange surface has a large surface area, thus there is a large surface area to volume ratio in an insect. The tips of the tubes are moist - they are fluid filled which increases rate of gas diffusion, fluid from the tube tip is drawn into the body cells further decreasing the distance the gases need to travel. The insect can increase the rate of ventilation at the gas exchange membranes by body movements that draw air in and out through the
