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The use of transgenic organisms is a highly controversial topic, especially while the techniques used are still in the process being developed and fine-tuned. Questions arise regarding all aspects of the issue ranging from food safety to the safety of the “food” or animal being used. The arguments used by both sides are worth equal consideration and the debate will not be resolved overnight. For example, what are the potential dangers involved with using proteins produced in animals in human medications? One potential risk is the introduction of an animal virus into the human population via the animal protein. This is a major concern considering the introduction of mad cow disease in recent years via prions present in diseased cattle (Larrick 2001). In addition, even if there are no apparent immediate consequences what are the potential long-term consequences? The increased demand for therapeutic proteins could allow for the rapid institution of transgenic methods of protein production despite an incomplete analysis of the risks, especially with regard to long-term consequences.

While most concerns come from the human perspective, other concerns center on the well-being of the animals being used to generate the protein. Are humans abusing animals by genetically manipulating them for the purposes of protein production? Does it go against the natural order of things to transform creatures into living drug factories? Traditional breeding permitted for the cultivation of certain “desirable” characteristics in animals, but it could be going to far to introduce completely foreign characteristics (Gott 2002). By using transgenic technology in order to cross species lines for the benefit of the human population perhaps humans are upsetting the natural order, which could have devastating effects down the road.

Another overarching issue that could be raised is if the human population is reaching the point where extreme measures must be taken in order to ensure the supply for what seems to be an ever increasing demand. If this is so, then are we just setting ourselves up for the fall? One day yechnology may o not be able to keep up, and when that happens the human population may be in for a rude awakening. The entrance of intrinsic objections into the debate may ensure that the debate over the use of transgenic animals will remain likely unresolved; however, greater communication will ensure that the concerns of both sides will at least be considered before pushing onward into the scientific unknown (Gott 2002).

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This web page was produced as an assignment for an undergraduate course at Davidson College.

©Copyright 2004 Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to William Wood at wiwood(at)davidson.edu