IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Ethical implications- Study Notes - New Syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Ethical implications- Study Notes – New syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Ethical implications- Study Notes – IB MYP 4-5 Biology – per latest IB MYP Biology Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
- Designer babies debate
- Patenting of genetic material
- Biosafety and GMO regulations
- Religious and cultural perspectives
Designer Babies: Ethical Implications
What Are Designer Babies?
Designer babies are children whose genes are selected or edited before birth to give them certain traits such as intelligence, height, eye color, or resistance to disease.
This is made possible by gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, which allow scientists to change DNA with precision.
Why Is It a Debate?
- Should humans control how babies are made?
Where do we draw the line between therapy and enhancement?
Arguments For Designer Babies
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevent genetic diseases | Can eliminate inherited conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis) |
| Healthier babies | Improve chances of a strong, long life |
| Potential for intelligence or athletic traits | Could help future generations thrive |
| Scientific progress | Expands understanding of human biology |
Arguments Against Designer Babies
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ethical inequality | Only wealthy families may afford it → social divide |
| “Playing God” | Interferes with natural human development |
| Loss of uniqueness | People may be valued for traits, not personality |
| Unknown long-term effects | Editing DNA may cause unintended consequences |
| Slippery slope | Health editing may lead to cosmetic/genetic enhancement |
| Consent issue | Babies cannot choose to be genetically altered |
Real-Life Example
- The children were healthy and didn’t require gene editing
- The long-term effects were unknown
- The experiment violated ethical research rules
Patenting of Genetic Material
What Does It Mean to Patent Genetic Material?
A patent is a legal right that gives someone ownership of an invention – including discoveries in genetics.
When a scientist or company identifies, isolates, or modifies a gene, they may apply to patent that DNA sequence or its use. This means no one else can use it for commercial purposes without permission or payment.
Why Do People Patent Genes?
- To protect their scientific discovery
- To encourage innovation in biotechnology
- To earn profits from medical or agricultural products developed using that gene
Real-Life Example: The BRCA Genes (Breast Cancer)
A company called Myriad Genetics patented the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
This meant other labs couldn’t test for those genes without paying Myriad. Patients and scientists protested — leading to a landmark case.
In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled:
- Naturally occurring genes cannot be patented
- But modified DNA (cDNA) can be patented
Arguments For Patenting Genes
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Encourages research | Scientists and companies invest time and money – patents reward them |
| Helps biotech industry | Allows development of new medicines and crops |
| Protects intellectual property | Prevents others from copying or profiting unfairly |
| Useful in agriculture | Patents on modified plant genes support improved farming |
Arguments Against Patenting Genes
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| DNA is natural | Genes are not inventions – they exist in nature |
| Limits access | Patients may not afford life-saving genetic tests |
| Slows research | Other scientists may be blocked from using patented material |
| Ethical concerns | Life forms (including human genes) shouldn’t be owned |
| Affects farmers | Patented seeds may restrict traditional farming practices |
Example in Agriculture: Patented GM Seeds
Companies like Monsanto (now Bayer) patent genetically modified crop genes.
Farmers must buy new seeds each year instead of saving them – leading to court cases and protests, especially in developing countries.
Summary:
Genes are part of life, not just products.
Patenting genetic material supports research – but it also raises deep ethical and social questions about ownership, fairness, and access to health. As science advances, laws and ethics must evolve too.
Biosafety and GMO Regulations
What Is Biosafety?
Biosafety refers to precautions taken to prevent harm to humans, animals, plants, or the environment when using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or biotechnology.
It ensures that scientific progress in GM crops, gene editing, or medical biotech doesn’t cause accidents or long-term risks.
What Are GMOs?
Examples:
- Bt Cotton (contains insect-killing gene)
- Golden Rice (engineered to produce vitamin A)
- GM insulin-producing bacteria
Why Are Regulations Needed?
GMO regulations are rules and laws designed to:
- Ensure safety before release
- Protect biodiversity
- Respect farmers’ and consumers’ rights
- Prevent unethical or risky experiments
Without regulations, GMOs could harm the environment, affect food safety, or spread uncontrollably.
Key Areas of Biosafety
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Safety | Prevent leaks, spills, or contamination during experiments |
| Field Trials | Controlled testing before releasing GM crops into open fields |
| Human Health | Ensure GM foods are safe to eat and don’t trigger allergies |
| Environmental Impact | Avoid damage to native species or crossbreeding with wild plants |
| Labelling and Consent | Consumers must know if they are eating GM food (right to choose) |
International Regulations and Frameworks
| Regulation/Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Cartagena Protocol | Global agreement on safe transfer of GMOs across borders |
| Biosafety Clearing-House | Shares GMO safety data between countries |
| FAO & WHO Guidelines | Ensure food safety and risk assessments |
| India’s GEAC | Approves or rejects GMO field trials and commercial use in India |
GMO Regulation in India
GMOs are regulated under the Environment Protection Act (1986)
Key Agency: GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) under the Ministry of Environment
- Banned: GM mustard and brinjal (under review)
- Allowed: Bt Cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial use
Benefits of Biosafety Regulation
| Benefit | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Protects biodiversity | Prevents GM crops from harming natural ecosystems |
| Ensures food safety | Avoids allergic or toxic effects from GM foods |
| Builds public trust | People feel confident in science when it’s well-regulated |
| Safeguards farmers | Prevents dependence on patented seeds without review |
Challenges and Concerns
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lack of awareness | Many consumers don’t know they are eating GM food |
| Resistance to regulations | Some biotech companies may oppose strict rules |
| Unequal global rules | Some countries ban GMOs, others allow – leads to confusion |
| Long-term impact unknown | Some effects (on soil, health, or ecosystems) may appear over time |
Biosafety and GMO regulations protect people, nature, and science itself.
Without proper safety checks, even the best inventions can become risky.
With them, biotechnology becomes a safe and powerful tool to improve food, health, and the future.
Religious and Cultural Perspectives
Why Are Religious and Cultural Views Important?
Genetic technologies like cloning, genetic engineering, and designer babies can raise deep questions about life, creation, and human values.
Different cultures and religions have diverse views based on spiritual, moral, and social beliefs.
Areas of Concern
- Cloning (especially humans)
- Designer babies or gene editing
- Stem cell research (especially embryonic)
- GMOs in food and farming
- Artificial reproduction (IVF, surrogacy, etc.)
Major Religious Perspectives
| Belief System | General View on Genetic Tech |
|---|---|
| Christianity | Split views. Some oppose altering God’s creation, others accept if used for healing and not enhancement. |
| Islam | Supports medical treatment and saving life, but opposes editing genes for beauty or non-health reasons. |
| Hinduism | Believes in karma and respect for life. Generally supports treatments that reduce suffering but may object to harming embryos. |
| Buddhism | Values compassion. Open to technologies that reduce suffering but cautious about manipulating life. |
| Judaism | Encourages saving lives (pikuach nefesh), supports research with strict ethical limits. |
| Indigenous Beliefs | Focus on harmony with nature. Often cautious or critical of modifying life for profit. |
Note: These are general positions beliefs can vary widely even within a single religion.
Common Ethical Concerns
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Playing God” | Belief that altering genes interferes with divine creation |
| Sanctity of life | Some oppose destroying embryos in stem cell research |
| Natural balance | Fears about disturbing nature or karma |
| Human identity | Worries about humans being treated like machines or products |
| Respect for nature | Concerns over GMOs altering traditional food or farming |
Cultural Sensitivities
Some cultures value natural healing and may reject genetic treatments seen as unnatural
Traditional farming communities may resist GMOs due to seed control or fear of losing cultural crops
In tribal or indigenous societies, land and life are sacred – genetic tampering may be seen as disrespectful