s have used this diversity to produce stronger, more productive, more beneficial plants and animals. But could taking genetic engineering a quantum leap forward produce unforeseen problems? "Researchers in the field of molecular biology are arguing that there is nothing particularly sacred about the concept of species" (Reiss and Straughan, 64). In reality, such genetic engineering amounts to tampering with God's creation. Those who call for caution are wise in having and voicing concerns. "No new scientific or technological development can claim immunity from ethical scrutiny" (Reiss and Straughan, 6). In addition to protecting individual species, we should also be concerned about the environment in a larger sense. Just because we can do certain things technologically does not mean we can do them safely. On the other end of the spectrum, if certain genetic traits are associated with physical violence, totalitarian societies might move to counter with this by targeting those who are considered apt to commit or have committed felonious acts. These concerns may seem far-fetched to some, but they should not be dismissed, given that attempts at ethnic cleansing have been a sad reality in several regions in recent years. One ethical issue on the genetic horizon that has already begun to take focus is genetic discrimination. A possible scenario runs like this. In the next few years researchers will identify and locate most, if not all, genes in the human genome that either condition or in some cases cause disease. Already we know that the gene for Cystic Fibrosis is found on chromosome 7 and the gene for Huntingtons disease on chromosome 4. Alzheimers disease is probably due to a defective gene on chromosome 21, and certain incidences of colon cancer to one on chromosome 2. Disposition to muscular dystrophy, sickle-cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, certain cancers and numerous other diseases also have locatable genetic origins...
