ts DNA into the cell, coding it to reproduce moreof the virus. After the virus is replicated millions of times over, the cell bursts and the newviruses are released to continue the cycle. The body's natural defense against such cell invasionis to release certain proteins, called antigens, which "plug up" the receptor sites on healthy cells. This causes the foreign virus to not have a docking point on the cell. This process, however, isslow and not effective against a new viral attack. Genetic engineering is improving the body'sdefenses by creating pure antigens, or antibodies, in the lab for injection upon infection with aviral disease. This pure, concentrated antibody halts the symptoms of such a disease until thebodies natural defenses catch up. Future procedures may alter the very DNA of human cells,causing them to produce interferons. These interferons would allow the cell to be abledetermine if a foreign body bonding with it is healthy or a virus. In effect, every cell would beable to recognize every type of virus and be immune to them all (Stableford 61).Current medical capabilities allow for the transplant of human organs, and evenmechanical portions of some, such as the battery powered pacemaker. Current science can evenre-apply fingers after they have been cut off in accidents, or attach synthetic arms and legs toallow patients to function normally in society. But would not it be incredibly convenient if thehuman body could simply regrow what it needed, such as a new kidney or arm? Geneticengineering can make this a reality. Currently in the world, a single plant cell can differentiateinto all the components of an original, complex organism. Certain types of salamanders can re-grow lost limbs, and some lizards can shed their tails when attacked and later grow them again. Evidence of regeneration is all around and the science of genetic engineering is slowly masteringits techniques. Regeneration in mammals is essentially a kind ...
