Genetic Enhancement - Brutes or Angels: Human Possibility in the Age of Biotechnology - page 176

genes; these are called gene “knock-out” mice. Gene “knock-in” mice are also cre-
ated by adding one or more copies of particular genes to gain insight about their
functions.
5. many factors besides a normal level of growth hormone contribute to
stature. in some cases above normal levels of hGh will compensate for some of
those other factors and enhance stature.
6. This evidence comes from genetic studies on a Dutch family, indicating
that a mutation in the gene for an enzyme that regulates levels of certain brain
chemicals may be the biological cause of abnormally violent behavior.
7. The hastings Center, founded in 1969, is a nonpartisan research institu-
tion dedicated to bioethics and the public interest.
8. humatrope is the commercial name for human growth hormone, or so-
matotropin, manufactured by ely lilly Company using genetically engineered
bacteria containing the human gene for growth hormone.
9. neil shubin's (2009) topic, Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5-Billion Year
History of the Human Body, is a very accessible and entertaining explanation of how
human morphology and genetics reveal our species' intimate, ancestral connec-
tions with other living things.
10. i find this recommendation especially significant since it comes from a
Christian ethicist very familiar with the religion-based objections to human ge-
netic engineering.
sources for Additional information
Brunner, h. G., m. nelen, X. o. Breakefield, et al. 1993. “Abnormal Behavior
Associated with a Point mutation in the structural Gene for monoamine oxi-
dase A.” Science 262: 578 - 80.
Caplan, A. l. 2000. “What's morally Wrong with eugenics?” in Controlling Our
Destinies, edited by P. sloan, 209-22. notre Dame, in: University of notre
Dame Press.
Chapman, A. r., and m. s. frankel. 2003. “framing the issues.” in Designing
Our Descendents: The Promises and Perils of Genetic Modifications, edited by A. r.
Chapman and m. s. frankel, 3-19. Baltimore, mD: Johns hopkins Univer-
sity Press.