Gene Editing Essay

Description

In this assignment, you will evaluate the pros and cons of using CRISPR to edit human DNA and propose a set of guidelines or regulations to address the potential risks this technology poses. This will help you apply your knowledge of genetics to real-world contexts, and think creatively to address some of the challenges our society will face as CRISPR technology continues to advance. You will be submitting the assignment in two parts: a Draft and a Final version (see details under the Submission heading).

Write a 5 – 8pages essay that includes:

A description of how CRISPR uses RNA and a Cas enzyme to edit targeted DNA sequences, in your own words (about 1 page in length);

A summary of at least two pros and two cons of using CRISPR to edit human DNA, based on your review of relevant scientific data. Your summary should focus on the potential effects CRISPR may have on the human gene pool and certain individuals or communities (about 2 – 3 pages in length);

A discussion that proposes at least three guidelines or regulations for using CRISPR to edit human DNA, and explains how these will serve to reduce the risks outlined in your summary (about 2 – 3 pages in length).

Information is presented in your own words, with in-text citations and a Works Cited section in APA format to identify the original sources. Your Works Cited section is NOT counted as part of the 4 – 5- page length requirement.

At least 4 sources of information are cited in your essay and identified in a Works Cited section. At least 2 of these sources must be academic literature (i.e. articles in peer-reviewed academic journals), and no more than 2 should be popular sources (i.e. websites, video clips, magazine and newspaper articles). You may include any of the relevant class readings as part of your 4 required sources.