Arguments: against
Firstly, Artificial Gene Synthesis is a relatively new field of science. Although it has developed rapidly, - having numerous labs all over the world currently synthesizing artificial genes - many scientists are afraid of the long-term effects upon the environment. While handling this nanotechnology, many 'accidental' mistakes may take place. For example, it can easily leak out of its container, which may result in various different effects upon the environment such as: polluted air, infected food, and to some extents, become lethal bio-weapons (Summers, 2013).
As mentioned in an argument supporting Artificial Gene Synthesis, it can help create more efficient vaccines and drugs. However, this also applies to the opposite purpose of creating more efficient bio-weapons. The artificial synthesizing of genes in lethal micro-organisms poses a huge threat to humanity. Fortunately, to ensure that countries do not plan to mass-produce bio-weapons, there was the creation of the 1972 Biological Toxin Weapons Convention (B.W.C.) which banned any form, production or origin of bio-weapons. However, not everyone follows the law (Tucker et al, 2006).
Lastly, many people consider Artificial Gene Synthesis to be unethical as it is not 'natural'. The fact that a limitless amount of new and unexplored genes can be produced through this method could be considered as 'cheating' nature and deemed morally wrong.
As mentioned in an argument supporting Artificial Gene Synthesis, it can help create more efficient vaccines and drugs. However, this also applies to the opposite purpose of creating more efficient bio-weapons. The artificial synthesizing of genes in lethal micro-organisms poses a huge threat to humanity. Fortunately, to ensure that countries do not plan to mass-produce bio-weapons, there was the creation of the 1972 Biological Toxin Weapons Convention (B.W.C.) which banned any form, production or origin of bio-weapons. However, not everyone follows the law (Tucker et al, 2006).
Lastly, many people consider Artificial Gene Synthesis to be unethical as it is not 'natural'. The fact that a limitless amount of new and unexplored genes can be produced through this method could be considered as 'cheating' nature and deemed morally wrong.