All organisms are the stuff of genes, those sequences of DNA that code for the molecular machines that, when working together properly, result in life. When things don't work right it leads to problems of varying degrees. Some genetic defects are relatively minor, such as a tendency to lose one's hair sooner rather than later (if that can be considered a "defect"). Other defects result in devastating diseases such as cystic fibrosis and many others that are often fatal.
What if parents could choose the genes of their children and eliminate or at least reduce the probability that a child will suffer from a tragic genetic affliction? Or, to take the notion even further, what if parents could choose embryos that had the proper suite of genes to not only reduce defects, but to enhance desirable traits such as athletic ability, intelligence, or physical appearance?
In Designer Genes, Steven Potter, Ph.D, gives an introduction to genetics and genetic analysis, and provides a look into the not too distance future, in which humans almost certainly will be directing their own evolution through prenatal genetic selection.
Genes and Genetics
It is hard to make sense of how exactly genes can be assessed and chosen (or not chosen, as the case may be) without understanding something about DNA, genes, and reproduction. Recognizing this, Potter provides a number of chapters that describe in basic and easy to understand terms, how genes work, how they are studied and how they effect how humans (and dogs) look, act, feel and function.
The explanations of fundamental principles and processes of molecular biology do not go into great depth. They do not go beyond what would be taught in a high school biology class or perhaps a college biology class for non-science majors. Anyone who is already knowledgeable about these matters can safely skip most of it without missing much. Otherwise, it is well written, accurate, and offers a sufficient introduction to genetics.
Designer Babies?
So how close are we to choosing our children's genes? Not all that close at the moment, but it is certainly getting closer.
Potter describes a few specific instances of deliberate genetic selection that have already occurred. Having a child to provide tissues to treat a sick child is one example. Screening of embryos prepared for in vitro fertilization is fairly common, but only for selecting against "bad" genes known to cause serious problems. It's actually pretty easy to do.
What about a more "positive" selection process to create the next Olympic champion or physics genius? Not there yet. The fact is, we just don't know enough about which genes and gene variants are responsible for traits, good or bad, to be able to do much selection at this point. As more and more people are sequenced and genetic data bases are constructed, this situation will clearly change.
Are we headed to a new era of eugenics where good traits are deliberately selected for and bad traits are willfully eliminated? Almost certainly. Who gets to choose what makes a good or a bad trait? Should parents be allowed to knowingly allow the birth of babies known to carry deleterious genetic combinations? Interesting and controversial questions.
Designer Genes offers an interesting glimpse of the future of customized and self-directed evolution. It's kind a of a sketchy future at this point because we just don't know enough about which genes do what and which defects lead to which traits. Don't expect this book to provide a lot of detail on exactly what the result of deliberate gene selection will lead to. It's more of a preview of uncertain things to come.
References
Designer Genes; Steven Potter; Random House; New York, NY: 2010
Philip McIntosh - The author holds a B.Sc. in Botany and Chemistry and an M.A in Biology and he has thirty + years of experience in science and industry.
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