In general, genetic enhancement refers to the exchange of genetic material intended to
modify nonpathological human traits. The term is commonly used to describe efforts optimize
attributes or capabilities by moving an individual from standard to their peak levels of
performance. With enhancement the goal is to modify genes for the desired task needed to be
accomplished. Gene insertion may be intended to affect a single individual through somatic cell
modification, or it may target the gametes, in which case the resulting effect could be passed on
to succeeding generations.
In a sense, the concept of genetic enhancement is not particularly recent if one considers
genetically engineered drug products used to alter physical traits as genetic enhancements. For
example the Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which before 1985 could be obtained only in
limited quantities from cadaveric pituitary glands, now can be produced using recombinant DNA
technology. When its supply......
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