DNA Science

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Francis Crick and James Watson are the only names associated with the discovery of the DNA molecule; however, many scientists were involved. The author points out that the technological applications of DNA-science have led to a wide variety of advances in crop production, livestock development, forensic sciences, law enforcement, paternity testing and practically limitless therapeutic medical uses. The author then discusses the latest and most controversial DNA-based research - stem cell science. The author of the paper contends that the primary impetus for the opposition to stem cell research from religious beliefs as well as their intrusion into secular law and bioethics, represents an entanglement of church and state in violation of U.S. constitutional principles.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background and History of Discovery
Technological Relevance of DNA Science
Modern Applications of DNA Science
Ethical Controversies
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In addition to providing the organs themselves, stem cell technology will also revolutionize the entire organ transplant field by eliminating the need for careful screening and tissue matching, and especially, for anti-rejection drugs. Presently, organ transplantation - whether from living donors or cadavers - requires the recipient to take powerful anti-rejection medications to suppress the body's natural response to foreign tissue, usually for life. Immune-system suppression are a necessary and worthwhile consequence of foreign organ implantation, but only because the alternative is premature death."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Crick, Francis and Koch, Christof. After the Double Helix: Unraveling the Mysteries of the State of Being; The New York Times (Apr. 13/04), p. F3.
• Gribbin, John. (2002) The Scientists: A History of Science Told Through the Lives of Its Greatest Inventors. New York: Random House.
• Healy, Bernadine. On Health: The Other Stem Cells; U.S. News & World Report (Jun. 14/04), p. 77.
• Hellemans, Alexander and Bunch, Bryan. (1998) The Timetables of Science. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Kinsley, Michael. Commentary: Why Science Can't Save the GOP; Time Magazine (Dec. 10/07), p. 36.

More papers on DNA Science:

• Essay # 54091 : "DNA Technology Law and Public Policy"
• Term Paper # 128359 : "21st Century Forensic Science"
• Analytical Essay # 83550 : "Richard Lewontin's "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA"

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