Genetic experiments have long ceased to be a curiosity, but this time scientists have gone too far. What will the emergence of artificial life lead to? Will such a biological form be an assistant to humanity, or will it upset the delicate balance and lead to the extinction of all life on the planet?
On May 21, 2010, a sensational news about a unique experiment by American biologists led by Professor Craig Venter was published in all news agencies around the world. It was an experiment on the introduction of DNA synthesized in the laboratory into the cell of the bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides. The experiment was successful and the bacterium "turned" into a completely new, unique species, completely programmed by scientists. The new life was named Cynthia.
Why grow a new species?
According to Craig Venter, this scientific experience is of great practical importance, and in the future can radically change all sectors of the national economy. For example, specially programmed cells can synthesize substances and medicines necessary for a person, and destroy pathogenic microflora.
The synthesized cells are capable of becoming food for animals and food for humans, such microorganisms can purify water from oil pollution. In addition, they will help geologists identify deposits of minerals that will be used in construction. Truly, the application of revolutionary technology will bring about big changes in everyone's life!
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Synthetic life is a threat to humanity
Immediately after the publication of the results of Professor Craig Venter's experiment, objections of his opponents appeared in the media, claiming that man should not interfere in the course of evolution. Otherwise, you can disrupt the unique bio-balance that has developed over millions of years on our planet.
Some politicians fear that this technology could fall into the hands of terrorists and be used as a bacteriological weapon. This possibility cannot be ruled out in view of the unstable political and social situation in the world.
However, in the wrong hands, even a simple stone can be a big threat, and it is impossible to stop the progress of science with forbidden actions. An example of this is the trial of Galileo Galilei, once organized by the Holy Inquisition. Despite the official renunciation, the scientist remained unconvinced about the movement of the earth around the sun. History has proved his correctness and the failure of the heliocentric ideas of the powerful ignorant of the Vatican.
The principle of creating artificial life
All the variety of life on Earth is determined by coded information that is in every cell of a living organism. This information is encoded by a specific sequence of chemicals in chains called DNA. In accordance with this information, certain substances are synthesized in the cell, and the body receives unique characteristics.
Scientists have previously managed to transplant the DNA of one cell to another, as a result of which the cell transforms and reveals the signs of a donor cell. The technique of transplanting certain sections of DNA, called genes, from one organism to another is widely used. This procedure is called transgenic modification, its purpose is to obtain new useful properties. For example, increasing resistance to diseases and harsh climatic conditions.
Many people try not to eat genetically modified foods for fear of their health. And at the same time, they abuse alcohol, smoking, consume products that contain much greater and not potential, but real danger - dyes, flavors, preservatives, nitrates and pesticides.
The uniqueness of Craig Venter's experience lies in the fact that he did not take DNA for transplantation from a donor, but synthesized it on his own, thereby programming artificial life in accordance with his desire.