The case for regulating intragenic GMOs |
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Authors: | A Wendy Russell Robert Sparrow |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia;(2) Departmental Visitor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia;(3) School of Philosophy and Bioethics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia;(4) Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia |
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Abstract: | This paper discusses the ethical and regulatory issues raised by “intragenics” – organisms that have been genetically modified
using gene technologies, but that do not contain DNA from another species. Considering the rapid development of knowledge
about gene regulation and genomics, we anticipate rapid advances in intragenic methods. Of regulatory systems developed to
govern genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the Australian system stands
out in explicitly excluding intragenics from regulation. European systems are also under pressure to exclude intragenics from
regulation. We evaluate recent arguments that intragenics are safer and more morally acceptable than transgenic organisms,
and more acceptable to the public, which might be thought to justify a lower standard of regulation. We argue that the exemption
of intragenics from regulation is not justified, and that there may be significant environmental risks associated with them.
We conclude that intragenics should be subject to the same standard of regulation as other GMOs. |
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Keywords: | consumers environment ethics genetically modified organisms intragenics nature regulation safety |
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