Bioethical analysis of transgenic animals and genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Résumé

The important technological advance in genetic manipulation has led to the development of genetically modified animals. The resulting being is called a transgenic animal. This term refers to an animal, whose genome has been deliberately modified by transferring an exogenous DNA into all its cells, including the germinal ones. In 1981, GORDON and RUDDLE coined the term transgenic as an animal variant, result of the introduction of a gene, or genes, into its genome. More recently, there exists a tendency to use the term GMA (Genetically Modified Animal) to refer to transgenic animals. Some arguments against the use of transgenic animals in research are related to the fact that during the creation of a transgenic animal its genetic integrity is not respected because of the recombination of genetic material from different species and even different kingdoms, as for example, animals and plants. Some people consider that this recombination of genetic material between species, or the creation of chimeras, which in occasions is a part of the technical strategy for the obtaining of a transgenic animal, alters the concept of “species”. In addition, they consider it as an unnatural intervention that might interfere in the conception of what makes that an animal is such. There is argued that the direct genetic modification is a mere extension of the traditional technologies of crossing. The genetic modifications of animals provide arguments for accusations as how to treat animals as things or merchandises.