Professional Documents
Culture Documents
VOLUME 23 ISSUE # 11
Researchers have identified a method of altering the human genome through the use of retroviruses. How does this work, and is it safe? What can us as a society can expect from this development?
Retrovirus
WHAT IS A RETROVIRUS? A Retrovirus as so termed is part of the family of Retroviridae. These viruses possess two copies of a single-stranded RNA genome. The hallmark of a retrovirus is its ability to undergo reverse transcriptase and then integrate the DNA into the hosts genome. Reverse transcriptase occurs when the single stranded RNA is turned into double stranded RNA. The process is reverse because normally DNA is converted into single stranded RNA. After infection with a retrovirus, it enters into the cellular environment and coats itself in the host cells cytoplasm. Through coating itself, it avoids being targeted by its hosts immune system and T cells. Once inside, it undergoes reverse transcriptase, turning its RNA genome into DNA and incorporating its entire genome into the genome of its host cell. The host cell carries on its normal cellular function as if not infected by the retroviral agent. However, as part of its newly incorporated DNA, it encodes for and produces proteins needed by the retrovirus.
In Vitro Fertilization
APRIL 2050
VOLUME 23 ISSUE 11
To improve the human condition is to improve society, and to improve society, is to improve the government. Genetic perfection IS equality. - Richard Yan
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGEMENTS The New World Government endorses this message and would like to reiterate its goals of peacefulness, collaboration and being united. In order to have peace, people must all be equal and perfect. There cannot be anything to fight for nor anything to desire or despise in another person. All people will be unique, but united in their perfection. The Government encourages all societal members in middle class and below to undergo experimental testing. Not only will you be collaborating and helping our society advance technologically, you will also be improving the self. Self-improvement is the crux of what it means to be a human. Do not forget to be a human, ensure your perfection today.