Biology Is Life !

Human organ transplantation is a relatively new field of medicine facing a challenge. Because of its clinical success, the need for this procedure far exceeds the availability of donor organs. More than 60,000 individuals in the United States are registered on transplant waiting lists. Each year, however, less than half of the people listed receive organ transplants. Approximately 10 people die each day waiting for organs to become available.

Presently a new technique called xenotransplantation is being investigated as a possible solution. Xenotransplantation is the practice of combining the cells, tissues, or organs of two different species. Pigs are preferred because they mature very quickly, produce large litters and have organs of comparable size and function to human organs in both infancy and adulthood.

The field of bioethics attempts to define the “moral and proper” use and integration of biotechnology into medicine, science, and society.

Recently a clinic in New Zealand has begun to transplant pig cells into human diabetics [see symptoms ] to help in the production of insulin.

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1. Offer a personal reflection in a minimum of four complete sentences.
2. Do you think the practice of xenotransplantation is ethical?
3. Explain your answer in a minimum of two complete sentences.
4. Supply a link to a site that supports your view.
5. Give the name of the person or group who is maintaining the site you chose.