The research in question generated new mutations of the H5N1 virus. The H5N1 virus is an avian or “bird” flu that infects both birds and humans. The highest mortality associated with it tends to occur in the 10-19 years of age bracket. It has resulted in the most severe cases of flu and the most human deaths. It does not transmit naturally from human to human (“Highly pathogenic avian influence A [H5N1] in people,” 2012). The majority of the cases have occurred as a result of close contact with infected poultry. Therefore, this research to create an airborne strain created a significant risk associated with it. Since the virus is not naturally airborne, it is irresponsible of the researchers to create an airborne virus. There are minimal benefits associated with this research, such as studying airborne transmission. However, this could be accomplished with less pathogenic strains. Since it is unlikely this strain of the virus would occur naturally, there was no reason to study its airborne transmission. The potential for bioterrorism needs to be considered at all times.
While mutations may be harmful to a species, they may also benefit the species. It is true that there are mechanisms by which DNA can repair mismatches. However, these mechanisms do not always repair the damaged nucleotide sequence. Furthermore, a mutation may actually occur as a result of the DNA repair mechanism. DNA mutations often occur because an environmental chemical changes the nucleotide base so it resembles another nucleotide. These environmental mutagens may include chemicals or also, ultraviolet light and other forms of radiation. When the two DNA strands unravel so copies may be created, the DNA repair mechanism may not recognize that a mutation has occurred. The change in the DNA nucleotide’s structure may result in the repair mechanisms not viewing this as a mutation (“What causes DNA mutations?” 2013). Often, these mutations that result from chemicals and environmental conditions are harmful to the organism.
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- “Highly pathogenic avian influence A (H5N1) in people,” (2012, June 21). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 21, 2013, from: http://www.cdc.gov/
- “What causes DNA mutations?” (2013). University of Utah. Retrieved July 21, 2013, from: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu
