Bioethics

Bioethics

Branch of ethics, philosophy and social commentary that deals with the biological sciences and their potential impact on society.

Serious aspect of bioethics is sometimes called ELSI - ethical, legal and social issues.
Biotechnology has been labelled as ‘unnatural’ or ‘detrimental’ to biodiversity.
Major bioethical concerns pertaining to biotechnology are - Use of animals for research causes great suffering to them.
Animals used for production of pharmaceutical proteins , are virtually reduced to the status of a ‘factory’.
Introduction of a transgene from one species to another violates the ‘integrity of species’.
Transfer of human genes into animals dilutes the concept of ‘humanness’.
It exploits bioresources for the human benefit.
It may pose unforeseen risks to the environment, including risk to biodiversity.

Biological Resources

Include all those organisms which can be exploited for commercial purposes.
Traditional knowledge of their use developed by various communities over long periods, can be exploited to develop modern commercial processes.