Study Questions
1. Many transgenic animals (animals with genes from two species) are used in laboratory research. The one in this case was produced without regulatory oversight. What ethical concerns are associated with private individuals producing transgenic animals?
2. Is it desirable to use art such as this transgenic rabbit to promote discussion and attention to the way in which genetics can infiltrate and change human lives? Was this
purpose “serious” enough to justify producing the rabbit?
One of the most unexpected applications of genetic science has been in the art world. So far, only a few artists have used genetic technologies, but it is likely that this use will increase. This case raises questions about the limits to which biological organisms may be modified for artistic purposes. It also raises questions about whether limits should be placed on the way in which the public produces genetically modified organisms. From the artist’s point of view, production of new organisms also raises questions about the place of genetics in everyday life and its role in social criticism.
In 2000, Eduardo Kac, a professor at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, relying on the help of French researchers, injected a gene for green fluorescent protein into a rabbit zygote. The gene was taken from jellyfish that exhibit a green fluorescence. The zygote was implanted into a rabbit uterus where it developed to birth. Under the right fluorescent light, the adult rabbit’s fur glows green.
Kac did this, he claims, to stimulate debate about the uses of biotechnology. He exhibited the rabbit at various venues in hope of showing how biotechnologies are creeping into our lives. Some animal activists objected to his use of the rabbit. Others wonder whether this animal can be considered “art.”
Not resting on his laurels, Kac translated a Biblical passage into a gene sequence using a series of substitutions between letters and DNA sequences. The passage in question was “Let man have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” He then inserted the gene sequence into bacteria grown in a petri dish. He made arrangements for Internet users to be able to flash ultraviolet lights on-the petri dish, causing the gene sequence to mutate. Kac claimed that his piece showed how easy it is to manipulate genes, with no questions asked by anybody.
Study Questions
1. Many transgenic animals (animals with genes from two species) are used in laboratory research. The one in this case was produced without regulatory oversight. What ethical concerns are associated with private individuals producing transgenic animals?
2. Is it desirable to use art such as this transgenic rabbit to promote discussion and attention to the way in which genetics can infiltrate and change human lives? Was this
purpose “serious” enough to justify producing the rabbit?
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]