Can three generations of IVF guarantee the inheritance of genes?
With the continuous development of science and technology, human reproductive technology has gradually developed into a variety of forms, of which three generations of IVF technology has attracted much attention. This technology can help some infertile couples realize their reproductive dreams, but it has also triggered some controversy. One of the major controversies is whether this technology can guarantee the inheritance of genes. This article will discuss this issue from different perspectives.
Principles of Science
Three generation IVF technology is realized by combining one male sperm with two female eggs. The female provides the first egg, in which the nucleus is removed; Then an egg is extracted from another woman. After the nucleus is removed, the nucleus of the first woman is implanted into the egg. Finally, the male sperm is injected into the modified egg, and the embryo is generated through in vitro fertilization, and implanted into the mother's uterus. In this way, through this technology, children will have genes from three people.
However, it needs to be clear that the three generation IVF technology cannot guarantee the complete inheritance of genes. Although everyone's genes come from their parents, the expression of genes and the formation of traits are affected by a variety of factors, including environmental impact, gene variation and inheritance rules. Therefore, although the third generation IVF can introduce the genes of a third person, these genes may not have a direct impact on the appearance, intelligence and other traits of the child.
Ethical and moral issues
In addition to scientific principles, the three generation IVF technology also involves some ethical and moral issues. Some people believe that through this technology, children will have genes from three people at the same time, which may lead to the ambiguity of gene inheritance and the complexity of family relations. In addition, this technology may also lead to other ethical and moral issues, such as the treatment of surplus embryos, the possible inheritance of genetic diseases, etc.
However, at present, only a few countries in the world have approved the use of the third-generation IVF technology and strictly supervised it. For example, the University of Newcastle in the UK gave birth to the world's first baby through three generations of IVF technology in 2017. Before IVF, the university went through a long period of research and ethical review, and limited the application of technology to ensure its reasonable and safe use.
Posterity influence
Although the three generation IVF technology cannot guarantee the inheritance of genes, it may have some impact on future generations. Some studies have shown that children obtained through this technology may have a stronger immune system, and may also have a lower risk of some genetic diseases. However, these effects still need more research and long-term follow-up observation to determine.
In general, the three generation IVF technology can ensure the inheritance of genes to a certain extent, but this is only a relative concept. It cannot ensure that children have all the genes from their parents, nor can it guarantee that children's traits and appearance are completely consistent with their parents. In addition, the third-generation IVF technology also involves ethical and moral issues, requiring strict supervision and review. The application of this technology needs further research and exploration to ensure its safe and reasonable use.
