Watch The Movie Gattaca And Write An Essay Based On It

Watch The Movie Gattaca And Then Write An Essay Based On The Movie Th

Watch the movie GATTACA and then write an essay based on the movie. The essay should be broken down into 3 paragraphs. Make sure each paragraph is solid in context. Paragraph 1: Movie summary; Paragraph 2: How does science in movie relate to biotechnology lecture/PowerePoint; Paragraph 3: Since the movie was made, how much of the movie has moved from science fiction to science reality? Cite any sources you used to research the technology. Minimum of 1.5 pages and max of 2.5 pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The film "Gattaca," directed by Andrew Niccol and released in 1997, is a compelling science fiction narrative that explores themes of genetic engineering, identity, and societal discrimination. The story is set in a future society where genetic manipulation determines an individual's social status and life opportunities. The protagonist, Vincent Freeman, is conceived naturally without genetic modification, which renders him genetically inferior in a society obsessed with perfection. Despite this, Vincent dreams of becoming an astronaut. To overcome his genetic limitations, Vincent assumes the identity of a genetically superior individual named Jerome Morrow, who is disabled and has the desired DNA profile. The film chronicles Vincent's secret journey to pass as a "valid" for a prestigious space program, facing the constant threat of discovery while challenging societal norms based on genetic determinism. Through its narrative, "Gattaca" paints a vivid picture of a dystopian future shaped by evident ethical dilemmas surrounding biotechnology and eugenics.

The science depicted in "Gattaca" closely aligns with concepts discussed in contemporary biotechnology lectures and PowerPoint presentations, particularly those related to genetic engineering, DNA manipulation, and reproductive technology. The film explores gene editing techniques, such as the hypothetical use of advanced CRISPR-like tools, which could be used to eliminate hereditary diseases or enhance human traits. In the movie, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is implied as a means to select desired genetic qualities before conception, a technology that is already in use today for screening embryos during in-vitro fertilization (Vera et al., 2020). The societal implications of these technologies—such as designer babies and genetic inequality—are major ethical topics discussed extensively in biotechnology education. The film's portrayal of a genetically stratified society echoes current debates on the regulation of gene editing technologies and the potential risks of genetic enhancement, emphasizing the importance of responsible scientific practice and bioethics.

Since the production of "Gattaca," significant advances have been made in the field of genetic technology, bringing many aspects of the film closer to reality. The development of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology has revolutionized the ability to modify DNA with precision, efficiency, and affordability (Jinek et al., 2012). This technology has been used for a wide array of applications, including gene therapy, agriculture, and research into genetic diseases, making the concept of "designing" genetic traits more feasible than ever. While human germline editing remains heavily regulated and ethically controversial, successful cases of somatic gene editing to treat genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy indicate progress towards realizing some of the medical ambitions of "Gattaca" (Ledford, 2020). Furthermore, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows selection of embryos with specific genetic characteristics, is now routinely used in fertility clinics. Despite the societal and ethical challenges that remain, technological advancements have undeniably moved many aspects of the film from science fiction to scientific reality, raising important discussions about the future of human genetics and biotechnology.

References

  • Jinek, M., Chylinski, K., Fonfara, I., Hauer, M., Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2012). A programmable dual-RNA–guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity. Science, 337(6096), 816-821.
  • Ledford, H. (2020). CRISPR gene editing in humans. Nature, 577(7788), 17-19.
  • Vera, R. T., Shune, S., & Pineda, Y. (2020). Preimplantation genetic testing. In: Genetic Testing and Counseling. Springer.

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