4. In the near future, it will soon be possible for people to increase their muscle mass by introducing extra copies of the gene for insulin-like growth factor into their muscle cells.
a. What therapeutic applications can you see for such procedures?
b. It is possible that some people might use this procedure for cosmetic purposes—to gain muscle mass without exercise. Do you think that this would be acceptable, bearing in mind that humans already use cosmetics to change their appearance?
a. Therapeutic applications for introducing extra copies of the gene for insulin-like growth factor into muscle cells could include treating muscle wasting diseases, improving muscle function in individuals with degenerative muscular disorders, aiding in muscle recovery after injury or surgery, and potentially enhancing athletic performance in certain cases.
b. Using this procedure solely for cosmetic purposes to gain muscle mass without exercise raises ethical concerns. While individuals have the right to make choices about their own bodies, using genetic modification solely for aesthetic purposes could lead to unintended consequences and potential harm. Additionally, promoting unrealistic standards of beauty and athleticism through genetic modification could have negative societal implications. It is important to consider the potential risks and ethical considerations before pursuing this procedure for purely cosmetic reasons.