Should We Stop Eating Foods with Unique DNA Fingerprints?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of unique DNA fingerprints in living organisms, particularly in relation to the abortion debate and food consumption. Participants explore the concept that every living organism, including plants and animals, possesses a unique DNA fingerprint, which raises questions about the ethics of consuming food. The conversation references genetic recombination during gamete formation and the 'Out of Africa' theory regarding mitochondrial DNA. Ultimately, the discussion critiques the logic of equating DNA uniqueness with the moral considerations of life and consumption.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DNA structure and function
  • Knowledge of genetic recombination and its implications
  • Familiarity with the 'Out of Africa' theory in genetics
  • Awareness of ethical debates surrounding abortion and food consumption
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  • Research genetic recombination and its role in inheritance
  • Study the ethical implications of genetic uniqueness in living organisms
  • Explore the 'Out of Africa' theory and its significance in human genetics
  • Investigate the impact of genetic modification on food and its ethical considerations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for ethicists, geneticists, biologists, and individuals interested in the moral implications of food consumption and genetic uniqueness. It also serves those engaged in debates surrounding reproductive rights and the ethics of life.

DavidSnider
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I was just reading some story about how Kathy Ireland is opposed to abortion because at the moment of conception they have a 'DNA Fingerprint'. Abortion issue aside, it got me to wonder:

If I sequenced my mother and father's DNA and generated all the 2^23 permutations of chromosomes would my genome, my siblings and all my potential siblings be in there? (Assuming no mutations or naughty milkmen).
 
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No. During the generation of gamete cells, there can be recombination between homologous chromosomes generating chromosomes that contain some segments of DNA from one chromosome and some segments from it's homologous pair. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromosomal_crossover

Food for thought: cancer cells in your body would also have a unique DNA fingerprint.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Food for thought: cancer cells in your body would also have a unique DNA fingerprint.
As does your mitochondria.
 
mgb_phys said:
As does your mitochondria.

I'm no so sure.. mine looks a lot like my mom's.
 
alxm said:
I'm no so sure.. mine looks a lot like my mom's.

Doh - sorry I was thinking of having different DNA in you, not the original question.
 
DavidSnider said:
..is opposed to abortion because at the moment of conception they have a [unique] 'DNA Fingerprint'.
Ygggdrasil said:
During the generation of gamete cells, there can be recombination
So her argument is that every individual sperm cell has a human right to be nurtured through to adulthood, but not each identical twin?
 
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Every living organism has a "DNA fingerprint." Does that mean I shouldn't eat my carrots either, because they each have a unique DNA fingerprint?
 
Moonbear said:
Every living organism has a "DNA fingerprint." Does that mean I shouldn't eat my carrots either, because they each have a unique DNA fingerprint?

I'm not sure I fully understand the question, but if you're asking whether if it's unsafe to eat carrots due to their unique DNA fingerprint, you have to keep in mind that there are unique DNA fingerprints in a lot of things you eat. If not, then every piece of food you eat. Meats, vegetables, nuts, fruits and everything in between all have their own genetic material in their cells.
 
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Zen2 said:
I'm not sure I fully understand the question, but if you're asking whether if it's unsafe to eat carrots due to their unique DNA fingerprint, you have to keep in mind that there are unique DNA fingerprints in a lot of things you eat. If not, then every piece of food you eat. Meats, vegetables, nuts, fruits and everything in between all have their own genetic material in their cells.

I was being sarcastic. Kathy Ireland's rationale was that having a unique DNA fingerprint meant that a "life" should be preserved (i.e., no abortion), so by that same logic, one should avoid all foods that need to be killed to consume them, since they all contain a unique DNA fingerprint (maybe the GM corn is okay, since they aren't so unique). I was just using sarcasm to point out the flaws in the argument.
 

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