One of my ancestors was of pirate

'DOES IT RUN IN THE FAMILY? ASKED MY FRIENDS JOKILY?

By Yves De Groote

yves@textburo.com

Sooner or later your local GP will ask you that same question but then in earnest. Usually we know the answer because aunty had eczema and uncle has pointed ears, or more seriously, high cholesterol, heart disease or cancer.

My friend, adopted at birth, couldn't answer that question. For her, DNA fingerprinting and gene research are a godsend, as it now gives her a genetic passport. Certainty of parentage allows us to identify proneness to certain diseases and take preventive measures. It can be used to trace criminals and protect our society. Overall: a fantastic achievement and highly commendable.

If we go one step further and consider altering cells altogether, a myriad of possibilities springs to mind. We can gain a better understanding of relationships between certain animal species or breeds and avoid interbreeding or obliterate hereditary defects certain animals are prone to. Genetic diseases could be eliminated by adapting cell structures before birth. We could increase the size of plant weed, make it resistant to disorders or allow it to grow in unusually hot climates, enabling us to solve Third World famine.

Already research is conducted in genetically engineered plants which turn red when growing over landmines, or modified bacteria which detect arsenic.

So what prevents us from having blue-eyed cows or pink ivy with orange dots?

Nature is a well-balanced environment and who are we, mere mortals, to intrude into its deepest and most intimate structure. Scientific improvements to help animals and humans alike are undeniably positive. But we should guard against radical changes, which may undermine the balance nature thrives on. Any drastic alterations into nature's own set of rules may herald severe consequences.

 Consider: ' Pet a la Carte'. For everyone a perfect creature!

Nasty characteristics carefully removed! Reliable gentle character! 100% arthritis and hereditary disease free!

Guaranteed, no surprises or your money back!

Great!

…No surprises … Bit boring: like unwrapping a present you wrapped up yourself.

My cat has the features of any normal feline; paws, claws, teeth, head, whiskers and tail. She was chosen from the litter, because she was a cream kitten. We wanted a whitish cat but then she developed brown patches. Obviously she's Siamese with something else thrown in and has bright blue eyes. Oh dear. Not what we hoped for. But that's her: 100% unique specimen – guaranteed limited edition and superstar. Some of her characteristics are acquired from living with us, others were inherited from her exotic father and well-travelled mother. Since birth, she continues to surprise us. Her daily silly antics make us cry with laughter and melt with affection. This is no bland soup. This is an exotic bouillabaisse, with a little pinch of ' je ne sais quio'.

I'm the owner of the perfect genetic mixture. Couldn't have ordered it better. Plus, as an added bonus, she was created by that well-known top scientist: Nature.

And no, she's not for sale!

PETS International Magazine issue 5.2004