Chimeras – UPSC Prelims

Chimeras are organisms that are made up of the cells of two distinct species.

For instance, if this hybrid embryo is placed in the womb of a monkey, it could possibly grow into a new kind of animal.

Research: Scientists have injected human stem cells(cells that have the ability to develop into many different body tissues) into the macaque monkey embryos. This integration created a chimeric tool.

Advancing current understanding about early human development,

Understanding disease onset and progression

Drug evaluation and

Also, it can address the critical need for organ transplantation.

Moral Dilemma: Humans are widely thought to have a higher moral status than other animals. But human-animal chimeras blur this line. These Chimeras are not fully human nor fully non-human.

Survival Issues: Some rare hybrid animals exist naturally probably as a result of unintentional cross-breeding between animals of different species.

However, generally different species don’t cross-breed. But if they do, their offspring don’t survive for long and are prone to infertility.

Issue of Infertility: Mules are an example of a hybrid animal that is the result of mating between a female horse and a male donkey.

Mules can live a long healthy life. But they are infertile which means that they cannot have offspring of their own.

Injustice Against Animals for Human Needs: Chimera research has the potential to worsen injustice against animals as it is being done to meet human needs.