When Does Human Life Begin?
Recently, there has been a heated debate on when does human life starts. Some people believe that life begins at fertilization, while others believe that life begins at inception. To determine when human life starts, valid scientific information is crucial. Such information includes the distinction between two cells. A cell may be different from another in terms of molecular composition or cell behavior (Condic,2014). According to Condic (2014), for a new life to be formed, a cell that is different from the initial one must be developed. For instance, a human sperm cell (initial) and ovum(initial) fuse to form a one-cell embryo or zygote (new cell). The zygote formed is distinct in molecular composition from the sperm and ovum cells.
Homeostasis refers to the process through which the body maintains the internal body environment constant. Body temperature, sugar level, and ionic contents need to be kept at s specific range. The reproductive system does not actively participate in the homeostasis process. However, it has a system of maintaining its environment constant. For instance, sperms cells are manufactured in a specific range of temperatures (35-37 degrees). When the body temperature is high, the testicles hang in the scrotum. When the external temperature is low, the testicles move closer to the body. The failure of this homeostasis mechanism can affect the number of spermatozoa manufactured.
The genetic composition of parents controls inheritance in living organisms. The genotype determines the offspring’s physical appearance while the alleles of the parents influence the genotype. Alleles may be homozygous or heterozygous and are found on either sex chromosomes or autosomal chromosomes. During fertilization, the alleles from parents combine to form pairs. These pairs carry both phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Therefore, offsprings inherit both phenotypic and genotypic traits from their parents (Miko,2008)) Phenotypic traits include height and complexion, while genotype refers to the genetic materials.
Inheritance pattern plays a role in when human life starts. Scientifically, life begins during fertilization when the sperm cell combines with the egg to form a zygote. Notably, the sperm cell and egg(ovum) carry distinct genotypic and phenotypic characteristics (Miko,2008) Therefore, they determine the traits of the zygote formed. When life begins, the offspring inherits both physical and genetic composition from the parents.
I find the article written by Condic on when life begins reliable since it is based on valid scientific research. The report does not rely on philosophical and religious beliefs. Her argument starts with the basic concept of the fusion of egg and sperm cells. Articles written by medical specialists are also biased. This is because although one is a specialist in a particular field, writing can be influenced by one’s religion and belief.
The article by Miko on the genotype-phenotype relationship is credible. This is because the process of inheritance of genotypic and phenotypic traits are scientifically explained. The author does not seem to sway by any religious beliefs on her analysis.
Condic articles present information on scientific perspectives without leaning on any bias. Throughout the argument, no element of bias towards her religion or belief is seen. Further, scientific concepts such as the process of fertilization are relied on in concluding the argument. However, the author does not contest the philosophical and religious stand on the topic.
References
Condic M., (2014.June 11). A Scientific View of When Life Begins, https://lozierinstitute.org/a-scientific-view-of-when-life-begins/
Miko I. (2008). Genotype Dominance: Genotype-Phenotype Relationship, www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetic-dominance-genotype-phenotype-relationships-489/