Germline Editing

Germline editing involves modifying the genes in reproductive cells—like eggs or sperm—or early embryos. These changes are heritable, meaning they can be passed down to future generations. The goal is often to correct genetic disorders or improve health, but it raises ethical concerns because it permanently alters human genetics. Techniques like CRISPR allow precise editing of DNA sequences, making germline editing technically feasible. However, it remains controversial due to potential unintended effects and ethical implications of altering human heredity.