In the near future one of those unexpected scientific discoveries take place enabling people to relatively cheaply and safely re-write their DNA and as a consequence change their physical form, how does society change? The process works by receiving ‘donor’ or ‘parent’ DNA from another person, this DNA then merges with the original subject persons DNA gradually reshaping their body into their new appearance. It works on a similar basis to how a mother and father have a child with a mix of their original DNA but with the ‘donor/parent’ DNA reshaping the receiving persons genetic code directly ie: if you are white and you receive donor DNA from a black person you will ultimately take on a mixed-race appearance.
The procedure is relatively cheap, about the price of a decent second-hand family car, ie about $5000
Depending on how close the donor and subject DNA is the transformation may take from a month or so to a couple of years, eg a petite woman receiving DNA from a large well-built man will take much longer to change than receiving DNA from someone of similar appearance and build
It is almost entirely safe, complications are exceedingly rare
If you receive DNA from a younger donor your physical age will be reduced, for legal and ethical reasons donor DNA younger than 17 years old is not available from registered clinics. You can go to a black-market clinic, but then all bets are off.
The process can be only carried out once every five years (or greatly increased risk of said complications if carried out sooner) and it is less effective each time, in respect of age reduction at least.
Receiving donor DNA from a particular person, such as a celebrity, will not turn you into their identical twin, but you will possibly look like their sister, cousin, or other close relative.
In general XX over-writes XY, so a male receiving female donor DNA will become female. Female to male changes are possible, but more complex, expensive, and take longer.
There is no going back to your original form, even if your original DNA is saved beforehand it will then merely act as ‘parent’ DNA for your new form.
Personally I imagine there would be something of a market for desirable DNA, such as from a very intelligent or attractive person, so they could register and copyright their DNA to sell at a premium. DNA from an olympic athelete would also be popular, it would not automatically confer super-fitness, but would provide the genetic potential to achieve it. What about the justice system, would it be ethical to force a large aggressive man convicted of physical violence to accept a DNA transfer from someone smaller, lighter and less aggressive? What about identification, all procedures from legitimate clinics would be recorded but what about black-market clinics and DNA?
Just a few ideas, I would be interested to hear what other people think or if you personally would use it?
Its almost 1 am and I’ve been up since 6 am yesterday morning so I’m sure I’ve missed something, please be gentle.