Final answer:
Individuals can specify which organs and tissues they wish to donate when registering as a donor. Advances like in vitro organ growth and genetic modification aim to overcome transplant rejection risks. Consent and ethical considerations are pivotal in organ donation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, individuals can choose which organs and tissues they wish to donate. When you register as an organ donor, you have the option to specify the parts of your body you want to donate. You can choose to donate your heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, corneas, skin, bones, bone marrow, and connective tissues, among others.
However, it's important to note that the suitability of these donated organs and tissues will still be determined by medical professionals at the time of death, considering various factors like donor recipient compatibility and the condition of the organs.
Advances in transplantation technology are promising. The development of techniques to grow organs in vitro from an individual’s own harvested cells could eliminate the risk of rejection, and the genetic modification of animals like pigs for organ transplant is another area of research. Nonetheless, ethical considerations, such as informed consent and the legality of using tissues from donors, remain central to organ donation discussions.