Discuss three issues associated with the Human Genome Project and genetic testing that might have either ethical,
legal, or social implications in the future. What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: Answers will vary.
Background:ELSI
focused on several issues, including: 1) privacy and confidentiality of genetic
information;
2) fairness in the use of genetic information by insurers, employers, and others; 3)
discrimination caused by someone’s genetic status; and 4) use of genetic information in
reproductive decisions.
The attention given to these potential problems by ELSI and other forums helped formulate
and pass legislation about the use of genetic information. The GINA prevents health
insurance companies and employers from discriminating based on genetic information and
prohibits them from asking for or requiring a genetic test.
Although GINA represents a significant step forward, other issues remain unresolved. Should
genetic testing be done even if there is no treatment available? Should we test children for
diseases that will not develop until adulthood? Will patenting DNA sequences deter the open
development of products and make the costs of some genetic tests prohibitive?
The availability of exome sequencing raises many questions. If whole exome sequencing
reveals that you are at risk for developing heart disease, breast cancer, or diabetes, it may
influence you to adopt lifestyle strategies that can lower those risks. On the other hand, if
sequencing shows that you will develop a devastating and fatal disease in middle age, should
you inform your siblings, who may also be at risk for the disease? Should you have your
children tested to see if they will develop this disorder as adults?
You might also like to view...
Which of the following options lists the stages in cellular respiration in the correct order?
A) oxidative Phosphorylation, the citric acid cycle, and glycolosis B) The citric acid cycle, oxidative Phosphorylation, and glycolosis C) glycolosis, oxidative Phosphorylation, the citric acid cycle D) glycolosis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative Phosphorylation E) oxidative Phosphorylation, glycolosis, The citric acid cycle
_____ is the main technique for the early detection of breast cancer and involves taking an X-ray of the breasts.
A. Mastectomy B. Mammoplasty C. Mastopexy D. Mammograph
Some Creationists argue that while natural selection certainly can and does change the traits of species, 6,000 years is not long enough for it to have generated the diversity of life that we currently see. Biologists __________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Which of the following immunogens is MOST effective as a vaccine?
A) chemically inactivated bacteria B) dead virus C) live virus D) toxoid