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Ch. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Klug - Concepts of Genetics 12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksKlug 12th EditionCh. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyProblem 7
Chapter 22, Problem 7

As genetic testing becomes widespread, medical records will contain the results of such testing. Who should have access to this information? Should employers, potential employers, or insurance companies be allowed to have this information? Would you favor or oppose having the government establish and maintain a central database containing the results of individuals' genome scans?

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1
Understand the ethical and privacy concerns associated with genetic testing results. Genetic information is sensitive and can reveal predispositions to diseases, traits, and other personal data.
Consider the implications of allowing access to genetic information for employers or insurance companies. Discuss how this could lead to discrimination, such as hiring biases or denial of coverage based on genetic predispositions.
Evaluate the pros and cons of a government-maintained central database for genome scans. Consider issues like data security, misuse of information, and potential benefits for public health research and disease prevention.
Explore existing laws and regulations, such as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which protects individuals from genetic discrimination in employment and health insurance in the United States.
Formulate a position based on ethical principles, societal impact, and legal frameworks. Consider advocating for strict privacy protections and limited access to genetic information to prevent misuse while enabling beneficial uses like medical research.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Genetic Privacy

Genetic privacy refers to the right of individuals to control access to their genetic information. As genetic testing becomes more common, concerns arise about who can access this sensitive data, including employers and insurance companies. Protecting genetic privacy is crucial to prevent discrimination and ensure that individuals are not unfairly treated based on their genetic predispositions.
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Ethical Implications of Genetic Testing

The ethical implications of genetic testing involve the moral considerations surrounding the use and potential misuse of genetic information. This includes issues of consent, the potential for discrimination, and the responsibilities of those who hold genetic data. Understanding these implications is essential for navigating the debate on access to genetic information.
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Regulatory Frameworks for Genetic Data

Regulatory frameworks for genetic data encompass the laws and guidelines that govern the collection, storage, and sharing of genetic information. These regulations aim to protect individuals' rights while balancing the interests of public health and research. Familiarity with these frameworks is necessary to evaluate proposals for government databases and the role of various stakeholders in managing genetic data.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

One of the major causes of sickness, death, and economic loss in the cattle industry is Mannheimia haemolytica, which causes bovine pasteurellosis, or shipping fever. Noninvasive delivery of a vaccine using transgenic plants expressing immunogens would reduce labor costs and trauma to livestock. An early step toward developing an edible vaccine is to determine whether an injected version of an antigen (usually a derivative of the pathogen) is capable of stimulating the development of antibodies in a test organism. The following table assesses the ability of a transgenic portion of a toxin (Lkt) of M. haemolytica to stimulate development of specific antibodies in rabbits.

With regards to development of a usable edible vaccine, what work remains to be done?

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Textbook Question

Sequencing the human genome, the development of microarray technology, and personal genomics promise to improve our understanding of normal and abnormal cell behavior. How are these approaches dramatically changing our understanding and treatment of complex diseases such as cancer?

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Textbook Question

A couple with European ancestry seeks genetic counseling before having children because of a history of cystic fibrosis (CF) in the husband's family. ASO testing for CF reveals that the husband is heterozygous for the Δ508 mutation and that the wife is heterozygous for the R117 mutation. You are the couple's genetic counselor. When consulting with you, they express their conviction that they are not at risk for having an affected child because they each carry different mutations and cannot have a child who is homozygous for either mutation. What would you say to them?

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Textbook Question

Might it make sense someday to sequence every newborn's genome at the time of birth? What are the potential advantages and concerns of this approach?

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Textbook Question

Which of the examples of genetic testing below are prognostic tests? Which are diagnostic?

Individual sequencing (personal genomics) identifies a mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease.

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Textbook Question

Which of the examples of genetic testing below are prognostic tests? Which are diagnostic?

ASO testing determines that an individual is a carrier for the mutant β-globin allele (βˢ) found in sickle-cell anemia.

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