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

Klug 12th Edition

Ch. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Problem 14

Chapter 22, Problem 14

Consider ethical issues associated with creating a synthetic human genome. Are there specific applications for a synthetic human genome that you support? Is creating a synthetic genome enhanced with genes for certain kinds of traits one of those applications?

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span>Step 1: Understand the concept of a synthetic human genome. A synthetic genome is an artificially constructed genome that can be used to study genetic functions and interactions.

span>Step 2: Consider the ethical implications. Creating a synthetic human genome raises ethical questions about the potential for misuse, such as eugenics or creating 'designer babies'.

span>Step 3: Evaluate potential applications. Synthetic genomes can be used for research purposes, such as understanding genetic diseases, developing new treatments, or studying human evolution.

span>Step 4: Reflect on the enhancement of traits. Consider the ethical and societal implications of enhancing human traits, such as intelligence or physical abilities, through genetic modification.

span>Step 5: Formulate a personal stance. Based on the ethical considerations and potential applications, decide whether you support the creation of synthetic human genomes and under what circumstances.

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Key Concepts

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

Synthetic Genomics

Synthetic genomics involves the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, or the redesign of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. This field allows scientists to create synthetic DNA sequences that can lead to the development of organisms with desired traits, raising both innovative possibilities and ethical concerns regarding their applications.

Ethical Considerations in Genetics

Ethical considerations in genetics encompass the moral implications of manipulating genetic material, particularly in humans. Issues such as consent, potential for eugenics, and the long-term effects on biodiversity and human identity are critical when discussing the creation of synthetic genomes, as they challenge our understanding of natural selection and human rights.

Trait Enhancement

Trait enhancement refers to the genetic modification aimed at improving specific characteristics in organisms, such as intelligence, physical abilities, or disease resistance. While this concept holds promise for addressing health issues, it also raises questions about equity, access, and the societal impact of creating 'designer' traits, which could lead to ethical dilemmas regarding what traits are deemed desirable.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Maternal blood tests for three pregnant women revealed they would be having boys, yet subsequent ultrasound images showed all three were pregnant with girls. In each case Y chromosome sequences in each mother's blood originated from transplanted organs they had received from men! This demonstrates one dramatic example of a limitation of genetic analysis of maternal blood samples. What kind of information could have been collected from each mother in advance of these tests to better inform physicians prior to performing each test?

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Textbook Question

What is the main purpose of genome-wide association studies (GWAS)? How can information from GWAS be used to inform scientists and physicians about genetic diseases?

Describe how the team from the J. Craig Venter Institute created a synthetic genome. How did the team demonstrate that the genome converted the recipient strain of bacteria into a different strain?

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Textbook Question

The family of a sixth-grade boy in Palo Alto, California, was informed by school administrators that he would have to transfer out of his middle school because they believed his mutation of the CFTR gene, which does not produce any symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis, posed a risk to other students at the school who have cystic fibrosis. After missing 11 days of school, a settlement was reached to have the boy return to school. What ethical problems might you associate with this example?

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Textbook Question

Dominant mutations can be categorized according to whether they increase or decrease the overall activity of a gene or gene product. Although a loss-of-function mutation (a mutation that inactivates the gene product) is usually recessive, for some genes, one dose of the normal gene product, encoded by the normal allele, is not sufficient to produce a normal phenotype. In this case, a loss-of-function mutation in the gene will be dominant, and the gene is said to be haploinsufficient. A second category of dominant mutation is the gain-of-function mutation, which results in a new activity or increased activity or expression of a gene or gene product. The gene therapy technique currently being used in clinical trials involves the 'addition' to somatic cells of a normal copy of a gene. In other words, a normal copy of the gene is inserted into the genome of the mutant somatic cell, but the mutated copy of the gene is not removed or replaced. Will this strategy work for either of the two aforementioned types of dominant mutations?

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Textbook Question

In 2013 the actress Angelina Jolie elected to have prophylactic double-mastectomy surgery to prevent breast cancer based on a positive test for mutation of the BRCA1 gene. What are some potential positive and negative consequences of this high-profile example of acting on the results of a genetic test?

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