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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 21
Chapter 22, Problem 21

Following the tragic shooting of 20 children at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Connecticut's state medical examiner requested a full genetic analysis of the killer's genome. What do you think investigators might be looking for? What might they expect to find? Might this analysis lead to an oversimplified analysis of the cause of the tragedy?

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Investigators might be looking for genetic markers or mutations associated with behavioral traits, such as aggression, impulsivity, or mental health disorders. These could include variations in genes related to neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin or dopamine pathways.
They might expect to find genetic variants that have been previously linked to psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression, which could potentially influence behavior. However, it is important to note that genetic predisposition does not guarantee specific behaviors.
Investigators would need to consider the complexity of gene-environment interactions. Genetic factors alone cannot fully explain behavior; environmental influences, upbringing, and life experiences play significant roles in shaping an individual's actions.
This analysis could lead to oversimplified conclusions if investigators focus solely on genetic factors without considering the broader context. For example, attributing the tragedy solely to genetic predisposition might ignore critical environmental or societal factors that contributed to the event.
It is essential to approach such analyses with caution and avoid stigmatizing individuals based on genetic findings. Genetic research should be used to better understand complex traits and behaviors, not to oversimplify or assign blame.

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Key Concepts

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

Genetic Analysis

Genetic analysis involves examining an individual's DNA to identify genetic variations that may influence behavior, health, or predisposition to certain conditions. In the context of criminal investigations, such analyses can help determine if there are hereditary factors that might contribute to violent behavior, although they cannot definitively explain actions.
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Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate explores the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human behavior. Investigators might consider how both genetic predispositions and life experiences shape an individual's actions, emphasizing that behavior is often a complex interplay of both elements.
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Oversimplification in Genetics

Oversimplification in genetics occurs when complex behaviors or events, such as violent actions, are attributed solely to genetic factors without considering environmental influences. This can lead to misleading conclusions about causality, as human behavior is influenced by a multitude of factors beyond just genetic makeup.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The National Institutes of Health created the Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) to increase transparency by publicly sharing information about the utility of their tests, research for the general public, patients, health-care workers, genetic counselors, insurance companies, and others. The Registry is intended to provide better information to patients, but companies involved in genetic testing are not required to participate. Should company participation be mandatory? Why or why not? Explain your answers.

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Textbook Question

Should the FDA regulate direct-to-consumer genetic tests, or should these tests be available as a 'buyer beware' product?

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Textbook Question

Would you have your genome sequenced, if the price was affordable? Why or why not? If you answered yes, would you make your genome sequence publicly available? How might such information be misused?

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Textbook Question

Private companies are offering personal DNA sequencing along with interpretation. What services do they offer? Do you think that these services should be regulated, and if so, in what way? Investigate one such company, 23andMe, at http://www.23andMe.com, before answering these questions.

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Textbook Question

Yeager, M., et al. [(2007) Nature Genetics 39:645–649] and Sladek, R., et al. [(2007) Nature 445:881–885] have used single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify novel risk loci for prostate cancer and Type 2 diabetes, respectively. Each study suggests that disease-risk genes can be identified that significantly contribute to the disease state. Given your understanding of such complex diseases, what would you determine as reasonable factors to consider when interpreting the results of GWAS?

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Textbook Question

In 2010, a U.S. District Judge ruled to invalidate Myriad Genetics' patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Judge Sweet noted that since the genes are part of the natural world, they are not patentable. Myriad Genetics also holds patents on the development of a direct-to-consumer test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Would you agree with the ruling to invalidate the patenting of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? If you were asked to judge the patenting of the direct-to-consumer test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, how would you rule?

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