Genetics and Disease Risk Chapter 11

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary intended purpose of cloning pigs in the context of human medicine?

To study pig behavior.

To create genetically modified pigs for food.

To develop a source of organs for transplantation. (correct)

To understand pig genetics.

Which of the following is a concern raised by animal rights proponents regarding animal cloning?

Cloning can lead to extinction of species.

Animal cloning significantly improves livestock efficiency.

Animals should not be subjected to experiments for human benefit. (correct)

Animal cells are incapable of human integration.

What percentage of clones born alive are affected by 'large-offspring syndrome'?

20%

40%

30% (correct)

10%

What complication commonly causes the oversized offspring seen in cloned animals?

Deactivation of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an ethical concern related to human cloning?

Cloning could lead to human extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue that researchers face with current reproductive cloning techniques?

Understanding the processes involved in cloning well enough for success. Signup and view all the answers

What condition have many cloned animals, such as Dolly the sheep, suffered from post-cloning?

Prematurely dying from infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of cloning poses a major challenge when considering its application to humans?

The unclear impact on mental development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of predictive genetic testing?

To identify potential hereditary diseases in individuals Signup and view all the answers

How many genes are estimated to be present in the human genome according to the findings of the Human Genome Project?

Around 20,000 to 25,000 genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of carrier testing?

To determine if individuals carry harmful genes for offspring Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used in prenatal testing to identify genetic disorders?

Ultrasound for detecting fetal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What was a major surprise from the Human Genome Project regarding the number of genes?

Humans have significantly fewer genes than expected Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic condition is mentioned as an example for predictive genetic testing?

Huntington's disease Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the Human Genome Project actually complete its mapping of the human genome?

2000 Signup and view all the answers

What does each gene in the human genome primarily hold the formula for?

Producing enzymes or proteins Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma could arise from cloning a child to resemble one parent after a divorce?

The non-custodial parent might feel resentment towards the child. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method used in gene therapy?

Inserting a normally functioning gene into affected cells. Signup and view all the answers

How can gene therapy be applied in utero?

By administering medication to the mother. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence if gene therapy is only available to the wealthy?

It may create a gap in health outcomes between classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a condition that may be treated with somatic gene therapy?

Adenosine deaminase deficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary modification can help manage phenylketonuria?

Special diets eliminating toxic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What social impact might arise from the cloning of humans?

Cloning may only be accessible to affluent families. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is associated with using folic acid in gene therapy?

It reduces homocysteine levels in certain gene carriers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctrine of parens patriae allow the state to do?

Override parental decisions in the child's best interest Signup and view all the answers

Which law does NOT pertain to adoptive parents and their children?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may physicians legally withhold treatment from severely disabled newborns?

If treatment is deemed futile and the parents agree Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason mothers might abandon their infants shortly after birth?

Fear or desperation Signup and view all the answers

How do safe haven laws provide protection to parents who abandon their newborns?

They provide specified safe locations and prevent legal prosecution Signup and view all the answers

What legal rights do newborns have in the context of citizenship?

Same rights as any other American citizen Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of the increase in infant abandonment stories?

Enactment of safe haven laws in all states Signup and view all the answers

Which situation allows parents to withhold treatment from their severely disabled newborns?

If treatment would cause undue suffering Signup and view all the answers

What causes genetic diseases?

Mutations in DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is an example of a single-gene mutation disease?

Sickle cell anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genetic counselors?

To explain test results to patients Signup and view all the answers

Which act was passed to protect individuals from genetic discrimination?

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) Signup and view all the answers

What may trigger genetic diseases involving multiple genes?

Environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a condition caused by chromosomal abnormalities?

Down syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What legal protection does HIPAA provide concerning genetic information?

Preventing coverage denial based on genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Why do individuals fear participating in genetic research or testing?

Concerns about genetic discrimination Signup and view all the answers

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect against in relation to genetic discrimination?

Discrimination based on genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential use of genetic engineering?

Transferring genes to enhance crop resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of gene cloning?

To produce exact copies of specific segments of DNA Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the process of cloning?

Asexual reproduction from a single ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Under the ADA, which factor does not justify denial of insurance?

Having a disability that does not pose increased risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes genetic engineering?

A process involving altering DNA for beneficial traits Signup and view all the answers

What is one main reason for cloning genes?

To gain information about their nucleotide sequences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes is NOT associated with genetic engineering?

Generating a complete cure for hereditary genetic diseases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 11 Objectives

LO 11.1: Discuss family history as a predictor of disease risk.
LO 11.2: Identify appropriate uses for DNA testing, and explain how such tests might lead to genetic discrimination.
LO 11.3: Define genetic engineering and explain why cloning and stem cell research are controversial.
LO 11.4: Explain three possible remedies for couples experiencing infertility problems.
LO 11.5: List those laws affecting healthcare that pertain especially to children's rights.

Vocabulary

Heredity: The process by which genetic traits are passed from ancestors to offspring.
Genetics: The science that accounts for differences and resemblances among people and other organisms related by descent.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): Makes up chromosomes and contains the genetic code for building proteins.

Figure 11.1 Description

Cell nucleus: Contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Chromosomes: Structures containing DNA.
Genes: Segments of DNA that hold the formula for making specific enzymes or proteins.
Bases: Building blocks of DNA.
DNA strand: The double helix structure of DNA.

DNA

The relationship between DNA inherited from ancestors and diseases is scientifically proven.
Family history is a strong risk factor for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and psychiatric illnesses.
Cultural and socioeconomic experiences from family can influence the risk for health problems.
Humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

DNA Testing

Predictive testing: Used to determine if genes associated with hereditary diseases are present.
Carrier testing: Determines if individuals carry harmful genes that could be passed to offspring.

More Testing

Prenatal testing: Used to identify genetic disorders in the fetus (e.g., ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling).
Preimplantation testing: Looks for harmful genes in embryos before implantation.

More Testing (continued)

Forensic testing: Used in law enforcement to identify suspects or victims.
Tracing lineage: Used to determine relationships within families.
Newborn screening: Screens for treatable genetic conditions.
Diagnostic testing: Confirms or rules out genetic diseases.
Medical treatment determination: Determines effectiveness and dosage of medications.

Genetic Disease

Mutations in DNA, either involving one or multiple genes, often cause genetic diseases.
Environmental factors can trigger certain genetic diseases.
Abnormalities in chromosomes can also cause genetic diseases (e.g., Down syndrome).

Genetic Discrimination

Increased ability to identify genetic differences raises concerns about the proper use of this information.
There's fear of discrimination based on genetic information for research, testing, or insurance purposes.
Laws like GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) aim to prevent discrimination.
HIPAA prevents health insurers from denying coverage based on genetic information (but only for moving between plans).

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering: The process of changing DNA to transfer desirable characteristics to different species.
Engineering has been used to improve crops (better resistance to disease and climate), creating new bacteria and animals, etc.

Cloning

Cloning creates a genetic replica of a cell, tissue, or organism.
Gene cloning: Producing exact copies of DNA segments (genes).
Therapeutic cloning: Producing embryonic stem cells for repairing injured tissue.
Reproductive cloning: Producing copies of entire animals.

Cloning (continued)

Cloning mammals faces challenges with success rate and health issues in cloned offspring.
Ethical concerns regarding the use of reproductive cloning exist, including the potential for misuse.

Exceptions to the Rule

Cloning genetically modified animals has objectives in medicine and agriculture.
Ethical concerns and animal rights objections are raised due to the use of non-human animals in these situations.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy: Inserting a normally functioning gene to correct genetic diseases.
It's similar to therapy for other disorders (special diets, vitamins, etc.).
It can involve replacing deficiencies, blocking overactive pathways, or using cellular or organ transplantation.

Gene Therapy (Continued)

Germ-line gene therapy is controversial due to ethical, research, and cost concerns.

Infertility

Infertility affects a significant portion of couples, with several treatment options.
In vitro fertilization: Combining sperm and egg outside the body for fertilization and implantation.
Artificial insemination: Injecting sperm into the vagina, depending on the sperm's viability.
Surrogacy: A surrogate mother carries the embryo to term for another couple.

Surrogate/Adoption

Surrogate mother: Carries a child to term for another couple (gestational or traditional).
Adoption: A process for parents to legally adopt a child.

Children's Rights

Common law grants parents significant decisions about their minor children's health care.
Legal guidelines exist that can allow the state to act as parental authority for abused or neglected children.
Laws regarding newborns with disabilities define circumstances where treatment can be refused.

Abandonment

Safe Haven laws allow parents to abandon a newborn but must abide by the specified time frame and location.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the objectives of Chapter 11 focusing on the relationship between family history and disease risk, the uses of DNA testing, and the implications of genetic engineering. Learn about infertility remedies and the laws affecting healthcare in relation to children's rights. This quiz will test your understanding of genetic concepts and their ethical considerations.