BIOL 2329 Quiz on Modules 1 & 2 PDF

Module 1: Bioethical Analysis - Understand What Normative Ethics Is and Why We Use It ○ Normative Ethics: involves the study of ethical action and defines how individuals ought to act based on moral principles. ○ Purpose: provides a framework for evaluating...

Module 1: Bioethical Analysis - Understand What Normative Ethics Is and Why We Use It ○ Normative Ethics: involves the study of ethical action and defines how individuals ought to act based on moral principles. ○ Purpose: provides a framework for evaluating actions as right or wrong, guiding decision-making in complex moral dilemmas. Normative ethics helps establish standards that inform laws, policies, and personal behavior. - Identify Examples of Conversation Stoppers ○ Ad Hominem Attacks: discrediting the person rather than addressing the argument. ○ Appeals to Authority: relying solely on authority figures instead of engaging in critical analysis. ○ False Dilemmas: presenting only two options when more exist. ○ Defensive Postures: refusal to engage in discussion due to perceived personal attacks or misunderstandings. - Evaluate the Principles That Guide Bioethicists ○ Respect for Autonomy: acknowledging the right of individuals to make their own decisions. ○ Beneficence: obligation to act in the best interest of others, promoting well-being. ○ Non-Maleficence: duty to avoid harm to others, ensuring that actions do not cause undue risk. ○ Justice: fair distribution of benefits and burdens, ensuring equity in access to healthcare and resources. - Establish a Process of Thought for Bioethical Decision Making ○ Identify the Ethical Issue: clarify the central ethical dilemma that requires analysis, ensuring a focused examination of the problem. ○ Determine the Facts: gather relevant and accurate information about the situation, including the context and key details that inform the ethical issue. ○ Evaluate Applications: assess current and potential applications of the technology or decision, considering both immediate and long-term implications. ○ Analyze Ethical Principles: identify which ethical principles, rules, and values are pertinent to the issue at hand, analyzing how they interact and influence potential decisions. ○ Consider Modifications: explore potential adjustments or alternatives that can be implemented after the technology is released, ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into practice. ○ Assess Potential Impacts: identify stakeholders affected by the decision and evaluate intrinsic concerns (personal values) and extrinsic concerns (societal impacts), analyzing how the decision may impact different groups. - Analyze Our Lenses and Biases ○ Self-Reflection: acknowledge personal experiences, beliefs, and values that shape perspectives.  ○ Recognize Biases: identify how biases might influence interpretations of ethical issues and decisions. - Define and Apply Key Terms in Ethical Analysis and Policy Development ○ Innovation Presumption: assumption that technological innovations are inherently beneficial. ○ Stakeholders: individuals or groups with vested interest in the outcomes of a decision, including patients, researchers, policymakers, and community members. ○ Types of Values: ethical, economic, social, and environmental values that can influence decision-making. ○ Intrinsic Concerns: issues fundamentally related to an individual's personal values and ethical principles, reflecting internal moral frameworks that guide judgment and behavior; they emphasize the inherent worth of actions independent of external consequences. ○ Extrinsic Concerns: pertain to the societal, cultural, or environmental implications of actions, highlighting consequences that affect communities and ecosystems; they underscore the importance of considering the common good in ethical deliberations. ○ Common Concerns Related to Technology Development: Justice: fair access and treatment. Autonomy: respecting individuals' rights to make informed choices. EHS (Environmental Health and Safety): impacts of technology on public health and the environment. Hubris: overconfidence in technological capabilities without considering risks. Respect for Nature: acknowledging and valuing natural ecosystems. - Describe Major Ethical Theories and Apply Them to Emerging Biological Research Applications ○ Consequentialism (Utilitarianism): asserts that the morality of an action is determined solely by its outcomes or consequences; the best action maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of individuals, quantified in terms of utility. In evaluating genome editing technologies, this framework examines the potential health benefits and risks to populations, determining if the positive outcomes, such as disease eradication, outweigh any adverse effects on individuals or communities. ○ Deontology: posits that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences; emphasizes adherence to moral duties and rules, often grounded in principles such as justice, rights, and respect for individuals. In evaluating technologies, this framework examines the morality of informed consent in clinical trials and evaluates whether researchers fulfill their ethical duty to ensure participants are fully aware of risks and benefits, regardless of the potential positive outcomes of the research. ○ Virtue Ethics: emphasizes character's role and virtues in ethical behavior, positing that ethical actions stem from virtuous traits, such as honesty, courage, and integrity, cultivated through practice and habituation as well as positing that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences; emphasizes adherence to  moral duties and rules, often grounded in principles such as justice, rights, and respect for individuals. Analyzing the integrity and moral character of researchers in gene editing technologies involves evaluating how their personal virtues influence ethical decision-making and the responsible conduct of research. ○ Care Ethics: prioritizes interpersonal relationships and the importance of empathy, compassion, and care in moral decision-making; challenges traditional ethical theories by emphasizing the contextual and relational aspects of ethical issues, particularly in the healthcare domain. Considering the implications of bioethical decisions on patient care and community well-being involves assessing how those decisions foster or hinder relationships, trust, and support among patients, families, and healthcare providers. - Correctly Apply Power, Form of Life, & Life Cycle Analyses to Emerging Biological Research Applications ○ Power Analysis: involves examining who holds decision-making power in ethical discussions, assessing implications for various stakeholders and ensuring that marginalized voices are considered in the decision-making process. ○ Form of Life: helps understand how specific technologies impact societal norms and ways of living, prompting reflection on how these technologies alter human relationships and interactions. ○ Life Cycle Analysis: evaluates environmental and social impacts of a technology throughout its entire lifecycle, from development to disposal, highlighting areas for improvement in sustainability and ethical responsibility. - Recognize Personal Identities, Experiences, and Perspectives That May Influence Your View and Analysis of Particular Technologies ○ Awareness of Diversity: recognizing that factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background shape diverse perspectives on bioethics, which can influence ethical analyses and decisions. ○ Reflecting on Experiences: consider how personal experiences with health, technology, or policy may bias analysis, shaping one’s understanding of ethical issues and potential solutions. - Review Class Activity: “Ethics of Deliberate Extinction”: This activity analyzed the ethical implications of using advanced biotechnologies, such as gene drive technology and CRISPR, alongside traditional population control methods to manage invasive species and restore ecological balance. Discussions highlighted concerns about the ecological impact of gene drives, including potential loss of biodiversity and irreversible changes to ecosystems. The importance of stakeholder involvement was emphasized, alongside ethical considerations regarding the moral status of altered species. While CRISPR technology is celebrated for its precision, it also carries risks of off-target mutations and necessitates transparent public engagement to ensure ethical usage. Traditional methods, like trapping and toxins, prompt questions about humaneness and long-term sustainability. Ethical frameworks,  including consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, and care ethics, provide diverse perspectives on these interventions, advocating for a balanced approach that considers the complexities of ecosystems. Ongoing research and active stakeholder engagement are essential to guide ethical ecological management strategies effectively. Module 2: Genome Editing - Define CRISPR/Cas9 ○ CRISPR/Cas9 is a genome-editing technology adapted from the natural immune defense mechanism of bacteria, which employs RNA sequences to identify and combat invading viruses. The system comprises guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 protein. The gRNA is specifically engineered to match a target DNA sequence within an organism’s genome, ensuring precise targeting, and the Cas9 protein acts as an endonuclease that introduces double-strand breaks at this target site. Once the DNA is cleaved, the cell's DNA repair mechanisms can be activated, leadings to various outcomes. This break activates the cell's DNA repair processes, such as non-homologous end joining or homology-directed repair, enabling precise modifications to the genetic material, including insertions, deletions, or replacements. Researchers can exploit these repair processes to introduce specific modifications to the genetic material, such as inserting new sequences, deleting existing ones, or replacing faulty genes with functional ones. - Examine the History and Applications of CRISPR ○ CRISPR was first discovered in the late 1980s as part of a bacterial immune response to bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). Its potential as a genome-editing tool was recognized in the early 2010s, leading to widespread interest and application in multiple fields. ○ Agriculture: create genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, enhancing food security. ○ Medicine: correct genetic disorders by directly editing defective genes, with potential applications in treating conditions like sickle cell disease and muscular dystrophy. ○ Biological Research: model diseases, and explore complex biological systems in functional genomics. - Outline the Molecular Components and Mechanisms for CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing ○ Components: Guide RNA (gRNA): short synthetic RNA that is complementary to the target DNA sequence; directs the Cas9 protein to the correct location in the genome. Cas9 Protein: endonuclease enzyme that creates a double-strand break in the DNA at the target site specified by the gRNA. ○ Mechanism: researchers can exploit these repair processes to introduce specific modifications to the genetic material, such as inserting new sequences, deleting existing ones, or replacing faulty genes with functional ones. - Define On-Target and Off-Target Effects of CRISPR/Cas Editing Systems  ○ On-Target Effects: desired genetic modifications made at the intended target site in the genome, which lead to specific changes in gene function or expression. ○ Off-Target Effects: unintended modifications at non-target sites, potentially leading to unintended genetic changes that could disrupt normal cellular functions or result in harmful side effects. - Compare and Contrast CRISPR/Cas9, Base Editing, and Prime Editing Systems ○ CRISPR/Cas9: introduces double-strand breaks in DNA, which can lead to insertions or deletions through the cell's repair processes; it is versatile but can result in off-target effects. ○ Base Editing: allows for precise editing of single nucleotides without inducing double-strand breaks; it uses a modified Cas9 and a deaminase enzyme to convert one DNA base into another, reducing the risk of unwanted mutations. ○ Prime Editing: allows for targeted insertions and deletions with fewer errors; it uses a fusion protein that includes a modified Cas9 and a reverse transcriptase, enabling more precise modifications without the risks associated with double-strand breaks or off-target effects. - Describe the Biological Mechanism and Current Applications of Gene Drive Technology in Insect Vectors of Disease ○ Gene drive technology involves engineering organisms so that a particular genetic trait is preferentially passed on to nearly all offspring, rapidly spreading through a population. This is typically achieved by inserting a gene drive element that enhances the likelihood of inheritance. ○ Current applications focus on controlling disease vectors, particularly mosquitoes, to combat diseases like malaria and dengue fever. For example, gene drives can be engineered to spread genes that render populations sterile or resistant to pathogens, thereby reducing disease transmission rates. - Identify Ethical Concerns of Gene Drive and Consider how the Application of the Commitments Described by Kanya Long and Colleagues to Gene Drive Field Trials might Address some of those Concerns ○ Key concerns include potential ecological impacts, such as the risk of unintended consequences on non-target species, the possibility of irreversible changes to ecosystems, and the moral implications of altering the genetic makeup of wild populations. ○ Kanya Long and Colleagues proposed a framework for addressing ethical concerns related to gene drive technologies, emphasizing five core commitments: transparency, inclusive engagement, social justice, precaution, and long-term monitoring and evaluation. Transparency: aims to foster public trust and informed consent by ensuring open communication about the purpose, methods, and potential impacts of gene drives.  Inclusive Engagement: advocate for the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including local communities and marginalized groups, to ensure that varied perspectives and values are considered in decision-making. Social Justice: by promoting equitable distribution of benefits and risks, the framework addresses potential inequities that could arise from gene drive deployment. Precaution: encourages thorough risk assessments to mitigate unintended ecological consequences before field trials commence. Long-term Monitoring: establishing systems for long-term monitoring allows for adaptive management in response to unforeseen outcomes, ensuring ongoing accountability and ethical stewardship. - Differentiate Somatic and Germline Editing ○ Somatic Editing: targets non-reproductive cells, meaning that any changes made are not passed on to future generations; it is primarily used for treating diseases in individuals. ○ Germline Editing: modifies reproductive cells (sperm, eggs, or embryos), resulting in heritable changes that can be passed down to subsequent generations; while it has the potential to eliminate genetic disorders, it raises significant ethical and societal concerns regarding consent and the long-term effects on the human gene pool. ○ - Compare Ethical Concerns for Genome Editing in Humans ○ Research Context: ethical concerns focus on informed consent, ensuring participants fully understand the risks and benefits of gene editing; there are also concerns about potential discrimination against individuals with genetic conditions and the long-term health impacts that may arise from experimental treatments. ○ Clinical Context: ethical considerations involve weighing the benefits of innovative treatments against the risks of unforeseen consequences, particularly concerning heritable changes; the implications of altering the human genome raise questions about societal norms, equity in access to therapies, and the potential for unintended societal consequences. - Discuss the Challenges in Crafting Genome Editing Policies Internationally ○ Ethics Dumping: refers to the practice of conducting research or trials in countries with less stringent regulations, raising ethical concerns about exploitation and the protection of vulnerable populations. ○ Global Citizen Input: refers to the need for inclusive dialogue that incorporates diverse perspectives in the policy-making process; engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and community members, is essential for crafting policies that reflect societal values and address global concerns. - The Precautionary Approach ○ Advocates for careful consideration and thorough review before implementing new technologies with the potential for significant risks; it emphasizes the importance of preventing harm rather than waiting for proof of damage. ○ Key Questions:  Are there known intolerable risks associated with the technology? Do the potential benefits significantly address critical problems facing society? Could safer or more effective alternatives exist that would mitigate the associated risks? - Class Activity: “Gene Drives” ○ This activity explored the ecological consequences of gene drives, emphasizing their potential to alter ecosystems significantly. Discussions included off-target mutations, which are unintended changes in the genome that could affect non-target species, raising concerns about biodiversity loss. W analyzed the effects of gene drives on our form of life, examining how modifications to one species could have cascading impacts on food webs and ecological interactions. Additionally, the activity delved into intrinsic concerns related to the moral status of altered organisms and extrinsic concerns regarding societal implications, such as potential inequities in access to gene drive technologies and the responsibilities of developers to ensure environmental and ethical accountability. - Class Activity: “CRISPR Gene Editing for SCD” ○ This activity critically assessed the justification for the FDA's approval of therapies like CasgevyTM for treating Sickle Cell Disease using CRISPR technology. We discussed the ethical considerations surrounding the approval process, including the balancing of potential benefits against risks, the sufficiency of patient consent, and the importance of long-term monitoring for safety and efficacy. The dialogue also highlighted the societal implications of introducing gene editing therapies, such as access disparities and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks - Class Activity: “Prenatal Gene Editing” ○ This activity examined the ethical implications of genetically modifying babies through prenatal gene editing. We discussed scenarios that might justify such interventions, focusing on preventing severe genetic disorders and improving quality of life. The discussion extended to using CRISPR to correct disease-causing mutations after birth without causing heritable changes, analyzing the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of this approach. We considered which diseases might be appropriate for such interventions, emphasizing conditions that cause significant morbidity or mortality while weighing the implications for parental choice, societal norms, and potential long-term effects on the human gene pool.