please I have to post it now This is a disscussion questions, please answer all
ID: 258816 • Letter: P
Question
please I have to post it now
This is a disscussion questions, please answer all of these..
Suppose a genetic disease runs in your family. Scientists have just identified the gene responsible for the disease and have developed a way to test for it.
1. Would you have the test done to see whether you carry that gene?
2. Consider both the advantages and disadvantages of having this information.
3. Describe how the treatment for serious diseases will improve as a result of information from the human genome project. For example, think about how drug therapy might improve and how gene therapy could be used. Drugs could be developed to target a specific disease, and possibly the genes could be modified.
4. Why do you think some people are opposed to the human genome project? Explain why.
Explanation / Answer
1. A specific mutation in genes, chromosomes, or proteins; in form of changes during inheritance, may be neutral (with no effect), beneficial or harmful. These inherited changes, may be detected by genetic testing. Inherited alteration in a person’s genome may be potentially harmful, when they may be factor for diseases running in a family.
In such cases, genetic testing may be applied to detect DNA, RNA, or protein of an individual, to observe and analyse:
1. Genetic mutation,2. genotypes related to the disease, 3. phenotypic alterations, 4. karyotypes.
Example: Considering an autosomal dominant genetic disease, which is caused by mutation in a single copy of gene form a parent in a family. This disease is referred to as e FAD or early onset of Familial Alzheimer Disease.
If genetic testing is done (even when the individual is asymptomatic), it will help in detection of the presence of
e FAD gene, how it may affect in near future, weather the defect will be present in the progeny.
Thus,
a. To contribute to the progression of genetic medicine
b. Its prospect in revealing the future scope of a disease that may occur,
c. Their possible prevention (if other factors, like diet, medications, environment) can reduce the occurrence or severity of the disease,
d. To determine the treatment that is possible,
I would prefer the test to be done.
2. Advantages
1. The presence of an inherited defect, causing a disease at a certain age or in future, may be detected early.
2. Take a clinical point of view regarding the seriousness or effect of the disease, like in case of cancerous genes.
3. Further tests and diagnoses to performed and initiate early treatment of the disease. This may also help in early trials of the medications, interactions and side effects of drugs, hypersensitivity analysis).
4. To be mentally (to cope with the symptoms and treatment) and practically (like insurance for the family, will etc.).
5. To know the heritability prospect of the disease in progeny. This will help them to decide regarding marriage or family planning.
6. Some disease may be further affected due to other factors, like environment, diet, other medications. Those complications may be avoided.
Disadvantages
The problems are:
1. Since, the testing is based on predictive diagnoses, there may be question in its practical aspect, regarding the real prospect of the disease in future.
2. The test, diagnoses, treatment plan may change in future (during the disease occurrence), due to new research, methodologies, scientific progress. This will make the early genetic detection almost useless.
3. The emotional condition of the individual may alter after knowing about the future prospect of a disease (which might not occur, due to a condition). This may lead to depression, anxiety disorder, other mental and psychiatric conditions, affecting the normal life.
4. Family support or interactions may decrease after knowledge of a disease, in an individual.
3. The Human Genome Project (HGP), was initiated to know the genetic makeup of human genome. It initially involved mapping. Human genome project was further implemented for genetic testing.
The prospect in genetic testing by implementing information from HGP, to treat serious illness are:
1. The analytic information from HGP regarding DNA, RNA, or proteins, help in determining the environmental factors, lifestyle, diet, medications needed for an individual for better treatment of a disease. Example, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, certain heart diseases, may be heritable. These diseases could be effectively treated by altering other factors affecting the disease condition. Like following healthy or required diet, exercises, avoiding smoking, alcohol.
2. HGP also aid in research related to pharmacogenomics or pharmacogenetics. A concept of “one fits for all” is followed while prescribing drugs. But, the fate of the drug inside a body, is also guided by the genetic makeup of the individual.
Example, the correct chemotherapy doses may be analyzed for a childhood leukemia patient.
3. Molecular medicine may also be created by researchers. This may be done by augmentation or replacement of the defective gene(s), creating new therapeutic agent or immunotherapeutic methods for treatment of diseases (especially cancer).
4. The major reasons for unacceptance of HGP are related to emotional, social, ethical or financial aspects.
Some of the reasons are:
1. The test may create anxiety in the individual to be tested ad family members, during conducting or after detection.
2. The limitations of the test may not assure the future occurrence of the disease or degree of severity of the disease.
3. Some people are concerned about the privacy of the information obtained. Example, testing of fetus or infants may pose disadvantages in future life. Thus, informed consent, should be deduced before conducting the tests.
4. Social acceptance among family, friends, and work environment may alter after the tests, causing emotional, and other stress factors.
5. The tests might be costly and use up the insurance, causing financial crisis.
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