By: Lou Ann Witte Medina Valley Middle School [email protected] Genetic Testing.

By: Lou Ann WitteMedina Valley Middle

School

[email protected]

Genetic Testing

What is Genetic Testing?Genetic testing examines genetic

materials to find gene mutations

Direct examination of DNA molecule detects genetic disorders

A DNA sample can be obtained from any tissue

Topic Web

Genetic Testing

Laws

Ethics

Cost

Genetic Counseling

Human Genome Project

Genetic Engineering

Social Issues

Prenatal Gene

Therapy

Genetic Ancestry

Genetic Tests Used for:Carrier Screening – identifying unaffected

individuals who carry one copy of a gene for a disease

Screens genetic flaws among embryos used in in vitro fertilization

Prenatal diagnostic testing

Newborn screening

GT Uses continued:Presymptomatic testing for

predicting adult-onset disorders

Confirmation of diagnosis for symptomatic individuals

Forensic/identity testing

Inside Cells Cells – working units of every

living system Cell Nucleus – contains chromosomes Chromosomes – 23 pairs in humans which are

made up of DNA DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) -

instructions needed to direct all activities

Genes – a section of DNA that is coded for a specific trait

Inside a Cell

DNA (Chromosomes)

NUCLEUS

DNA DNA base

pairs – A pairs with T G pairs with C

YouTube - Genetics 101 Part 1: What are genes?

Gene – a section of DNA

GENE

23 pairs of Chromosomes

The Human Genome Project mapped every gene on these chromosomes. There are 20,000-25,000 genes on the chromosomes.

HUMAN GENOME PROJECT13 year project by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and

National Institutes of HealthGoals:

Identify 20,000 – 25,000 genes in the human DNA

Store information in genome databasesImprove tools for data analysisTransfer technology to private sectorAddress ethical, legal and social issues that

arise from the project

Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing

Predictive tests will not give a yes/no answerGenetic tests can not guarantee

the disease will developCannot predict how severely the person

carrying the gene will be affectedMany diseases are the result of interaction

between genes and environmentNegative test results may decrease your

quality of life

Pros and Cons continued:

Genetic testing is expensive – insurance doesn’t cover most tests

Validity of tests questioned because of the margin of error associated with tests

Normal test may lull you into a false sense of security

Tests may reveal you are susceptible to heart disease so you make changes to your lifestyle

Helps new parents make decisions about birth of child with special needs

More Pros and ConsAn innocent person could be

convicted of a crime because of inaccurate DNA testing

A person cannot alter their DNA since DNA is unaffected by outside contaminants

DNA can be used to identify family members

DNA is the most precise method of identifying criminals and victims

Trace amounts of DNA at a crime scene can falsely implicate an innocent person

Trends of Genetic TestingGenetic knowledge may be used to

deny: employment

social servicesinsurance benefits (health and life)drivers licenseloans from banksmortgages on houses

medical treatmentmilitary service

More TrendsPre marital genetic testing to determine

compatibilityCarrier screenings given to certain

ethnic groups at high risk for diseases (Tay Sachs – Jewish, Sickle Cell – Blacks)

Fetal gene therapy to diseases or problems found before a child is born

Cures for most of today’s common diseases

Individuals alter their DNA to enhance appearances, athletic abilities, and mental capacity

Future Olympian?Is your unborn

child a future Olympian?

Genetic testing can hold the answer!

Genetic Olympian Corp. will test your child and offer gene therapy to ensure exceptional athletic abilities!!!

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of

2008 GINA is a federal law that protects Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA

Prevents discrimination from health insurers and employers on basis of DNA

Does not cover life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance

23andMeA privately held personal genomics and

biotechnology company based in Mountain View, Calif., 23andMe, claims to be developing new methods and technologies that will enable consumers to understand their own genetic information.

Genetic Testing for Health, Disease & Ancestry; DNA Test - 23andMe

Founders: Linda Avey and Anne Wojcicki (married to Sergey Brin the founder of Google)

Questions to Consider1. Who should have access to personal genetic

information and how will it be used?2. Who owns and controls genetic information?3. What are the larger societal issues raised by new

reproductive technologies?4. How do we prepare the public to make informed

choices?5. Should testing be performed when no treatment is

available?6. Should parents have the right to have their minor

children tested for adult-onset diseases?

More Questions7. Do people’s genes make them behave in a

particular way?8. Where is the line between medical treatment

and enhancement?9. Are GM (genetically modified) foods and other

products safe to humans and the environment?10.Who owns genes and other pieces of DNA?11.Will patenting DNA sequences limit their

accessibility and development into useful products?

Websiteswww.genome.gov (has info for educators and students)www.ndsu.edu/pubwebwww.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/infowww.ehow.com/about_5397146_genetic-testing-pros-conswww.cnn.com/HEALTH/bioethics/9808/genetics.part1/www.allaboutpopularissues.org/human-genome-project.htmwww.genomics.energy.gov (ordered poster here- free)www.23andme.com

MOVIE – “Gattaca” – featured a world where children were genetically constructed for perfection – there are two classes of humans: those who are genetically perfect and those who are genetically inferior