Genetic Testing and Gene Therapy Catalyst (on a sheet of loose leaf) 1. Does the pedigree to the right show a disorder that is dominant or recessive? EXPLAIN how you know. 2. Why do you think this frog has six legs? Weekly Goal!
Dec 25, 2015
Genetic Testing and Gene Therapy
Catalyst (on a sheet of loose leaf)
1. Does the pedigree to the right show a disorder that is dominant or recessive? EXPLAIN how you know.
2. Why do you think this frog has six legs?
Weekly Goal!
Wazzam
Catalyst Biotechnology and Genes WWYD? (What Would You Do?) Exit Question
SWBAT…
Explain the pros and cons of genetic testing and gene therapy
Develop and communicate their own opinion on biotechnology for certain situations
Biotechnology
Biotechnology = technology based on life Medicines Genetic testing Gene therapy Cloning Stem cell research
Human Genome Project
Key Point #1: In 2003, scientists created a map of the human genome Genome = all your
genetic information
Scientists determined the sequence of bases that make up human DNA in five test subjects
Genetic Testing
Key Point #2: Genetic testing allows individuals to know the content of their genes Actionable disorders
Mutant BRCA gene = 85% risk of breast cancer
Early treatments (mammogram, hormone therapy, mastectomy)
Non-actionable disorders What if you have the gene for Alzheimer’s
disease? No treatment. Do you still want to know?
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling You and your partner submit DNA for
testing Find out how likely it is that your child
will inherit a genetic disorder Family planning
Do you want to conceive a child or adopt?
Early treatment
Gene Therapy
Key Point #3: In gene therapy, scientists insert genes into patients' cells to treat a disease Germ line gene therapy = alter
sperm/eggs so that future children will not have genetic disorder
Somatic gene therapy = insert new genes into YOUR body cells to fix a genetic disorder Only way to help people already born Risk of causing genetic problems if done
incorrectly
WHO determines what is good and what is bad?
Will people in power be FAIR to those who are not?
What happens to those who are deemed genetically NOT GOOD ENOUGH?
Eugenics
Eugenics = practice of encouraging “good genes” and getting rid of “bad” ones.
Sounds great, right? Prevent suffering by eliminating genetic
disorders Save money by not having to
research/treat these disorders Stronger people in society could push
boundaries in unknown ways Healthier, happier people
Biotechnology is good. And bad.
We need to critically think about what we are doing and analyze the positive AND negatives of what is going on.
Scenario 1
Counsyl, a genetics company, recently developed a home test for genetic disorders. If two individuals submit a bit of saliva, Counsyl will tell them how likely their children are to have any of 100+ genetic disorders.
Why would some people want to be tested? Why would some people not want to be
tested? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.
Scenario 2
With a simple genetic test, women can find out whether they possess a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Women with mutated BRCA genes have about an 80% risk of developing breast cancer. Why would some women want to have the
test? Why would some women not want to have
the test? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.
(If you’re a man, pretend that you’re a woman.)
Scenario 3
Scientists have developed a test to determine if you have the gene for Huntington’s Disease. People affected with Huntington’s Disease gradually lose control of their body and mind. There is no cure. Why would some people want to be tested
for this gene? Why would some people not want to be
tested for this gene? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.
Scenario 4
In 2009, scientists succeeded in giving a squirrel color vision by inserting a new gene into its cells. Scientists hope to be able to do the same thing to humans in the near future. What type of gene therapy is this? Why would some people support this
research? Why would some people not support this
research? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.
Scenario 5
Many people believe that, in the future, we will be able to alter the genes in sperm and egg cells to create “designer babies” – parents will be able to pick and choose their children’s traits. What type of gene therapy is this? Why would some people want designer
babies? Why would some people not want designer
babies? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.
Homework (¶ = Paragraph) Your task: EXPLAIN to someone not in
this class (such as a relative) how genetic testing, germ line gene therapy, and somatic gene therapy work.
1 ¶: Explain how EACH technology works 1 ¶: Identify why someone might agree
with EACH technology, and why someone might disagree with EACH technology
1 ¶: Explain whether you agree or disagree with EACH of these technologies yourself.
Key Point Wrap-Up
Key Point #1: In 2003, scientists created a map of the human genome
Key Point #2: Genetic testing allows individuals to know the content of their genes
Key Point #3: In gene therapy, scientists insert genes into patients' cells to treat a disease Germ line gene therapy = insert genes into
sperm/eggs Somatic gene therapy = insert new genes into
body cells
Exit Question
1. Alzheimer’s is an incurable and fatal genetic disorder. Patients suffer from memory loss, and the loss of the ability to control their bodies.
Would you want to be tested for Alzheimer’s? Explain why or why not.
2. Imagine that scientists could cure Alzheimer’s by inserting new genes into your body cells.
What type of gene therapy would this be? Why would some people support this
treatment? Why would other people oppose it?
Write in complete sentences!
Don’t talk during the Exit Question!