Essay on Human Genetic Screening - 2461 Words

Human Genetic Screening Human genetic screening is a process that is very complex and very powerful. Genetic screening may detect some inherited traits that may later on cause a person to have a disease that may alter his/her life. Human life, as with any other organism, is b uilt with cells. A human cell consists of forty-six chromosomes, which are paired into twenty-three different pairs. Each one of these chromosomes carries thousands of genes. Each gene consists of information that codes for a particular trait. This information is determined by the DNA found in that gene. A gene for one trait may have various alleles that will make one person appear a little different than that of a person with a different allele. An example would†¦show more content†¦The third type is the chromosomal aberrations. This type is caused by abnormalities of chromosomal structure or numberÓ (Griffiths, p. 5-6). With the information that researchers have found studying the DNA patterns of those with certain diseases, they now may be able to determine if a person carries the trait that is found in common in these diseases by taking a sample of his/her DNA. Ã’Genetics tests include techniques to examine genes or markers near the genes. Direct testing for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia come from an analysis of an individualÕs specific genes. A technique called linkage analysis, or indirect testing, is used when the gene cannot be directly identified but can be located within a specific region of a chromosome. This testing requires additional DNA from an affected family member for comparison. Genetic testing results depend both o n reliable laboratory procedures and accurate interpretation of results. Tests also vary in sensitivity, that is their ability to detect mutations or to detect all patients who have or will get the disease. When interpreting the results o f any genetic t est, one must take into account the probability of false positive or false negative test results. Special training is required to be able to analyze and convey information about genetic testing to affected individuals and their familiesÓ (Web site: #). Genetic screeningShow MoreRelatedEssay on Human Genetic Screening and Discrimination in Gattaca1801 Words   |  8 PagesHuman Genetic Screening and Discrimination in Gattaca Works Cited Missing A few months ago I watched a movie called Gattaca, which dealt with the issue of genetic discrimination in the near future. In the movie, people were separated into two classes, those that were genetically screened and positively altered before birth and the class that was unaltered. The separate classes had stark divisions, from what jobs that you were able to apply for to where you could eat. Security was aimed at keepingRead MoreGenetic Engineering Of Food Products Essay1769 Words   |  8 PagesGenetic engineering of food produce is considered a miracle technology. Many speculate that this discovery has the possibility to end world hunger. By mass producing and marketing produce, the associated costs will decrease. With lower production costs for crops, healthy options will not only be more accessible, but more affordable for customers as well. Some even contend that the overall health of the general population will improve. How does this affect the healthcare industry? If we can geneticallyRead MoreNew Techniques of Genetic Engineering1187 Words   |  5 PagesNew techniques of genetic engineering have spawned a new understanding of medical procedures and have increased biotechnology products that help us answer questions and solve problems that just one generation couldn’t dream of doing. We have taken Caution at every step during the process of creating biotechnology and genetic engineering procedures they have a huge potential impact. But today we have to decide to which degree these procedures and products be regulated and who gets the power to doRead MoreNewborn Genetic Screening Essay787 Words   |  4 PagesThe purpose of newborn genetic screening is to screen newborns for potential health concerns. Newborn genetic screening started in 1965 with the testing of one disorder, phenylketonuria (WDHS). Since then, newborn genetic screening has evolved and over 4 million newborns are screened in the U.S. every year (CCHC Report). Currently, in the state of Wisconsin, there are 47 different disorders that are tested for (WDHS). The process of screening newborns is a relatively short procedure. Before aRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Prenatal Screening Essay1197 Words   |  5 Pagesdeformities such as genetic mutation which causes mental retardation, abnormal body buildup and other conditions which bring a lot of troubles in the future to the child themselves and their parents. Modern technologies and innovations in the medical field had developed a method to detect the abnormality before delivery and prevent this future tragedy to happen. This method is known as prenatal screening. There are several advantages and disadvantages of prenatal screening. Prenatal screening is a testRead MoreGenetic Testing or Genetic Screening1514 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic testing, also known as screening, is a rapidly advancing new scientific field that can potentially revolutionize not only the world of medicine, but many aspects of our lives. Genetic screening is the sequencing of human DNA in order to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. As genetic screening becomes more advanced and easily accessible, it presents society with difficult questions that must be asked about the boundaries of science and to whatRead MoreLifelong Health Benefits of Mandatory Genetic Screenings1497 Words   |  6 Pagesintroduction to the field of medicine more than a century ago, genetic screenings have become incorporated in many fields of healthcare, including reproductive health and cancer prevention. Genetic screening is a method of identifying genetic disorders through the study of an individual’s DNA. The y can be used to determine predisposition for various disorders such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and sickle cell anemia. Genetic screenings inform individuals about their state of health and can help themRead MoreThe Dna Mystique Looks Into The Power Of The Gene918 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough genetic essentialism. According to Nelkin and Lindee genetic essentialism â€Å"reduces the self to a molecular entity, equating human beings, in all their social, historical, and moral complexity, with their genes† (p. 337). DNA is used as a way to define the individual’s true self and understand the evolution of a person’s identity. Nelkin and Lindee discuss the intersection of science and popular culture to shape the cultural meaning of the gene (p. 338). They lay out a timeline of genetic mappingRead MoreThe Benefits of Human Genetic Engineering Essay1654 Words   |  7 PagesPre-implantation genetic diagnosis is a revolutionary procedure that utilizes in v itro fertilization to implant a healthy egg cell into the mother’s uterus after it is screened for mutations or other abnormalities. That way, only healthy eggs can develop to term and become beautiful, bouncing boys or girls. Designer babies have a bright future in the face of science because they are genetically engineered to be: disease free; viable donors for a sibling or parent; and with optional eliminationRead MoreCase Analysis: Danville Airlines1259 Words   |  5 Pagesemerging field of genetic testing, Danville did not warn Reiger of the testing taking place, did not get his permission, and didnt even have a process in place for dealing with pilots, whom the traveling public relies on for safe transport, when they are tested positive for these types of diseases (Murry, Wimbush, Dalton, 2001). Clearly Reiger would win any lawsuit, the collateral damage to Danville being the lack of oversight and gross negligence in managing health screening. Analysis of Case