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Ch. 12 DNA Technology and Genomics
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 15f

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used. Or might they be compelled to be tested against their wishes? Can you think of other reasons to proceed with caution?

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Identify the ethical concerns related to genetic testing, such as privacy issues, potential discrimination, and psychological impact.
Consider the implications of genetic information being accessible to employers, insurance companies, and other third parties, which could lead to discrimination based on genetic predispositions.
Reflect on the psychological effects on individuals who may discover they are at high risk for certain diseases, and the impact this knowledge could have on their mental health and life decisions.
Discuss the potential for coercion, where individuals might be pressured by employers, family, or society to undergo genetic testing or disclose their genetic information.
Evaluate the need for robust legal and regulatory frameworks to protect individuals' genetic privacy and ensure that genetic information is used ethically and responsibly.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Genetic Privacy

Genetic privacy refers to the right of individuals to control access to their genetic information. This concept is crucial as it addresses concerns about how personal genetic data can be misused, leading to discrimination in areas such as employment and insurance. Protecting genetic privacy is essential to maintain trust in genetic testing and research.
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Informed Consent

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in medical and genetic testing that requires individuals to be fully informed about the implications of testing before agreeing to it. This includes understanding potential risks, benefits, and how their genetic information will be used. Ensuring informed consent helps protect individuals' autonomy and decision-making rights.
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Central Dogma

Ethical Implications of Genetic Testing

The ethical implications of genetic testing encompass a range of concerns, including the potential for coercion, the psychological impact of test results, and the societal consequences of genetic discrimination. These implications necessitate careful consideration to ensure that testing is conducted responsibly and that individuals are not pressured into testing against their wishes.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used. Is there any reason for the government to keep genetic files?

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Textbook Question

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used. Is there any obligation to warn relatives who might share a defective gene?

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Textbook Question

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used. Might some people avoid being tested for fear of being labeled genetic outcasts?

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Textbook Question

The possibility of extensive genetic testing raises questions about how personal genetic information should be used.

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Textbook Question

Scientists investigate hypotheses using a variety of methods, depending on the circumstances behind the research. Human nutrition studies (such as those studying whether GMO foods have any health effects) are particularly problematic. Can you design a hypothetical human nutrition study to test whether GMO corn is less healthy than traditional corn? Can you identify real-world problems that may interfere with your design and confound your results?

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Textbook Question

The fruits of wild species of tomato are tiny compared with the giant beefsteak tomatoes available today. This difference in fruit size is almost entirely due to the larger number of cells in the domesticated fruits. Plant biologists have recently discovered genes that are responsible for controlling cell division in tomatoes.

Why would such a discovery be important to producers of other kinds of fruits and vegetables?

To the study of human development and disease?

To our basic understanding of biology?

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