Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

18. Molecular Genetic Tools

Methods for Analyzing DNA

Genetics

18. Molecular Genetic Tools

Methods for Analyzing DNA

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2:26 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Might it make sense someday to sequence every newborn's genome at the time of birth? What are the potential advantages and concerns of this approach?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of genome sequencing: Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. For humans, this involves identifying the order of approximately 3 billion base pairs that make up our DNA.

Identify potential advantages of sequencing a newborn's genome: This could include early detection of genetic disorders, personalized medical care based on genetic predispositions, and the ability to take preventive measures for diseases that may develop later in life.

Consider the ethical and privacy concerns: Sequencing a newborn's genome raises questions about consent (since the newborn cannot provide it), the potential misuse of genetic information, and the long-term storage and security of such sensitive data.

Evaluate the cost and accessibility: Assess whether genome sequencing at birth is financially feasible on a large scale and whether it would be accessible to all populations, avoiding disparities in healthcare.

Discuss the implications for healthcare systems: Consider how integrating genome sequencing into routine newborn care might impact healthcare infrastructure, including the need for genetic counseling and the potential for overdiagnosis or unnecessary interventions.

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Key Concepts

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

Genomic Sequencing

Genomic sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. This technology allows for the identification of genetic variations that can influence health, disease susceptibility, and response to treatments. In the context of newborns, sequencing could provide valuable insights into inherited conditions and guide early interventions.

Ethical Considerations

The ethical considerations surrounding genomic sequencing of newborns include issues of consent, privacy, and potential discrimination. Parents may not fully understand the implications of having their child's genome sequenced, and there are concerns about how this sensitive information could be used by employers or insurance companies. Balancing the benefits of early detection with these ethical dilemmas is crucial.

Public Health Implications

Sequencing every newborn's genome could have significant public health implications, such as the ability to identify and manage genetic disorders early in life. This proactive approach could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs over time. However, it also raises questions about resource allocation and the potential for unequal access to genomic medicine.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

The results shown are from a DNA test for four genes used in a paternity identification case. DNA for the mother (M) and her child (C) are shown along with DNA from two possible fathers, F1 and F2. Based on the exclusion principle, is either man excluded as the possible father? Explain.

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Textbook Question

The results shown are from a DNA test for four genes used in a paternity identification case. DNA for the mother (M) and her child (C) are shown along with DNA from two possible fathers, F1 and F2. In the 'C' column, label the DNA bands contributed by the mother with 'M' and the DNA bands contributed by the father with 'F.'

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Textbook Question

As genetic testing becomes widespread, medical records will contain the results of such testing. Who should have access to this information? Should employers, potential employers, or insurance companies be allowed to have this information? Would you favor or oppose having the government establish and maintain a central database containing the results of individuals' genome scans?

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Textbook Question

Figure E.1 illustrates the results of an electrophoretic analysis of 13 CODIS STR markers on a DNA sample and identifies the alleles for each gene. Table E.2 lists the frequencies for alleles of three of the STRs shown in the figure. Use this information to calculate the frequency of the genotype for STR genes FGA, vWA, and D3S1358 given in Figure E.1.

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Textbook Question

Additional STR allele frequency information can be added to improve the analysis in Problem 8. The frequency of D8S1179₁₂ = 0.12. The frequency of D16S539₁₈ = 0.08 and of D16S539₂₀ = 0.21. Lastly, D18S51₁₉ = 0.13 and D18S51₂₀ = 0.10. Combine the allele frequency information for these three STR genes with the information used in Problem 8 to calculate the frequency of the genotype for six of the STR genes.

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Textbook Question

Which of the examples of genetic testing below are prognostic tests? Which are diagnostic?

DNA sequencing of a breast tumor reveals mutations in the BRCA1 gene.

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Textbook Question

Which of the examples of genetic testing below are prognostic tests? Which are diagnostic?

ASO testing determines that an individual is a carrier for the mutant β-globin allele (βˢ) found in sickle-cell anemia.

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Textbook Question

Which of the examples of genetic testing below are prognostic tests? Which are diagnostic?

Individual sequencing (personal genomics) identifies a mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease.

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