1. Sequencing the human genome may bring to light a number of genes that are the basis for known genetic diseases or that predispose a person to a condition such as heart disease, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease. Yet finding a gene for an illness may not lead to an immediate cure. Would you want to be tested to learn whether they had a genetic disease or predisposition if no cure was available? Why or why not?
I think that if someone in the family had a disease that was not curable it wouldn't be a good idea to learn it because it might make the person feel bad or think wrong about themselves. This could cause other illnesses. Knowing the disease would let you know if your child would have the same disease, but this could also make you feel uncomfortable in a way.
2. Consider a scenario in which a lab needs DNA samples for use in genetic testing studies. Researchers are searching for a variant of a gene that provides resistance to specific bacterial diseases. If the company finds this gene, it may be able to produce a drug to sell to people who have these diseases. Would you agree to have your DNA be part of the study? Why or why not? Would you want royalties for your part in finding the gene? What if during the testing, the company discovered you had a gene that might result in a health problem later in life? Would you want to be informed? Why or why not?
If a lab needed some DNA samples to find a cure for a disease, and they asked for mine. I think that it wouldn't be a problem because if I had a child and if he or she had a disease they would have already have a cure for it by looking at my DNA. I wouldn't want anything back because it is for human health and to cure some new diseases that other people will have through life.
3. As more is learned about genes, there is a risk that the information will be used to define certain members of society by their genetic makeup. Identify the meaning of the terms genetic discrimination and genetic privacy. What are some ways to protect against this type of genetic discrimination?
I do believe that discrimination based on a person's genetic make up is really wrong and I don't understand the people that would judge you based on the type of chromosomes that you have in your DNA.
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