GATTACA

Discussion Questions: (chose 3)

4. Was Jerome mentally ill?
I don't think that Jerome was mentally ill in the movie because he did all these amazing stuff that someone that was mentally ill wouldn't have been able to do. If he was mentally ill he wouldn't work as much as he did. I guess that he was depressed instead of being mentally ill. Being depressed in a moment should have made him bad for himself and maybe he wanted to die, because he felt bad in a moment. After he was just sad about what had happened.

13. Soon, life insurance companies, health insurance companies, employers, and the government will have the tolls to predict our future health. Is this too much information for them to have? Is there any way to stop it?
The answer for this question would vary on people. No one would know if a person would want to learn if he has one disease and that disease might kill him or her. Some people would like to know maybe for what they would do the last moments but in case some people could get really depressed and would think that there is no reason for living like one week more. Some people would feel ill and wouldn't feel comfortable going into public in this way.


16. What limits should be placed on genetic engineering? Should it be allowed at all? Should it be limited to the elimination of disease and physical imperfections?
I think genetic engineering shouldn't be allowed at all because it is kind of copying someone and I think it is illegal. Many people have discussions with this and people still aren't sure to do this or not. 

Cracking The Code of Life Video Reflection

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.