Ethical Issues in Genetics

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Ethical Issues in Genetics
Authors Russell Dylla Erick Hallie
University of Minnesota - Duluth
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Genetics

• Definition the science of heredity

• Genetics deals with passing of genes from one
  generation to the next

• Genes are composed of DNA sequences wound onto a
  chromosome

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Chromosomes-Genetic Value

• Chromosomes contain genetic material

• Genes in chromosomes code for traits

• www.cmsp.com/data2/im0826.html

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Structure of a Chromosome

• (3)

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DNA on a Chromosome

• (4)

Cytosine C
Guanine G
Adenine A
Thymine T
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Mutations

• Genetic disorders
• Albinism
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Downs Syndrome
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sickle Cell Anemia

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What are Genetic Disorders?

• Changes in the normal genetic code

• A disease that causes an abnormality in a
  person from their normal genetic code

• A disorder that can be passed from one parent to
  a child

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Downs Syndrome

• A disorder can be detected by genetic testing

• People with this disease exhibit physical and
  mental differences

• www.bcp.org/picture/downs/maggie

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Trisomy-21 is Downs Syndrome

• (1)

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Ethical Consideration

• Established to protect an individual from
  others, themselves, and the common good

• Established for certain unwritten rights to be
  protected and recognized in society

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Social Aspect

• Has many different viewpoints on how to use
  genetics

• Is it in the best interest of society to expel
  the genetically unfit?

• Can you put a price on health care?

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• Is it ethical for insurance companies to
  discriminate against at risk families?

• Genetics can make society more advanced, but at
  what cost?

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Eugenics

• Application and improvement of mankind by
  genetics

• Hit its peak in the 1930s and 1940s

• www.pathfinder.com/time/time100/leaders/profile/hi
  tler.html

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Religious Aspect

• Life is a cherished gift that should be
  respected in all forms

• Is it religiously accepted to play God with your
  children?

• Morality - what is right and wrong?

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Science Ethics

• Genetics in medicine is premature

• Extent of accurately predicting a disease is
  still questionable

• Regulation of genetic technology is difficult

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Quote

• Paul Ramsey
  Men ought not to play God before they have
  learned to be men, and after they have learned to
  be men they will not play God

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References

• (1) The Cognitive Enhancement Research
  Institution. www.win.net/ceri/. Dec 1, 1999.
• (2) Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) of
  the Human Genome Project. www.ornl.gov/hgmis/res
  ource/elgi.html
• (3) Russell, P.J. (1996). G. Davies K. Trost
  (Eds.), Genetics. Harper Collins College
  Publishers New York, NY.

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References

• (4)Simmons, M.J., Snustad, D.P. (1997). D.
  Harris N. Parry (Eds.), Principles Of Genetics.
  John Wiley Sons, Inc. New York.

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Professor of the Year
Dr. D. Morrison