Genetic Testing and Gene Therapy

Catalyst (on a sheet of loose leaf)

1. Does the pedigree to the right show a disorder that is dominant or recessive? EXPLAIN how you know.

2. Why do you think this frog has six legs?

Weekly Goal!

Wazzam

Catalyst Biotechnology and Genes WWYD? (What Would You Do?) Exit Question

SWBAT…

Explain the pros and cons of genetic testing and gene therapy

Develop and communicate their own opinion on biotechnology for certain situations

Biotechnology

Biotechnology = technology based on life Medicines Genetic testing Gene therapy Cloning Stem cell research

Human Genome Project

Key Point #1: In 2003, scientists created a map of the human genome Genome = all your

genetic information

Scientists determined the sequence of bases that make up human DNA in five test subjects

Genetic Testing

Key Point #2: Genetic testing allows individuals to know the content of their genes Actionable disorders

Mutant BRCA gene = 85% risk of breast cancer

Early treatments (mammogram, hormone therapy, mastectomy)

Non-actionable disorders What if you have the gene for Alzheimer’s

disease? No treatment. Do you still want to know?

Genetic counseling

Genetic counseling You and your partner submit DNA for

testing Find out how likely it is that your child

will inherit a genetic disorder Family planning

Do you want to conceive a child or adopt?

Early treatment

Gene Therapy

Key Point #3: In gene therapy, scientists insert genes into patients' cells to treat a disease Germ line gene therapy = alter

sperm/eggs so that future children will not have genetic disorder

Somatic gene therapy = insert new genes into YOUR body cells to fix a genetic disorder Only way to help people already born Risk of causing genetic problems if done

incorrectly

WHO determines what is good and what is bad?

Will people in power be FAIR to those who are not?

What happens to those who are deemed genetically NOT GOOD ENOUGH?

Eugenics

Eugenics = practice of encouraging “good genes” and getting rid of “bad” ones.

Sounds great, right? Prevent suffering by eliminating genetic

disorders Save money by not having to

research/treat these disorders Stronger people in society could push

boundaries in unknown ways Healthier, happier people

Biotechnology is good. And bad.

We need to critically think about what we are doing and analyze the positive AND negatives of what is going on.

Scenario 1

Counsyl, a genetics company, recently developed a home test for genetic disorders. If two individuals submit a bit of saliva, Counsyl will tell them how likely their children are to have any of 100+ genetic disorders.

Why would some people want to be tested? Why would some people not want to be

tested? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.

Scenario 2

With a simple genetic test, women can find out whether they possess a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Women with mutated BRCA genes have about an 80% risk of developing breast cancer. Why would some women want to have the

test? Why would some women not want to have

the test? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.

(If you’re a man, pretend that you’re a woman.)

Scenario 3

Scientists have developed a test to determine if you have the gene for Huntington’s Disease. People affected with Huntington’s Disease gradually lose control of their body and mind. There is no cure. Why would some people want to be tested

for this gene? Why would some people not want to be

tested for this gene? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.

Scenario 4

In 2009, scientists succeeded in giving a squirrel color vision by inserting a new gene into its cells. Scientists hope to be able to do the same thing to humans in the near future. What type of gene therapy is this? Why would some people support this

research? Why would some people not support this

research? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.

Scenario 5

Many people believe that, in the future, we will be able to alter the genes in sperm and egg cells to create “designer babies” – parents will be able to pick and choose their children’s traits. What type of gene therapy is this? Why would some people want designer

babies? Why would some people not want designer

babies? Which side do you agree with? Explain why.

Homework (¶ = Paragraph) Your task: EXPLAIN to someone not in

this class (such as a relative) how genetic testing, germ line gene therapy, and somatic gene therapy work.

1 ¶: Explain how EACH technology works 1 ¶: Identify why someone might agree

with EACH technology, and why someone might disagree with EACH technology

1 ¶: Explain whether you agree or disagree with EACH of these technologies yourself.

Key Point Wrap-Up

Key Point #1: In 2003, scientists created a map of the human genome

Key Point #2: Genetic testing allows individuals to know the content of their genes

Key Point #3: In gene therapy, scientists insert genes into patients' cells to treat a disease Germ line gene therapy = insert genes into

sperm/eggs Somatic gene therapy = insert new genes into

body cells

Exit Question

1. Alzheimer’s is an incurable and fatal genetic disorder. Patients suffer from memory loss, and the loss of the ability to control their bodies.

Would you want to be tested for Alzheimer’s? Explain why or why not.

2. Imagine that scientists could cure Alzheimer’s by inserting new genes into your body cells.

What type of gene therapy would this be? Why would some people support this

treatment? Why would other people oppose it?

Write in complete sentences!

Don’t talk during the Exit Question!