Question

Give your opinion of the following issues associated with genetic testing:

1. Define these terms:

a. Genetics

b. Genomics

c. Pharmacogenomics

2. Privacy and Confidentiality

a. Who should have access to genetic information?

Who owns and controls it?

3. Discrimination

a. Should employers be able to require job applicants to take genetic tests as a condition of employment?

4. Equitable Access to Genomic Technologies a. Rare genetic conditions –

Who will fund the development of treatments for genetic disorders that affect a relatively small number of people?

5. Impact of Genetic Information

a. How does a person’s genetic information affect that individual and society’s perception of that individual?

Answer 1

1.a. GENETICS is the branch of life sciences. It is the study of genes and the DNA, inheritance in living organisms. It also desls with various genetic disorders.

b. GENOMICS is the branch of molecular biology. It studies the genome ( genome is the complete genes and the genetic material found in a cell or organism). Genomics deals with study of structure, function, evolution and mapping of genome.

c. PHARMACOGENOMICS is a branch of genetics that studies how an individual responds to different therapeutic drugs. It studies how the genetic constitution of each individual responds to drug therapy.

2. geneticist believes that if anyone is to own genetic information, it has to be all those who have inherited it and, more importantly, it must be available to all those who might be at risk.

3. No, the employers should not be allowed to ask for genetic tests of employees. Many countries have passed act against the discrimination based on genetic information. The genetic tests will not gove the employer any information relevant to the job or anything commercially. Genitic tests give information that is probable and not certain. There is no way of finding that if you have this particular gene then you will have this disease.

4. The US Food and Drug Administration funds the rare genetic diseases also known as orphan diseases. The Orphan Drug Act was passed in US to look after such rare diseases.

5. The genetic information gained through genetic tests is very critical. It gives important information about oes health, behaviour and identity. It tells an idividual about how healthy he is. It also reveals the probability of having a disease, risk factors. This helps an individual to be more cautious, have lifestyle modifications and eliminate the risk factors. It also helps in choosing the right occupation. But the genetic information should always be kept safely. Your genetic information can also help relatives who inherit the same genes. But sometimes this information can lead to discrimination.