B1 - You And Your Genes

Question 1

What are the issues surrounding genetic testing?

Answer 1

• results aren’t always 100% accurate
• tests aren’t always 100% safe
• insurance companies may refuse to give life insurance
• people may discriminate
• employers may not hire if they know someone is ill
• miscarriages can be risks
• termination of pregnancy is a controversial issue
• some people think the whole family should be tested but may not always be fair
• some people think it’s wrong for people who are at risk of passing the disease on to have children

Question 2

How can genetic testing be used on embryos?

Answer 2

• when embryos are produced using IVF doctors can test the embryo to see if is has any genetic disorders
• healthy embryos are implanted into the mothers womb

Question 3

What is genetic testing used on children and adults?

Answer 3

Children and adults can be checked to see if they carry alleles for genetic disorders.

Children and adults can be tested before certain drugs are prescribed to them to see how it is likely to affect them.

Question 4

What is a clone?

Answer 4

Clones are genetically identical organisms. They have the same genes and same alleles for this genes.

Question 5

How could employers use information on genetic testing?

Answer 5

• my employ/interview you
• limit the amount of work you do
• limit where you work
• limit sickness benefits

Question 6

How could insurance companies use information on genetic testing?

Answer 6

• increase insurance costs
• refuse insurance
• reduce what is covered
• reduce the benefits which are paid out

Question 7

What are ultrasounds used for?

Answer 7

• to detect heart problems
• examine other body parts (liver, kidneys and abdomen)
• help guide a surgeon to perform a biopsy

Question 8

What are he three types of ultrasound?

Answer 8

• external ultrasound
• internal ultrasound
• endoscopic ultrasound

Question 9

What are the issues with cloning?

Answer 9

• religious and moral objections

- loss of embryos involved