Genetic Testing

Question 1

In what ways does genetic testing improve healthcare? (3)

Answer 1

1. some gen variants = higher risk of disease
   
   • knowing may result in lifestyle changes
2. Helps to tell whether a person has inherited a genetic disease - earlier treatments
3. identifying variants that make cert drugs LESS effective can help prescribe more effective meds (personalised medicine)

Question 2

Genetic testing of parents.

Answer 2

Could reveal whether they are a carrrier

Question 3

Genetic testing of embryo.

Answer 3

1. Couple may know theyre at risk of passing on genetic disorder
2. May choose to fertilise eggS in lab
3. cells taken from each embryo and analysed
4. embryo with no genetic variant linked to the disorder is implanted into the womb

Question 4

Genetic testing of foetus.

Answer 4

1. Extract foetal DNA from amniotic fluid
2. FDNA tested for gen variants linked to disorder
3. Couple can then decide whether to continue pregnancy

Question 5

What are the risks of amniotic sampling?

Answer 5

1. False positives indicate faulty allele when it is not present = unnecessary stress.
2. False NEGATIVES does NOT indicated faulty allele when present = unprepared to cope with disorder when born
3. Risk of miscarriage when sampling fluid