genetics and society

Question 1

Eugenics

Answer 1

good in birth, noble in heredity

can be positive or negative, have caused forces sterilisation in some cases

Question 2

genetic counselling

Answer 2

process where patients or relatives at risk of a disorder that may be hereditary are advised of the consequence of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it and the ways in which this may be prevented or ameliorated – should be non-directive and non-judgemental

Question 3

directive genetic counselling

Answer 3

family may not understand the full consequences, may expect to be directed, doctors know best, duty to reduce disease frequency

Question 4

non-directive genetic counselling

Answer 4

family may have extensive personal experience, decisions on reproduction must be personal, aim of counselling is to help individual

Question 5

screening test

Answer 5

process of identifying people with an increased chance of a condition, someone who screens for the condition may not have it

Question 6

diagnostic test

Answer 6

confirms whether the condition is present or not

Question 7

NIPT

Answer 7

cell free DNA fetal and maternal
circulating fetal DNA comes from the placenta
look for excess genetic material from chrom 21

Question 8

concerns about eugenics

Answer 8

• Subtle pressure
• Not full consent
• Socially valuing disabled children
• Isolation of families
• Disapproval by society of continuing a pregnancy after screening

Question 9

altering the germline

Answer 9

somatic cells body cell
germ line cell lineage which results in eggs and sperm
alter the germline and it affects future generations
potential harm of altering the germline unknown
consider mitochondrial replacement therapy