Personalised medicine

Question 1

What have genome comparisons found

Answer 1

That there are specific locations in our genome where our DNA varies in at least 1% of the population

Question 2

What are the difference in the DNA sequence caused by

Answer 2

Substitution mutations and are known as single nucleotide polymorphisms

Question 3

What can single nucleotide polymorphisms in certain genes effect

Answer 3

• Our susceptibility to a wide range of diseases

- Our response to certain drugs

Question 4

What are some single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to

Answer 4

• Parkinson’s disease

Question 5

How do scientists study the function of disease genes

Answer 5

By finding similar genes in model organisms such as yeast or mice. They can knockout the gene or highly express it and observe the effects

Question 6

What can studying the function of disease genes do

Answer 6

Help scientists figure out new ways to treat the disease such as by creating drugs that can alter products of these genes

Question 7

What did studies into the C.elegans worm result in

Answer 7

Resulted in the identification of 80 genes that influence formation of the protein alpha-synuclein

Question 8

What occurs when protein alpha-synuclein is formed

Answer 8

It accumulates abnormally in the brains of individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Question 9

How could the findings of the alpha-synuclein be used

Answer 9

By producing drugs that target the products of the genes that affect the formation of alpha synuclein could help treat parkinsons

Question 10

What is a challenge with identifying disease genes

Answer 10

Most diseases are not caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms

Question 11

What are many diseases caused by instead of single nucleotide polymorphisms

Answer 11

The interactions between many different genes and lifestyle factors

Question 12

What can personalised medicine be used in

Answer 12

Diagnoses and preventive measures

Question 13

What can now happen due to advances in genome sequencing tech

Answer 13

Any individual can have their genome quickly sequenced at low cost. So anyone can get gene-based personalised medicine

Question 14

What does genome sequencing allow for doctors

Answer 14

They can more quickly diagnose genetic disorders and start treatment earlier. Tell patients if they are at risk of certain diseases later in life so they can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk

Question 15

Name a preventive measure someone may take after genome sequencing

Answer 15

A person may have a gene that puts them at a particular risk of breast cancer so they get a mastectomy to remove their breasts

Question 16

What do certain single nucleotide polymorphisms determine with drugs

Answer 16

How effective a drug may be by how easily or quickly it is activated.

Question 17

What does single nucleotide polymorphisms mean for doctors who are deciding what dosage to give

Answer 17

They allow a doctor to be able to prescribe drugs at the correct dosage and that wont cause side-effects

Question 18

What is it called when doctors used single nucleotide polymorphisms to decide drugs to use

Answer 18

Pharmacogenomics

Question 19

What is the ethical issue with companies and single nucleotide polymorphisms

Answer 19

After identifying a gene and its function, many private companies take out patents on these genes

Question 20

What is the ethical issue with data protection for single nucleotide polymorphisms

Answer 20

Genome sequencing creates lots of personal data which must be stored in a way that maintains confidentiality

Question 21

What is the ethical issue with discrimination and single nucleotide polymorphisms

Answer 21

A person who has single nucleotide polymorphisms that predispose them to a certain disease may face discrimination when applying for work or life insurance

Question 22

How will personalised medicine differ to universal medicine

Answer 22

It will be much more expensive, which raises the social issue as these treatments will not be available to less economically developed countries