topic 2- genetic screening

Question 1

uses

Answer 1

identifying carriers of allele at a gene locus for particular disorder
screening embryos before implantation during fertility treatment
testing foetus before birth

Question 2

benefits of identifying carriers

Answer 2

families can make informed decisions
women can decide if they want prenatal testing

Question 3

preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

Answer 3

analysis of embryo DNA prior to implantation
DNA from cell samples from embryos produced during IVF

Question 4

benefits of PGD

Answer 4

reduces chances of having baby with genetic disorder
avoids abortion- carried out before implantation

Question 5

prenatal testing

Answer 5

tests foetus for genetic disease
family history of genetic disorders

Question 6

chorionic villus sampling

Answer 6

cell sample taken from placenta using needle
contain foetal dna
analysed for genetic disorders
weeks 11-14
1-2% chance of miscarriage

Question 7

amniocentesis

Answer 7

cell sample taken from amniotic fluid using needle
contains foetal cells
fna analysed
weeks 15-20
1% chance of miscarriage

Question 8

benefits of prenatal testing

Answer 8

allows parents to make informed decisions
helps parents prepare for future care of child
eg. medical treatments/ costs

Question 9

genetic counsellors

Answer 9

offer support before and after testing
answer questions
read and explain results
talk about next steps

Question 10

concerns of identification of carriers

Answer 10

emotional stress/upset
affect ability to find partner
other genetic disorders could be identifies
data may be used against individual
tests not 100% accurate

Question 11

concern of PGD

Answer 11

could lead to ‘designer babies’- parents select embryos with certain traits
false results could mean poor decisions are made about fate of embryo

Question 12

prenatal testing concerns

Answer 12

risk of miscarriage
false results- poor decisions
ethical implications if abortion is chosen