The Genetic Screening Dilemma Essays - 1506 Words

The Genetic Screening Dilemma The National Academy of Science defines genetic screening as the systematic search of a population for persons with latent, early, or asymptomatic disease. The term genetic testing is often used interchangeably, but differs in that it only targets those individuals believed to be at high risk for an inherited condition. Genetic screening has a much broader target population. As genetic screening becomes easier, faster, and less expensive, there is a growing debate about who should be tested, what those results should be used for, and who should have access to those results. Before addressing these questions it is necessary to understand the basic processes involved in genetic screening. The techniques†¦show more content†¦Another technique often used for genetic screening is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR requires only a very small amount of DNA. Theoretically a single molecule could be used. PCR selectively amplifies a specific region of DNA. Initially double-stranded DNA is heated to denature the hydrogen bonds which hold the strands together. Two single-stranded DNA sequences are generated. The strands are rapidly cooled, and an RNA primer which targets the sequence of interest is allowed to bind to the DNA strands. DNA polymerase then copies the strands. The result is two double-stranded DNA molecules. This cycle is repeated, and the amount of DNA is doubled each time. At present, techniques such as RFLP and PCR are still somewhat time consuming and costly, especially when dealing with many sequences, but it is probable that in the near future the cost and effort required will be greatly reduced. Through the use of DNA chip technology, in which st rands of DNA are placed on a silicon substrate, a sample could be simultaneously checked for the presence or absence of an almost unlimited number of sequences (Beese). Such a powerful technique raises many ethical and legal questions. Before genetic screening goes any further, a variety of issues need to be resolved. In order to resolve the problems associated with genetic screening, we must examine both the benefits and dangers inherent to the process.Show MoreRelated Ethical Dilemmas of Genetic Prenatal Screening Essay679 Words   |  3 Pages One of the questions that has recently plagued me has been that of which is about the genetic structuring of our offspring. I ask myself, will we able to choose the physical features our child? If so, do we as a society think this will be an ethical practice? Perhaps, scientifically, this might be entirely possible, but law will most likely restrict it. An article written by Frederic Golden helped me draw some understanding on this hot topic. 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Pregnancy includes a debate for more than 4 decades and some topics that affect not only mothers even child, there are many dilemmas surrounding this controversial topic, where some argue one specific thing and much other argue another thingsRead MoreEthics Of Computing And The Internet1173 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity of the People Inside the topic of health care system ethic is implicit the pregnancy dilemma. This wide topic can include hundreds of pages; herein we are going to cover principal’s data of this essential topic in today’s lives. Pregnancy includes a debate for more than 4 decades and some topics that affect not only mothers even child, there are many dilemmas surrounding this controversial topic, where some argue one specific thing and much other argue another things