Sequencing a person’s DNA to look for abnormalities.
Doctors and scientists now have the ability to sequence a person’s DNA to look for abnormalities. One common example of genetic testing is screening for an extra chromosome 21 in human fetuses. This test is used to detect if a child will have Down’s Syndrome. Do some research and describe another example of genetic testing. What specifically do they look for in the DNA? How can genetic testing be beneficial and how far should we take it?
Sample Answer
Another example of genetic testing: Carrier testing for cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disorder that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory infections, malnutrition, and diabetes.
Carrier testing is used to determine if a person is carrying one or two copies of the mutated CF gene. People who carry one copy of the gene are carriers, but they do not have CF themselves. However, if two carriers have a child, there is a 25% chance that the child will have CF.