Genetic Testing and Screening Essay - 2695 Words

Its no accident that off-spring resemble their parents. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, located within each cell nucleus is a special chemical, that determines our genetic inheritance in a very orderly way. Under the microscope DNA looks like a mass of tangled threads which consist of tiny subunits called genes. Genes carry instructions, sometimes called the blueprint of life, for various characters like hair color, height, eye color. Our genes are received from both mother and father, half from each. Genes instruct our bodies to make proteins - which determines the shape and function of each cell. Each gene controls the production of a particular protein. Genes produce millions of different proteins through different arrangements of just†¦show more content†¦This helps to get large number of copies of a single gene with great speed and ease. RAPDs (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA), GAWTS (Genomic Amplification with Transcript Sequencing) and other techniques are being util ized in the mapping and sequencing of the human genome. GAWTS derived from PCR uses the promoter sequence of a T7 or T3 phage. This is attached to one or both of the PCR primers and is translated into RNA for a single strand template for reverse transcriptase. Advantages of this procedure include amplification of the region of interest thus eliminating the need for purification of the sample after PCR is carried out while compensating for poor quality in the PCR reaction. This along with the ease with which GAWTS lends itself to automation can increase the efficiency at which the screening takes place. Genetic Screening Genetic screening is a process to analyze blood or skin for the systematic search for persons with a particular genotype in a defined population. It also serves as an important tool of modern preventive medicine. Such screening has the potential to lessen the devastating impact of genetic disease. The purpose is to identify persons whose genotype places them or their offspring at risk [2]. The human race carries 3,000 - 4,000 diseases in its genes. The faulty gene that causes anyShow MoreRelatedGenetic Testing or Genetic Screening1514 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic testing, also known as screening, is a rapidly advancing new scientific field that can potentially revolutionize not only the world of medicine, but many aspects of our lives. Genetic screening is the sequencing of human DNA in order to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. As genetic screening becomes more advanced and easily accessible, it presents society with difficult questi ons that must be asked about the boundaries of science and to whatRead MoreGenetic Testing and Screening Essay1428 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic screening is the testing of variations in gene sequences in protein or DNA. Protein screening is easier, but DNA screening is more powerful. It is a physical screening for a protein or genetic abnormality that may allow detection of a disorder before there are physical signs of it, or even before a gene is expressed if it acts later in life. (web). This is a technique that is used on nonhuman species such as plants and some animals and is not questioned. The real question is if we shouldRead MoreGenetic Testing : A Medical Screening791 Words   |  4 PagesThe issues of genetic testing, screening also known as DNA testing is a medical screening that identifies changes in genes to identify one’s vulnerability from inherited illnesses (Pupecki, 2006). Advantages and Disadvantages of DNA Testing The primary benefits of genetic testing are to enable us to know our genetic status. When a person has a gene alteration, he or she could seek available resources like prevention and monitoring treatment options (Darden Business Publishing, 2004). 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Instead of dwelling in sports where a child would not have the chance to reach high levels, such as the Olympics, it would be easier to use genetic testing, and known physiological traits to identify sports that the chil d has the right body for. These genetic tests look for specific genetic codes, such as ACTN3, that have already been identified to have a in certain impact in sports. ACTN3 has been identified to code for a certain protein only found in fast-twitchRead MoreThe Ethical Implications of Genetic Screening and Testing: Arguments For and Against1919 Words   |  8 Pagestechnology and medicine, genetic screening and testing is becoming more commonplace in our society. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) defines genetic screening as â€Å"a search in a population for persons possessing certain genotypes that (1) are already associated with disease or predispose to disease, (2) may lead to disease in their descendants, or (3) produce other variations not known to be associated with disease† (NHGRI, 2005). The term genetic testing is similar, but differsRead More Genetic Screening is Necessary Essay1679 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic Screening is Necessary You are sitting in the counselors office, waiting. You are staring at the walls, trying not to think about what you are considering, but still thinking about it. Will I get cancer? Do I have the gene that will increase my likelihood of getting cancer ? My grandmother had cancer. Two of my aunts have had cancer. What about me? If I have this test, what happens then? The door opens and in walks the counselor. Time to find out about genetic screening. GeneticRead MoreChild Screening Is The Best Course Of Action736 Words   |  3 PagesGenetic newborn screening is used to detect rare diseases and prevent them to doing irreversible damage to a baby’s development before the symptoms appear. The process begins with a tiny drop of blood from the baby’s heel when he or she is a few days old. The sample then is sent to a laboratory where testing is performed and results are analyzed. The blood sample can be tested for more than thirty disorders but the exact number depends on where you live. One third of the world’s babies are screened