GENETIC TESTING AND ENGINEERING PURPOSE: The purpose of this exercise is twofold

GENETIC TESTING AND ENGINEERING
PURPOSE: The purpose of this exercise is twofold: First, it should help you understand the potential benefits and risks of genetic testing and various forms of genetic engineering. Second, it should help you think about the ethical considerations that arise from genetic testing and genetic engineering.
INTRODUCTION: It is possible to use several techniques (e.g., amniocentesis, ultrasound, etc) to determine a baby’s sex before birth. Prenatal screening can also detect certain genetic “diseases” or “defects” before birth. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed prenatally include Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, spinal bifida and some heart defects. It is likely that as genetic screening technology advances, we will be able to use the technology to diagnose even more genetic problems. It is possible that genetic engineering (or therapy) techniques will be practical within your lifetimes. Parents will likely be able to decide on what sex their baby will be. This may not seem like a big problem, but consider what else might be possible. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a condition in which there is a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. Parents might be able to decide that they do not want a baby with Down syndrome, in which case the extra chromosome associated with Down could be eliminated at the zygote state. Or they might decide that they do want a Down child. In this case, an extra 21st chromosome might be added. Parents might be able to decide in advance roughly how long their child will live. And doctors might help parents to essentially “design” their child in advance using genetic engineering to be tall or short, musically inclined or athletic, plain looking or attractive. There are numerous possibilities, and these all present ethical and practical issues.
DISCUSSION FORUM—INITIAL SUBMISSION
For the forum on Genetic Testing and Therapy, address each of the following questions.
1. If you could choose one characteristic to endow your child with through genetic engineering (other than gender), what would it be? Why? (Note: you must choose a characteristic different from the one described in the example submission).
2. Describe the role of at least one brain area and at least one neurotransmitter that would be important for this new characteristic. (Note: your answer to this question must be at least 100 words).
DISCUSSION FORUM—RESPONSES
Responses to others on this forum should focus on question #1 of the original post. Present at least two reasons why genetic engineering would not be a good idea in the case to which you are responding. Your reasons must be different from any already submitted in order to receive full credit.
You are encouraged to post whenever you have a good idea to offer. For more specific guidelines on Forum grading, please see Discussion Forum Grading on the main Canvas page.
Example Submission: Note: This example will be shorter than 200 words. In your own submission, you need to be more detailed.
If I could choose one characteristic for our child, it would be good judgment. S/he would be less likely to make bad decisions. For example, when our child is away at school, s/he might be invited to a party where a lot of alcohol is available. Deciding not to drink might prevent an arrest or worse, getting in an accident while driving drunk. One area of the brain involved in judgment is the frontal cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex has serotonergic projections to the amygdala and may play; a role in making decisions (Science Direct, 2008). People with damage to the prefrontal cortex may make poor decisions or fail to put together good plans.
Science Direct, (2008). Serotonin link to impulsivity, decision-making, confirmed. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605150908.htm Links to an external site.