PHLB09H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Document Summary
Watson & crick discovered the dna double helix and from then until now scientists are able to chart the entire length and breadth of the human genome, all 3 billion letters of dna code. Now scientists are developing tests to identify and predict human conditions and researching ways of altering genes to effect cures and devise treatments, enabling parents to have control over the genetic makeup of their children. Moral questions that arise: paternalism, autonomy, beneficence, rights, confidentiality, abortion, killing, personhood, reproductive technology, justice in healthcare, research ethics, etc. Dna is the language of the genetic software that runs the cells and ensures inheritance of traits from generation to generation. Actg: 4 nucleotides that make up the entire code and sequences in all animals. Genome: an organisms" entire complement of dna (cid:523)human genome: 3 billion base pairs) Genes: fundamental units of biological inheritance (humans: 20,000-25,000 genes)
