Genetic Testing and Its Social Implications Essays

Probably, applied genetics most impacts on society are as a result of genetic tests. In general, genetic tests seek to detect some feature of a persons genetic constitution. This feature can be a disease causing mutation or a marker DNA sequence used to detect presence of another gene. Obviously these procedures used for testing the status of DNA, RNA or chromosomes are included in genetic tests. What is more it is possible to include some protein based tests and classical medical examinations when they aim to detect inheritance of a trait. Genetic tests have been divided into four categories in this text, and they will be examined in greater detail later. These categories are: brliPrenatal tests that are applied on fetuses during†¦show more content†¦br br3. Tests should not be carried out if there is not sufficient reason to do so. The person tested may face extremely unfavorable outcomes and this may cause psychological distress. Deciding to get married, becoming pregnant, taking some medical precautions before the first symptoms come about and taking financial and career decisions are examples of reasons that justify taking of a test. br br4. The rights of knowing someones own health status and keeping that information private to oneself should be provided to all members of a society. Only the individual should have full access to information about his own genetic constitution and others should be prevented by legal regulations. As we have said above, the results of genetic tests can sometimes be detrimental to the individual. If a person does not want to know the information, its nobodys business nor right to declare it. This includes even not explaining favorable test results without the individuals request. br br5. Influences of genetic tests can sometimes go far beyond the nuclear family. Especially in some illnesses penetrance shows extreme variability. So, strike of the disease may skip generations or at least some individuals. A distant relatives genetic status may as well bother an individual. He cannot take his parents being healthy as an evidence for his being healthy. Parents can be carriers without showingShow MoreRelatedThe Human Genome Project : A Research Project1097 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstanding of how to build an individual (Genetics Home Reference 2014a). The Human Genome Project made several claims which included to complete sequencing and mapping the genomes of organisms and the ethical, legal and social consideration related to it. (U.S. DOE Human Genome Project 2013). One example of a claim made by the human genome project is to be able to map and sequence the genome of standard organisms. Maps are used to identify the genetic arrangement of organisms. 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