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SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
In the field of genetics, there is an abundant of societal implications and applications. Here only three areas are outlined which include gene therapy, the Human Genome Project, and genetic screening.
Gene Therapy
Image Citation: http://worldofbiochemistry.blogspot.ca/2011/09/cartoon-about-gene-therapy.html
· Using gene therapy to treat disease and injecting genetic material into cells
· Involves replacing a mutated gene causing disease with a healthy copy, inactivating a mutated gene, and introducing a new gene into the body
· Can use viral and non-viral
· Involves replacing a mutated gene causing disease with a healthy copy, inactivating a mutated gene, and introducing a new gene into the body
· Can use viral and non-viral
Additional Information on Gene Therapy: Click on the bottom below to learn more about gene therapy!
Human Genome Project
Image Citation: http://esrcgenomicsforum.blogspot.ca/2011_06_01_archive.html
· Identify all genes within the human genome and determining their sequence
· Storing of information
· Beneficial to human health by finding genetic differences that can diagnose disease, but is accompanied by ethical, religious, legal, and social implications
· Storing of information
· Beneficial to human health by finding genetic differences that can diagnose disease, but is accompanied by ethical, religious, legal, and social implications
Additional Information on the Human Genome Project: Click on the bottom below to learn more about the human genome project!
Genetic Screening
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· Used to identify genetic disorders by examining DNA
· Designed for populations
· Possible to perform at all stages of life (i.e. in vitro, childhood, etc.)
· Many societal issues such as confidentiality, consent, and effects of genetic screening to name a few
· Designed for populations
· Possible to perform at all stages of life (i.e. in vitro, childhood, etc.)
· Many societal issues such as confidentiality, consent, and effects of genetic screening to name a few