No homework this week  Enjoy your holiday! What are some possible ways to treat genetic disorders? Come up with 2 ideas. No homework this week  Enjoy your holiday!

Example of a genetic disorder Sickle cell anemia is a disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells It is a recessive diseases, so to have the disease you must inherit TWO copies of the allele (one from each parent) Those ‘diseased’ alleles are present in every cell in your body

Challenges of Treatment What are some challenges to treating a genetic disorder? Why is treating bacteria and viruses easier?

The future of genetic treatments! CRISPR-Cas9 https://youtu.be/TdBAHexVYzc?t=8

How did we discover this? It is a part of the immune system in bacteria Bacteria can ‘save’ the DNA of a virus so it can destroy it the next time it infects This DNA sequence is specific and the CRISPR complex will ONLY kill that DNA

How can humans use this? Scientists can target specific DNA sequences For example, they can target the damaged DNA in a sickle cell patient, cut that damaged DNA out, and replace it with healthy DNA

Is it safe? What’s happening now?

Is genetic engineering safe, helpful, and ethical? https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/12/02/are-genetically- engineered-salmon-too-fishy http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/opinion/sunday/dont-be-afraid-of- genetic-modification.html https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/23/can-genetically- modified-mosquitoes-eliminate-dengue-fever http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/31/science/concerns-raised-about- genetically-engineered-mosquitoes.html

Is genetic engineering safe, helpful, and ethical? Each group will have 10 minutes to prepare their statements You will give a 2 minute opening summary statement that summarizes your position (pro or con, why?) We will then debate for 10 minutes Be scientific in your statements- use evidence!