Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing Learning Goal: Be able to Recognize that while genetic tests can bring benefits, they also pose potential harms for the individual getting tested and for family members. You’re with a group of friend, and some are playing computer games while others are about to watch a movie in the next room. One of your friends, Chantal, likes the games but decides to watch the movie instead. Five of you, including Chantal, decide to watch the movie. Once it starts, you realize that you have already seen the movie and that the ending is really scary. Although your other three friends love the suspense of scary movies, Chantal has been traumatized by scary movies in the past. You’re now faced with the questions: Should you tell Chantal about the scary ending?

Before answering the question, you need to have all of the information Before answering the question, you need to have all of the information. You have some relevant facts already. What else do you need to know to make a decision? What questions do you have? So should you tell Chantal about the ending of the movie? Why/Why Not?

What is a genetic test? A type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Many genetic tests do not predict a disease with certainty but allow people to learn about whether they have an increased chance of a particular disease or condition arising later in life. Different people will decide differently about whether they would want that information. Genetic Testing Benefits and Risks

Envelope Activity- Alzheimer’s Disease Imagine that you go into the doctor and wish to get a genetic test to let you know whether you are more likely than many other people to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Would you to know?

Information about the APOE Gene The difference between the three varieties (alleles) of the APOE gene is only a single nitrogenous base; these are substitution mutations. While E2 offers protection against developing Alzheimer’s disease, E4 increases a person’s chance of developing it. The majority of humans have inherited a copy of E3 from each of their biological parents. This means that their APOE gene does not affect their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Information about the APOE Gene Some people have inherited a copy of E4 from one parent, and a very small percentage (1 to 2 percent of the total population) has inherited a copy of E4 from both parents. People who have inherited a copy of E4 from both parents have the greatest increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s, as seen on the chart on your worksheet. APOE results for the class reflect the distribution of the three APOE alleles in the human population as a whole. Just as only 1 to 2 percent of the total human population has inherited two copies of the E4 version, the class should expect only one student’s envelope to contain the slip of paper with E4/E4 on it. Most students who open their envelopes will find that they have inherited two copies of the E3 version.

Now make a t-Chart… Reasons for not wanting to know Reasons for wanting to know 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Open your envelopes… Share your initial reactions with your table partner. Then: Bioethics Journal 6 Did you choose to open your envelope? Why or Why not?   What was the ultimate thing/reasons which led you to make your decision? Explain. How would your life change either knowing or not knowing the results of the Alzheimer’s Results or any genetic test? Would you do anything differently?