Human Genetics and Genetic Technology Using Genetic InformationUsing Genetic Information

Freedom Fighters DNA technology saves lives, and not just through medicine. Since 1992, hundreds of innocent people have been freed from prison – some from death row – thanks to DNA testing The Innocence Project is an organization that uses DNA testing to free prisoners who were wrongfully convicted.

First, a sample of DNA is obtained from evidence saved from the crime scene. Then, a sample is taken from the prisoner. Laboratory procedures allow scientists to compare the two samples. If the prisoner’s DNA is different from the DNA at the crime scene, the evidence may help free the prisoner.

What Are Some Uses of Genetic Information? Each person’s genes contain unique information about that particular person’s growth and development. Genetic information can be used positively to identify individuals and to learn about health and disease, or negatively to discriminate against people.

Human Genome Project Imagine trying to crack a code that is six billion letters long. That’s exactly what scientists working on the Human Genome Project did. An organism’s full set of DNA is called its genome.

The main goal of the Human Genome Project was to identify the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. In 2003, the project was completed. Scientists continue to research the functions of the tens of thousands of human genes.

DNA Fingerprinting DNA technology used in the Human Genome Project can also identify people and show whether people are related. DNA from a person’s cells is broken down into small pieces, or fragments. Selected fragments are used to produce a pattern called a DNA fingerprint. Except for identical twins, no two people have exactly the same DNA fingerprint.

Genetic “fingerprints” can tie a person to the scene of a crime or prevent the wrong person from going to jail. They also can be used to identify skeletal remains. Today, soldiers and sailors give blood and saliva samples so their DNA fingerprints can be saved. DNA records can be used to identify the bodies of unknown soldiers or civilians.

Genetic Discrimination As it becomes easier to obtain genetic information, there are concerns about who can access that information. There are concerns about how it can be used, too. For example, soldiers provide the government with a DNA sample for identification.

It could be possible for the government to use their DNA in other ways such as in criminal cases or paternity suits. Ethics is the study of principles about what is right and wrong, fair and unfair. Using genetic information in a ethical way means using it in a way that is fair and just.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was signed into law in This act makes it illegal for health insurance companies and employers to discriminate against individuals based on genetic information. It also makes it illegal for insurance companies and employers to ask or tell individuals that they must have a genetic test done.

Genetic Privacy Doctors are expected to protect patients’ privacy by not revealing their medical information. Patients’ medical records may include information such as their medical history and their family’s medical history. This information could indicate if a patient is at risk for developing a disease or mental illness.

Details about a person’s lifestyle may also be included in medical records. Doctors may record if a person drinks alcohol, smokes, or participates in sports that are dangerous.

If a patient has a genetic condition, the patient’s relatives are likely at risk, too. Should other family members have the right to know? Or should a patient’s medical records be kept private?

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