Genetic Testing and DNA Profiling
Problems/Case Studies
"Genetic
Testing
and Breast Cancer: Is a Little Knowledge a Dangerous Thing?".
Charlotte R. Zales, Moravian College, and Joseph C. Colosi,
DeSales University. State University of New York at Buffalo’s
National Center for Case Study Teaching.
In this dilemma case, the
central character, Kathy, must decide whether or not to be tested
for known mutations in the breast cancer genes. Students assume
the roles of members of Kathy's book club and, using a jigsaw
technique, explore the advantages and disadvantages of genetic
testing.
This case is appropriate for
high school and college undergraduate general medicine and
genetics/heredity courses.
"A
Right to Her Genes". Susannah Gal, State University of New York at
Binghamton, and Jessie W. Klein, Middlesex Community College.
State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case
Study Teaching.
In this true story,
students examine the case of a woman with a family predisposition
to cancer who is considering genetic testing, study various
aspects of DNA testing, and determine how to counsel the woman.
This case is appropriate for
college undergraduate molecular biology, genetics/heredity, and
general biology courses.
"Two Peas in a
Pod? A Case of Questionable Twins" Paul Welsh,
Singapore American School.State University of New York at
Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Based on an actual event,
this case study focuses on some of the problems associated with
reproductive technologies. It tells the story of the "Joneses,"
who after in vitro fertilization treatment, discover
that their fraternal twins are less similar than one would expect
two brothers to be. Students work in teams to unravel the mystery
using DNA profiling. Related issues that can be explored include
the right to medical information, the implications of human error,
and racism.
This case is appropriate for
high school and college undergraduate biotechnology, molecular
biology, and general biology courses.
"Niños
Desaparecidos:
A Case Study About Genetics and Human Rights" Katayoun Chamany,
Eugene Lang College, New School University. State University of
New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case is based on the
experience of 50 children who were displaced during Argentina's
"dirty war" of the 1970s, underwent DNA and protein analysis, and
subsequently were reunited with their biological families.
Students consider not only the genetic evidence but also the moral
and emotional dimensions of these children's stories. much of the
resource material is in Spanish as well as English.
"A Mix-Up at
the Fertility Clinic". DE Allen. Thinking
Toward Solutions: Problem-Based Learning Activities for
General Biology. Allen, D. E. and Duch, B. J.
(1998). New York: Saunders College Publishing,
p70-73.
Invitro fertilization mix-up
creates a scenario in which students must name the tests that
should be administered to discover if the children are of the
supposed parents. Based on the description, students
evaluate the probability of the supposed parents being the actual
parents of the children. Can there be 2 different fathers
for twins born of technological intervention?
"Anna or
Anastasia?". DE Allen. Thinking Toward Solutions: Problem-Based Learning
Activities for General Biology. Allen, D. E. and
Duch, B. J. (1998). New York: Saunders College Publishing, p
48-58.
Stage 1: The mystery of 1918 Russian murder of
the Romanovs. The case of the missing
princess is investigated by students by examining genetic
evidence.
This real-life
murder-mystery is enticing and applicable to genetics and heredity
education.
Stage 2: Anna Anderson came forth claiming to be
the missing Anastasia. Studuents
weight the evidence as to whether Anna may actually be Anastasia.
Articles (unlinked articles are in the resource cabinet outside
Rm. 207 SCIC)
“Who should be tested?” HHMI
The questions pertains to genetic
testing especially assocated with cystic fibrosis. Genetic
testing has become more precise, naming 95% of carriers.
Also, the test has become as easy as using a mouthwash. The
article offers a helpful schematic describing how a carrier parent
passes a defective gene onto offspring and the percentages of
offspriong possibly affected.
“How to Conquer
a genetic disease –a fold-out guide” HHMI
A fold out guide describing the process of isolating a defective
gene and the possibilities of treating it.
“In search of
large families” Beverly Merz
Geneticists like to find large
families to research, especially in isolated communities. The
article speaks directly of Huntington’s disease and the different
populations studied in attempts to isolate the gene(s) that code
for HD.
Articles in “Taking Sides”
"Will Genetic
Testing Lead to Denial of Insurance and Employment?"
Levine, Carol. Taking Sides: Bioethical Issues, eleventh
edition.
Issue Summary:
- YES: Cancer physician Maurie Markman fears that genetic
knowledge will be used to deny insurance of employment to people
who, on the basis of their genes, are at increased risk of
developing major diseases. He argues that insurers should not be
permitted under any circumstances to use genetic information to
deny medical coverage. (from "Genetic Discrimination Arising
from Cancer Risk Assessments: A Societal Dilemma", Cleveland
Clinic Journal of Medicine, January 2004).
- NO: Physician Nancy L. Fisher, who is a member of the Human
Genome Project's committee on ethical, legal, and social
implications, looks to legislation to sort out how much
information insurance companies should be able to obtain.
Insurance companies are businesses, she says, and businesses
have to function appropriately to survive. (from "Genetic
Testing and Health Insurance: Can They Coexist?", Cleveland
Clinic Journal of Medicine, January 2004)
CNN
Videos (in resource cabinet outside Rm. 207
SCIC)
Topic: "Embryo
Testing": Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001 (0:00)
Topic:
"Fingerprinting
E. Coli": Genetics 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)
Topic:
"Simplyfying
cells": Biology 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)
Topic:
"Creating
chromosomes": Genetics 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)
Topic: "Green Monkey":
Genetics 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)