Question 1

Some argue that gene therapy should not be permitted because it amounts to

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy, particularly when it involves altering the genetic makeup of embryos or gametes, is often compared to eugenics because it involves selecting for or against certain genetic traits, which echoes the goals of eugenics programs that sought to improve the genetic quality of human populations through selective breeding.

Question 2

Negative eugenics is widely regarded as

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Those who believe that embryos have the moral status of persons are likely to view embryonic stem cell research as

Accepted Answer

Embryonic stem cell research involves the destruction of embryos, which those who believe embryos have the moral status of persons would view as equivalent to taking human lives, thus considering it immoral.

Question 4

Those who believe that early embryos have less than full moral status but are still deserving of some respect usually regard embryonic stem cell research as

Accepted Answer

Those who believe early embryos have less than full moral status but still deserve some respect typically find embryonic stem cell research morally acceptable because it promises significant medical benefits while acknowledging some level of ethical consideration for the embryos.

Question 5

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is

Accepted Answer

PGD is increasingly common as a technique used alongside in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for genetic disorders before implantation, although it can be expensive and carries some risks, it is certainly feasible and in use today.

Question 6

DNA has the molecular architecture of a

Accepted Answer

DNA is structured as a double helix, which consists of two long strands that coil around each other, forming a ladder-like appearance. This was first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953.

Question 7

An organism's entire complement of DNA is known as its

Accepted Answer

The genome of an organism encompasses all of its genetic material, including all of its genes and noncoding sequences, found within the chromosomes in the nucleus.

Question 8

Genes are neatly organized into 46 stringlike molecules known as

Accepted Answer

Genes are organized into 46 stringlike molecules known as chromosomes, which are found in the nucleus of human cells. Each chromosome contains a long strand of DNA that is packed with genes.

Question 9

_______ testing is a form of genetic testing used to determine if a fetus has genetic abnormalities likely to cause physical or mental impairments.

Accepted Answer

Prenatal testing is used during pregnancy to assess whether a fetus has genetic abnormalities that could lead to physical or mental impairments.

Question 10

_______ testing is a form of genetic testing used to determine whether someone possesses a mutated gene that could transmit an autosomal recessive disorder to a child if both parents have mutated gene.

Accepted Answer

Carrier testing is specifically designed to identify individuals who carry one copy of a gene mutation that, when present in two copies, causes a genetic disorder. This is particularly relevant for autosomal recessive disorders, where both parents must be carriers of a mutation for their child to be at risk.

Question 11

_______ testing is a form of genetic testing used to confirm or rule out a genetic disorder in someone with symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic testing is used to confirm or rule out a genetic disorder in someone with symptoms.

Question 12

A physician who argues in favor of restricting access to genetic tests because genetic self-knowledge causes psychological harms, and patients cannot understand the complexities and implications of genetic information, is reasoning using

Accepted Answer

The physician is using paternalism, which involves restricting individuals' autonomy for their own good, based on the belief that they cannot fully understand or handle the information.

Question 13

Gene therapy is the manipulation of someone's genetic material to prevent or treat disease by

Accepted Answer

Gene therapy encompasses all these methods: replacing a missing or defective gene, repairing a faulty gene, and activating or deactivating genes to treat or prevent diseases.

Question 14

A _______ would argue against pre-natal testing and PGD because they usually lead directly to selective abortion and embryo selection-clear violations of the unborn's right to life.

Accepted Answer

Catholic natural law theorists argue against practices like pre-natal testing and PGD when they lead to selective abortion and embryo selection, as these actions are seen as violations of the natural law and the unborn's right to life.

Question 15

A _______ would likely find somatic-cell gene therapy morally permissible.

Accepted Answer

A utilitarian would likely find somatic-cell gene therapy morally permissible because it has the potential to improve the lives of individuals by curing or preventing diseases. A Kantian would also likely find somatic-cell gene therapy morally permissible because it respects the autonomy of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies.

Question 16

Even when genetic tests correctly predict a genetic disorder, they usually cannot foretell how severe its symptoms will be or when they will appear.

Accepted Answer

Genetic tests can often predict the presence of a genetic disorder but the variability in gene expression, environmental factors, and other genetic modifiers means that the severity and onset of symptoms can be difficult to predict accurately.

Question 17

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests are reliable, useful, and safe.

Accepted Answer

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests can vary widely in their reliability and usefulness, and they may not always be safe in terms of privacy and psychological impact. The accuracy of the results can depend on the specific test and company, and the interpretation of genetic information can be complex. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and how personal genetic data is stored and used.

Question 18

Many symptomless people at risk for Huntington's disease decide not to be tested.

Accepted Answer

Many people at risk for Huntington's disease choose not to undergo genetic testing due to the fear of knowing they have an incurable disease, the potential psychological impact, and concerns about discrimination or implications for family planning.

Question 19

Genetic discrimination is prohibited by law.

Accepted Answer

Genetic discrimination is prohibited by law in many countries, including the United States, where the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information in health insurance and employment.

Question 20

Julian Savulescu argues that genetic enhancement is not morally permissible.

Accepted Answer

Julian Savulescu is a prominent bioethicist who argues in favor of the moral permissibility of genetic enhancement, advocating for what he terms the "principle of procreative beneficence," which suggests that parents have a moral obligation to select the child, of the possible children they could have, who is expected to have the best life.

Quiz 9: Genetic Choices