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genetics
TOPIC 8.4
Objectives
Discuss how the outcomes of the Human Genome Project are
being used in the development of new drugs and the social,
moral and ethical issues this raises.
Describe how drugs can be produced using genetically
modified organisms (plants and animals and micro organisms).
Discuss the risks and benefits associated with the use of
genetically modified organisms.
Ethical issues
Who owns the information? Some groups have applied for patents
on genetic sequences so that they have ownership, or have to be
paid for any treatment developed using the knowledge of that
sequence.
Who is entitled to know the information about your genome if it is
sequenced/ Should insurance companies have access to the
information?
Will genetic screening lead to eugenics (the genetic selection of
humans) and designer babies?
Who will pay for the development of the new therapies and drugs/
Many possible highly specialised treatments may be very
expensive and will only be suitable for a few people.