Does Race Exist?

1. Does Race Exist? 0 Current Issues in Biology, Volume 2 Scientific American

2. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • Most common definitions of race are based on external • features, such as skin color. • But research reveals that races are not genetically discrete • groups. • Genetic differences can be used, however, to group populations for purposes such as medical relevance.

3. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • The genes of two people of the same “race” can be very • different. • Conversely, two people of different “races” can share • more in common genetically than two individuals of the • same “race.”

4. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • Scientists can sometimes use small genetic differences • called polymorphisms to sort most large populations • according to their ancestral geographic origin. • One such polymorphism-based study identified five different • groups with distinct geographic origins, including sub- • Saharan Africans, Europeans, and East Asians.

5. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • The study was based on comparisons of short pieces of • DNA called Alu polymorphisms.

6. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • These variations arose due to ancestral geographic isolation. • These differences sometimes have medical implications. • People with a particular variation may be more prone to a • certain disease or have a unique response to a drug.

7. Does Race Exist? Concept Review • But scientists and doctors are still debating the full medical • utility of genetic variations. • It is not yet clear how medically significant some differences • may be.

8. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension According to scientists, which of these reliably defines race? a) culture b) skin color c) geographic origin d) none of the above

9. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension According to scientists, which of these reliably defines race? d) none of the above

10. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension How do geneticists determine the degree of relatedness among human groups? a) variations in the genes for skin color b) DNA polymorphisms c) variation in the chemistry of DNA bases d) none of the above

11. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension How do geneticists determine the degree of relatedness among human groups? b) DNA polymorphisms

12. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension Geneticists study the history of populations and the effect of natural selection by a) interviewing people about their ancestry. b) analyzing historical records and ancient burial sites. c) studying polymorphisms across populations. d) comparing the number of polymorphisms in a population.

13. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension Geneticists study the history of populations and the effect of natural selection by c) studying polymorphisms across populations.

14. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension At present, what factor is the major limiter in using genetic testing as a broad screening tool? a) concerns about privacy and consent b) validity of the information c) high cost of the screening d) all of the above

15. Does Race Exist? Testing Your Comprehension At present, what factor is the major limiter in using genetic testing as a broad screening tool? d) all of the above

16. Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree A. D. C. B. E. Does Race Exist? Biology and Science Researchers have argued that outward signs of race are not adequate for distinguishing a person’s genetic characteristics. Their findings support efforts to heal racial divides.

17. Does Race Exist? Thinking About Science Some scientists now say that racial information has no valid place in medical research. Others say it does, as race is still a powerful social force. Describe at least one scientific claim that can be used by those on each side of the debate.