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Introduction – Molecular biology - Why should we care??

Introduction – Molecular biology - Why should we care??. Diagnostic : What do you know??. Gene:. A sequence of nucleotides that provide cells with the instructions for the synthesis of a specific protein or a particular type of RNA. Genome:.

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Introduction – Molecular biology - Why should we care??

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  1. Introduction – Molecular biology - Why should we care?? Diagnostic : What do you know??

  2. Gene: A sequence of nucleotides that provide cells with the instructions for the synthesis of a specific protein or a particular type of RNA. Genome: All of the DNA in an organism’s cells is called the genome.

  3. For Better or for worse ?

  4. Molecular Biology Examples of ethical issues: Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Fanconi anemia – requires a bone marrow donation Craig Venter and Synthetic biology

  5. Synthetic biology • Build the genome of an organism artificially and incorporated it into a cell • The first time that artificially manufactured sequences could support functional life • Unique combinations of many genes can be created

  6. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) • One or two cells are removed from a blastocyst generated by in vitro fertilisation • Testing is done for gene disorders or chromosomal abnormalities • The embryo without genetic condition can be selected

  7. CON (summarized from comments by Dr Michael Jarmulowicz in an article from the Catholic Medical Quarterly (Feb 2004)): • “Problems of defining qualities of personhood have logical consequences across the whole of life. Once objectivity is lost, then progression down a slippery slope is inevitable and a logical progression. If PGD is allowed for “Serious genetic disease” such as Huntingdon‟s disease or breast cancer, then what is the logical bar to prevent an increasing range of conditions to be included? When in doubt, we must accord personhood, unconditional dignity, and inalienable rights to all beings of human origin, lest we cause unconditional harm to both individuals and the culture. “ • ISSUES: • Is it a slippery slope?? • Would it have negative effects on genetic diversity?

  8. PRO (summarized from statement by the Center for Preimplantation Genetics): PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) technology improves the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and birth for couples with infertility related to recurrent miscarriage or unsuccessful IVF cycles and couples who are at risk for passing on inherited genetic disease to their offspring. This sophisticated and technologically advanced testing identifies which embryos are free of abnormalities and are most likely to achieve the patient's goal of a healthy baby. • Potential to minimize human suffering?

  9. What do you know about cloning??

  10. Stem Cells in Biotechnology Can we educate the public well enough to regulate science in a democracy?

  11. Stem Cells in Biotechnology

  12. Ernest McCulloch and James Till http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/03/26/qa-james-till-on-the-discovery-of-stem-cells/

  13. How did we get here??

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