Ethical and Safety Issues in Genetics

The video discusses the advancements in DNA technologies, highlighting both their benefits and the associated safety and ethical concerns. It covers the historical context of recombinant DNA guidelines, potential risks like cancer gene transfer, and the protection of researchers. Ethical dilemmas in genetic modification, such as altering genomes and privacy issues in genetic fingerprinting, are explored. The video also addresses the implications of the Human Genome Project on privacy and discrimination.

What was the main conclusion of the 1975 conference on recombinant DNA?

• Recombinant DNA should be banned.

• Recombinant DNA can be risky for research.

• Recombinant DNA has no ethical concerns.

• Recombinant DNA is completely safe.

What is a potential risk of transferring cancer genes into bacteria?

• The bacteria could stop reproducing.

• The bacteria could become a new species.

• The bacteria could transfect cancer genes into humans.

• The bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics.

What safety measures are in place for researchers working with recombinant DNA?

• No safety measures are needed.

• Researchers are required to work without protective gear.

• There are guidelines to minimize exposure risk.

• Researchers must work in complete isolation.

What is a key ethical question regarding genome modification in infants?

• Is it ethical to alter an infant's height?

• Is it ethical to fix a mutation that might cause cancer?

• Is it ethical to modify an infant's eye color?

• Is it ethical to change an infant's gender?

What ethical issue arises from modifying a genome to enhance abilities?

• It could lead to a decrease in intelligence.

• It could create unfair advantages.

• It could make people less healthy.

• It could result in a loss of identity.

What is a concern related to genetic fingerprinting?

• It can lead to inaccurate results.

• It is too expensive to implement.

• It can be used to track individuals without consent.

• It is not reliable for identifying suspects.

What is a potential privacy issue with genetic fingerprinting?

• It can be used to create clones.

• It can be used to alter someone's DNA.

• It can be used to predict future crimes.

• It can be used to track individuals without their knowledge.

How might genetic information be used in a discriminatory manner?

• By denying insurance based on genetic predispositions.

• By increasing the number of job opportunities.

• By offering discounts on health products.

• By providing free healthcare to everyone.

What is a concern with the Human Genome Project?

• It could lead to the extinction of certain species.

• It could result in the misuse of genetic information.

• It could make humans immune to all diseases.

• It could eliminate genetic diversity.

What might happen if genetic information is used by employers?

• Employees might receive higher salaries.

• Employees might get more vacation days.

• Employees might be denied jobs based on genetic risks.

• Employees might be promoted more quickly.