Video Transcript
Which of the following statements
about genetic screening is correct? (A) Genetic screening can currently
be used for couples to choose the characteristics of their child, e.g., eye
color. (B) Genetic screening can provide
couples with a relative chance of their children developing a specified genetic
disorder. (C) Genetic screening can tell
couples with 100 percent certainty if their child will have any genetic
disorder. (D) Genetic screening is only
offered to couples who suffer from genetic disorders themselves. (E) Genetic screening can be used
to test for all inherited and pathogenic diseases.
This question asks us about genetic
screening and its applications. Let’s discuss this in some detail
so we can choose the best answer to our question.
The DNA in our cells is responsible
for giving us many of our characteristics, such as eye or hair color, for
example. These characteristics are brought
about by genes, which are sections of DNA that contain the instructions for these
characteristics. Unfortunately, we may also possess
genes that can cause certain diseases or disorders. Although we may not show these
disorders ourselves, our future children might. So it’s important to undergo
genetic screening to see if we carry these affected genes, in order to evaluate the
risks of passing these disorders on to our children.
Now that we understand a bit about
what genetic screening is, let’s go over our answer choices to choose the statement
which is correct.
Answer choice (A) is incorrect. Although a genetic screening can be
used to evaluate the genes of an embryo to choose characteristics, this practice is
currently not allowed due to ethical concerns.
Answer choice (B) seems to be
correct. Genetic screening can give parents
an idea of the chances of their child developing a disorder. Let’s make sure that this is the
best answer by eliminating the remaining options.
Answer choice (C) is incorrect. Genetic screening cannot guarantee
whether or not a child will suffer any genetic disorder with 100 percent
certainty. This is because some genetic
disorders may have unknown causes or may be influenced by other factors.
Answer choice (D) is incorrect. Genetic screening can be performed
on individuals with and without genetic disorders. In some cases, people may be
carriers of a disorder, meaning that they carry the affected gene and can pass it
on. But they themselves do not have the
disorder.
Answer choice (E) is incorrect. Pathogenic diseases are those that
are caused by organisms that cause infection and disease. We acquire these diseases from our
environment, and they are not inherited. So we can’t screen for them in our
DNA.
Therefore, the option that provides
us with a correct statement regarding genetic screening is given by answer choice
(B). Genetic screening can provide
couples with a relative chance of their child developing a specified genetic
disorder.
