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Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology
Chapter 19, Problem 28

As you will learn later in the text (Special Topics Chapter 1— CRISPR-Cas and Genome Editing), the CRISPR-Cas system has great potential but also raises many ethical issues about its potential applications because theoretically it can be used to edit any gene in the genome. What do you think are some of the concerns about the use of CRISPR-Cas on humans? Should CRISPR-Cas applications be limited for use on only certain human genes but not others? Explain your answers.

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span>CRISPR-Cas is a powerful tool for genome editing, allowing precise modifications to DNA sequences. However, its use in humans raises several ethical concerns.</span
span>One major concern is the potential for unintended consequences or off-target effects, which could lead to harmful mutations or health issues.</span
span>Another concern is the possibility of 'designer babies,' where genetic modifications are made for non-therapeutic enhancements, leading to social inequality and ethical dilemmas.</span
span>There is also the issue of consent, especially when editing the germline, as future generations cannot consent to the genetic changes made.</span
span>Given these concerns, some argue that CRISPR-Cas applications should be limited to therapeutic uses, such as correcting genetic disorders, and not for enhancements or non-essential modifications.</span

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

CRISPR-Cas System

The CRISPR-Cas system is a revolutionary gene-editing technology derived from a bacterial immune mechanism. It allows for precise modifications of DNA by targeting specific sequences, making it possible to add, delete, or alter genes. This technology has vast potential in medicine, agriculture, and research, but its ability to edit any gene raises significant ethical and safety concerns.
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Genomic Variation

Ethical Considerations in Genetic Editing

The ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR-Cas involve questions about consent, potential misuse, and the long-term effects of genetic modifications. Concerns include the possibility of unintended consequences, such as off-target effects that could lead to harmful mutations. Additionally, the implications of 'designer babies' and genetic inequality raise moral dilemmas about who gets access to such technologies.
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Descriptive Genetics

Germline vs. Somatic Editing

Germline editing involves changes to the DNA in sperm, eggs, or embryos, which can be inherited by future generations, while somatic editing targets non-reproductive cells and affects only the individual. The distinction is crucial in discussions about CRISPR-Cas applications, as germline modifications raise profound ethical issues regarding the potential for permanent changes to the human gene pool, whereas somatic edits may be seen as more acceptable for treating diseases.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

How is fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) used to produce a spectral karyotype?

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Textbook Question

Private companies are offering personal DNA sequencing along with interpretation. What services do they offer? Do you think that these services should be regulated, and if so, in what way? Investigate one such company, 23andMe, at http://www.23andMe.com, before answering these questions.

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Textbook Question
Microsatellites are currently exploited as markers for paternity testing. A sample paternity test is shown in the following table in which ten microsatellite markers were used to test samples from a mother, her child, and an alleged father. The name of the microsatellite locus is given in the left-hand column, and the genotype of each individual is recorded as the number of repeats he or she carries at that locus. For example, at locus D9S302, the mother carries 30 repeats on one of her chromosomes and 31 on the other. In cases where an individual carries the same number of repeats on both chromosomes, only a single number is recorded. (Some of the numbers are followed by a decimal point, for example, 20.2, to indicate a partial repeat in addition to the complete repeats.) Assuming that these markers are inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion, can the alleged father be excluded as the source of the sperm that produced the child? Why or why not? Explain.
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Textbook Question

The gel presented here shows the pattern of bands of fragments produced with several restriction enzymes. The enzymes used are identified above the lanes of the gel, and six possible restriction maps are shown in the column to the right.

One of the six restriction maps shown is consistent with the pattern of bands shown in the gel.

From your analysis of the pattern of bands on the gel, select the correct restriction map and explain your reasoning. <>.

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Textbook Question

The gel presented here shows the pattern of bands of fragments produced with several restriction enzymes. The enzymes used are identified above the lanes of the gel, and six possible restriction maps are shown in the column to the right.

One of the six restriction maps shown is consistent with the pattern of bands shown in the gel.

The highlighted bands (magenta) in the gel hybridized with a probe for the gene pep during a Southern blot. Where in the gel is the pep gene located? 

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Textbook Question

A widely used method for calculating the annealing temperature for a primer used in PCR is 5 degrees below the melting temperature, Tₘ(°C), which is computed by the equation 81.5+0.41×(%GC)−(675/N), where %GC is the percentage of GC nucleotides in the oligonucleotide and N is the length of the oligonucleotide. Notice from the formula that both the GC content and the length of the oligonucleotide are variables. Assuming you have the following oligonucleotide as a primer,

5′-TTGAAAATATTTCCCATTGCC-3′

compute the annealing temperature for PCR. What is the relationship between  and %GC? Why? (Note: In reality, this computation provides only a starting point for empirical determination of the most useful annealing temperature.) <>

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