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Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology
All textbooksKlug 12th EditionCh. 20 - Recombinant DNA TechnologyProblem 21
Chapter 19, Problem 21

Following the tragic shooting of 20 children at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Connecticut's state medical examiner requested a full genetic analysis of the killer's genome. What do you think investigators might be looking for? What might they expect to find? Might this analysis lead to oversimplified analysis of the cause of the tragedy?

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span>Investigators might be looking for genetic markers or mutations that have been previously associated with aggressive or violent behavior. This could include genes related to neurotransmitter regulation, such as those affecting serotonin or dopamine pathways.</span
span>They might expect to find rare genetic variants or mutations that could potentially be linked to behavioral disorders or mental health conditions. However, it's important to note that behavior is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors.</span
span>While genetic analysis can provide insights into potential predispositions, it is unlikely to pinpoint a single cause for such a complex behavior as committing a violent act. The presence of certain genetic markers does not guarantee that an individual will exhibit violent behavior.</span
span>This analysis might lead to oversimplified conclusions if not interpreted with caution. It is crucial to consider the broader context, including environmental influences and personal history, rather than attributing behavior solely to genetics.</span
span>Overall, while genetic analysis can contribute to understanding certain aspects of behavior, it should be integrated with other forms of analysis to avoid reductionist explanations of complex human actions.</span

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Key Concepts

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

Genetic Analysis

Genetic analysis involves examining an individual's DNA to identify genetic variations that may influence behavior, health, or predisposition to certain conditions. In the context of criminal investigations, it can help determine if there are hereditary factors that might contribute to violent behavior, although such interpretations can be complex and controversial.
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Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate explores the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human behavior and development. Investigators might consider how both genetic predispositions and life experiences shape an individual's actions, emphasizing that behavior is often the result of a complex interplay between these factors.
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Oversimplification in Genetic Determinism

Genetic determinism is the belief that genes alone dictate behavior and traits, which can lead to oversimplified conclusions about complex human actions. In the case of violent behavior, relying solely on genetic analysis may ignore critical social, psychological, and environmental influences, potentially leading to misguided interpretations of the causes of such tragedies.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

We usually think of enzymes as being most active at around 37°C, yet in PCR the DNA polymerase is subjected to multiple exposures of relatively high temperatures and seems to function appropriately at 65–75°C. What is special about the DNA polymerase typically used in PCR?

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Textbook Question

Would you have your genome sequenced, if the price was affordable? Why or why not? If you answered yes, would you make your genome sequence publicly available? How might such information be misused?

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Textbook Question

Traditional Sanger sequencing has largely been replaced in recent years by next-generation and third-generation sequencing approaches. Describe advantages of these sequencing methods over first-generation Sanger sequencing.

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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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