Today in my AP Biology class, we watched a documentary on genome sequencing or reading the genetic code of a genome. Last semester and this unit, we learned about DNA replication and the possibility of mutation through an error in replication, transcription, or translation of DNA or RNA. Even the smallest mutation of a single nucleotide can be fatal in an offspring, but sometimes the mutation can be silent and change nothing. Genetic sequencing enables individuals with an undiagnosable, medical issue to locate the mutated gene in their DNA to then properly diagnose, and hopefully find a cure for, their disease. Although a long and expensive process, Doctors believe, especially for these never-seen-before mutations, that it is better to look through the DNA of a genome and not find anything than to have missed an opportunity to fix the problem. But with more technological advancements related to reading DNA, there is an ethical concern on when altering DNA will be taken too far and whether our genetic code will become the new social security number.
New companies, such as 23andMe or Ancestry, provide kits to analyze a patient’s DNA to make assumptions on whether they are prone to or have the gene for any genetic diseases. Although, this form of analyzing genetics is not fully reliable because instead of reading the entire DNA sequence, 23andMe only reads one million letters, which is about 1%. This process of genotyping means that 23andMe takes your sample of DNA, reads about 1% of your genetic information, and assumes what genetic diseases you are most likely to develop, based on unfinished information and barely analyzed genetic code. In contrast, many people have bettered their lives by learning these assumptions of their genetic code because it has allowed them to detect diseases early on in development, preventing further growth.
This same reading of genetic code can even be done in the cells of newly conceived embryos to remove any mutations and inheritable diseases before the baby is further developed and born. This advanced scientific technology sparked the ethical debate of “designer” babies, genetically modified babies with preferred traits. Thankfully, the documentary reassures us that some phenotypes are too complicated to be altered and we seem to be a long way out from choosing our child’s gender, eye color, or height.
Some fear that as reading genetic code becomes even more common, our DNA might replace the use of a social security number, I.D., or fingerprint. In the future, when reading DNA becomes more accessible, we could create even more problems of possibly being judged or discriminated against based on your DNA. For example, your insurance could see in your DNA that you are likely to develop a fatal genetic disease at a young age and can deny you life insurance. Although genome sequencing can be taken out of hand or unethically used, the basis of the technology will beneficially impact many lives by giving hope to undiagnosed patients that research can be done to find the genetic mutation causing their problem to then work towards a solution.
A video of 23andMe discussing their genotype process compared to genome sequencing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xmQtJwLRQc
An informational article on the history and social arguments of designer babies: https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/ethics-designer-babies
Work Cited:
“Editing Humanity: The Prospect of Genetic Enhancement.” The Economist, 22 Aug. 2015, http://www.economist.com/weeklyedition/2015-08-22. Accessed 24 May 2022.
Spencer, Philip, and Abdul Karim Sesay. “Expanding the Capacity of Governments for Genome Sequencing in West Africa.” Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, 24 Sept. 2020, institute.global/advisory/expanding-capacity-governments-genome-sequencing-west-africa. Accessed 24 May 2022.
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