Cracking your Genetic Code Documentary and Genetic Conditions

Team AP Bio watched a PBS documentary created in 2012 called Cracking Your Genetic Code which discusses the future of genetic technology and the pros and cons of genome mapping. I found this documentary to be interesting because of the large number of benefits and challenges that come with the development of genetic technology.

I learned that in recent years there has been huge progress in mapping entire human genomes. The first genome that was mapped took 13 years (1990-2003) and cost 3 billion dollars. Now, with improved technology, genome sequencing can be done in a lot less time. The point of genome sequencing is to be able to detect mutations that might cause a genetic disorder for someone in the future or for their offspring. This is so important because it gives us the opportunity to detect and potentially prevent genetic conditions before the disease spreads and grows. It also allows us to detect conditions during pregnancy to allow the parents to prepare.

While there are some amazing benefits of genome sequencing, there are also some serious downsides to learning this information. Would you want to know if you are most likely going to get cancer or Alzheimer's disease when you are older? Similarly, if your sibling was getting tested for a potentially deathly disease that runs in the family, would you want to know if you have it, and would that affect your view on life? There is also a privacy concern with getting your genome sequenced. Companies will have your entire genome, which is more effective than social security numbers or fingerprints. There is a chance that in the future your genome will be something that is added to social media pages and can also play a role in relationships and who you decide to marry.

Multiple members of my family have been impacted by pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer in the adrenal gland (learn more here). Although genetic sequencing was not available when they were sick, I could get tested to see if I am at risk for this when I am older which could be incredibly beneficial to how I live the rest of my life. I am fascinated by genetic testing and love the relief it can provide to families.

Something else I found super interesting from the documentary is that one small mutation, like a C base mutating to an A base, can cause life-threatening diseases. This reminded me of our presentation about CRISPR, a new tool that corrects mutations found in genes. CRISPR technology can be used to cure someone of a genetic condition, which is amazing.

I would definitely recommend this documentary because even if science is not something you are particularly passionate about, genetic sequencing and technology like CRISPR will have a huge impact on medicine in the very near future and it is super exciting to think about. The documentary is yet another thing I have been exposed to in AP Biology that has confirmed that biotech and medicine are what I want to do with my life.