Genetics: Ethics, Testing, and Mutations

Vocabulary flashcards covering the ethical issues in genetic testing, relevant healthcare policies like GINA, carrier screening, and the functional classifications of mutations.

Genetic Discrimination

The potential mistreatment or denial of opportunities, such as being denied employment or insurance, based on a person's genetic risks.

Informed Consent

The requirement that patients must fully understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing prior to proceeding.

Reproductive Choices (in Genetics)

Decisions regarding pregnancy or medical interventions that are directly influenced by the results of genetic testing.

Genetic Modification

The alteration of genetic material, which introduces ethical dilemmas regarding where to draw the boundary between necessary medical interventions and genetic enhancements.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Federal legislation that helps protect individuals by preventing discrimination based on genetic test results in contexts such as employment and health insurance.

Genetic Counseling

A healthcare communication process that must be approached with sensitivity to discuss ethical concerns while upholding patient autonomy, privacy, and individual decision-making.

Carrier Screening

A genetic test offered to individuals, often prospective parents who typically do not display symptoms, to determine if an individual carries a recessive genetic condition.

Early Diagnosis and Disease Prevention

A primary positive medical benefit of genetic testing rather than an ethical concern or dilemma.

Neutral Mutations

The vast majority of mutations, which do not alter the amino acid sequence of a protein or affect an organism's survival.

Beneficial Mutations

Mutations that confer new traits that help an organism adapt to its environment, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria or lactose tolerance in humans.