Consider the following case study that focuses on what has become a familiar problem related to new… Show more Consider the following case study that focuses on what has become a familiar problem related to new technologies – the social and economic costs of genetic diseases. Classic Tay-Sachs disorder (there is more than one type) is classified as an autosomal recessive (tt), lethal disorder. Affected infants appear to be normal at birth and they continue to develop normally for six to ten months. However, at that time, their nervous system begins to deteriorate, they lose motor and sensory function, develop severe mental retardation, become blind and paralyzed, and death usually follows within a year or two. Tay-Sachs is most common in Jewish families with roots in eastern Europe. What is the biochemical/genetic basis of this disorder? Basically, Tay-Sachs disorder is caused by a missing enzyme that “processes” lipids (fats) normally present in nerve cells. Without this enzyme, abnormal lipid deposition occurs and affected nerve cells die resulting in the severe effects. Two genes encode this complex enzyme (which consists of two separate chains) and they are nonfunctional (that is, no protein is produced). At the present time, there is not cure and no effective treatment for this cruel genetic disorder. The average age of death is 22 months and affected infants rarely survive beyond five years of age. Tay-Sachs can be detected using routing prenatal testing procedures such as amniocentesis. Assume that Lisa and David Jones are newly married couple and have reason to believe they are “at risk” for Tay-Sachs disorder (that is, the disorder has occurred in both of their families). A simple blood test is now available that can distinguish carriers, or heterozygotes (Tt) from noncarriers (TT). They had the test performed and found they were both carriers. For each of the following questions or scenarios, write an answer for both sides (pros and cons) of the issue. Your answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. 1. Should genetic screening tests be required for individuals, such as the Jones’, if both parents are known or suspected to be at risk for serious genetic disease: Why? Why not? Be sure to address both sides of the issue. Should they be tested before pregnancy occurs or after pregnancy? Why? What if only one parent is at risk? Be sure to address both sides of the issue. 2. Assume the Jones’, knowing they are at risk, decide to “take their chances” and have a child that is born with Tay-Sachs disease (what was the chance they would have an affected child?) The average cost for treatment and care of a Tay-Sachs child from birth to death is between $200,000 and $400,000. Does society (i.e., the taxpayer) have a responsibility to provide such expensive and necessary care if parents bring an affected offspring into the world (knowingly or unknowingly; does it make a difference)? Why? Why not? Be sure to address both sides of the issue. 3. If the Jones’ decide to have a genetic screening test, should the results of the test be made available to their insurance companies? Why? Why not? Be sure to address both sides of the issue. 4. Should known carriers of genetic disorders have children if both parents are at risk? Does it depend on the disease? Should society place restrictions on their having children? Why? Why not? Be sure to address both sides of the issue. • Show less