Genetic research question 7

· Yes we should try and use the gene therapy to concoct a cure for lethal disease but in the present time no cures have been found.

· Types of Genetic Testing

Carrier Identification includes genetic tests used by couples whose families have a history of recessive genetic disorders and who are considering having children. Three common tests include those for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle-cell trait.

Prenatal Diagnosis is genetic testing of a fetus. This may occur when there is a risk of bearing a child with genes associated with mental retardation or physical deterioration. Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic diseases screened by this method.

Newborn Screening is frequently done as a preventative health measure. Tests usually have clear benefit to the newborn because treatment is available. Phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism are conditions for which testing is conducted in all 52 states.

Late-onset Disorders include adult diseases such as cancer and heart disease. These diseases are complex and have both genetic and environmental causes. Genetic tests may indicate a susceptibility or predisposition for these diseases. There are diseases caused by single genes, such as Huntington's disease, that also are seen later in life and can be tested at any time.

· Curing?

As of now a person with a genetic disorder can undergo gene therapy, which is manipulating ones organism of genes to attempt to cure the disorder. Even though you could go into gene therapy there are no cures at the present time for the major diseases such as tay-sachs, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s and downs. The genetic tests are able to detect if a person has the disease and where it’s located but as of now there is no ability to cure them.