Significance and Implications of Understanding the Genetic Techniques - Essay Example

A Response to “DNA as Destiny” David Ewing Duncan ed an in intriguing article offering a critique of the modern genetic techniques used by scientists to understand different traits in human beings. Notably, the recent past has seen the development of multiple genetic techniques used in profiling individuals and understanding gene sequences and expressions. Duncan was motivated by the advancing understanding and practice of genetic expressions and inheritance of genes from parents to their progeny and to the future generations (1). In his article, he reveals in depth his experience of undertaking a genetic scan that would reveal different aspects of his genetic constitution. From the vivid description of his experience and the thoughts that defined the period when he was waiting for the results, the reader can understand the reality governing modern genetic techniques. Without doubt, Duncan gets to realize the fact that DNA is very critical and is the core determinant of both positive and negative traits that any individual exhibits. He highlights that he took two critical tests that would determine certain specific attributes of his genetic constitution. This paper will describe the tests he undertook, their significance and implications of understanding ones genetic profile. From his description, it becomes evident that Duncan undertook a genetic scan that relied on a swab from his cheek cells. The purpose of the test was to analyze whether his genetic constitution exhibited any form of mutations that made him susceptible to cancer, deafness, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and cardiac diseases. Depending on the extent to which the genetic scan was to be done, this test can reveal much more about his susceptibility to a diverse range of diseases. Evidently, Duncan highlights that, he had undertaken this test and was waiting for the genetic experts to present him with the results (1). He was well aware that the information generated from the results of such a test would determine many aspects of his life. The test targeted to highlight any single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in his DNA (4). Duncan was also willing to undertake a second test in which an ancestral geneticist would have to assess the progenitors of different mutations that may be present in his lineage. This test is of critical significance because it would reveal any genetic defects that he inherited from his parents and ancestors, hence reflect the attributes that he would pass on to his children and the future generation. These two tests rely on analyzing an individual’s DNA and highlighting any genetic defects or mutations that may have occurred and that make the individual prone to developing diseases whose basis depends on genetic factors (2). As Duncan explains in the article, the results generated from the two tests offer an idea of his genetic profile and reveal any existing defects in his lineage. The tests serve to highlight that, all observable traits depend on the stability and proper constitution of the DNA. However, as the genetic experts undertaking the genetic scan test highlighted to Duncan environmental factors are also critical determinants of whether one would develop the diseases he or she is genetically prone to. Evidently, Duncan was aware of the criticality of the two tests despite being the first healthy individual intending to take such tests (3). He had the realization that the results would depict any diseases that either him or his children would later develop. From his explanation, he seemed afraid of facing the reality revealed by the tests. However, he knew that DNA was a key determinant of one’s destiny. The importance of Information from the Tests One of the advantages of undertaking a genetic scan and establishing one genetic profile is the fact that one can access personalized medical care. This becomes a possibility because the results of the genetic analysis texts reveal any diseases that one is likely to develop. Therefore, an individual who has undertaken such a test can receive preventive drugs for diseases that he or she has shown susceptibility to. A classic example is in the case of cancer because it takes several years to develop and its occurrence results from certain mutations. If an individual undertakes a genetic analysis test early enough, then he or she can take proactive measures to prevent its development (3). In the case of the types of cancers that have a vaccine, such as cervical cancer, one would take the preventive vaccines. Moreover, one can adjust his or her lifestyle as an additional preventive measure. Such an advantage was one of the new possibilities that Duncan would have because the results of his tests would reveal a lot about his disease susceptibility. Moreover, undertaking a genetic analysis test is advantageous because it can help determine the best career for an individual. The basis of this is the fact that all the attributes of an individual depend on his genetic constitution. Therefore, undertaking such a test eliminates the chances of taking up the wrong career. In addition, a genetic analysis helps an individual in the selection of a genetically compatible mate. This is because, two prospective mates would undertake such a test to determine their compatibility level. This only means that, people would have more stable relationships (3). The Harmful Side of the Genetic Analysis Tests Although undertaking a genetic analysis test presents the above advantages, it has a dark side. One of the dark sides is revealed in the film, “Gattaca” whereby an individual cannot be granted the privilege of venturing into space because his genetic constitution reveals that he is a less suitable candidate. In the same film, only an individual of a superior genetic origin is allowed to take up the opportunity. Therefore, understanding the genetic profiles of individual may deny them jobs, while in real sense, they have developed the required skills and competencies qualifying them for the job (4). In other cases, understanding the genetic profile of one’s mate may serve to break them up and hence deny them the chance of dating. Conclusion As highlighted in this article, there is truth in the saying that, “DNA is destiny”. This is because any genetic variations that define the salient differences exhibited by human beings are responsible for either positive or negative traits. This means that, DNA determines the progression of life and also determines aspects that may cause the termination of life. From the description of Duncan, undertaking a DNA analysis test has both advantages and disadvantages. On one side, it can help one have access to personalized medicine, choose the right career and mate. On the other side, understanding the defects in ones genetic makeup may deny the opportunity to take up a certain career or date someone. Work Cited Duncan, David. DNA is Destiny. Web. 18th April 2014. Read More