A Right to Her Genes

By Susannah Gal, Jessie W. Klein

Abstract

In this true story, students examine the case of a woman with a family predisposition to cancer who is considering genetic testing. Students learn about various aspects of DNA testing and determine how to counsel the woman. The case was designed for an advanced undergraduate molecular biology course but could be modified for an introductory biology, genetics, or ethics classes.

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Date Posted

03/03/2000

Overview

Objectives

Become aware of the ability to detect mutations associated with cancer.
Consider the ethical concerns related to DNA testing.
Understand the scientific techniques useful for analyzing DNA mutations in people.
Become aware of the scientific limitations of our understanding of DNA sequence changes in human genes.
Become aware of alternative career paths, including working as a genetic counselor, doing laboratory research on cancer genes, designing drugs at pharmaceutical companies.

Keywords

Breast cancer; ovarian cancer; genetic testing; genetic counseling; genes; DNA; BRCA1; oophorectomy; mastectomy; bioethics

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Genetics / Heredity

Molecular Biology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Role-Play, Jig-Saw

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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