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SNPs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails, and That's What People Are Made Of

A Case Study on Genome Privacy

By Debby Walser-Kuntz, Sarah Deel, Susan R. Singer

SNPs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails, and That's What People Are Made Of


 

Abstract

In this case on genome privacy, students work together to research one of six assigned lobbying groups’ views in this area and then present their groups’ positions before a mock meeting of a U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee as they consider voting on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. In working through the case, students learn about single nucleotide polymorphisms, common molecular biology techniques, and current legislation governing genome privacy. The case was developed for use in an introductory biology course entitled “Genes, Evolution, and Development.” It could be readily adapted for a genetics or molecular biology course.

   

Date Posted

09/07/2005

Overview

Objectives

  • Define the term “SNP” and list three uses of SNP technology.
  • Design an experiment to identify SNPs.
  • Describe a potential privacy issue associated with SNP technology.
  • Explain the current status of genome privacy laws.
  • Apply scientific reasoning skills to an ethical issue in science.
  • Write a letter to your United States Representative for/against passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Keywords

Single nucleotide polymorphism; SNP; genetic privacy; Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; HIPAA; bioethics

  

Subject Headings

Bioinformatics
Biology (General)
Biotechnology
Genetics / Heredity
Molecular Biology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues, Policy issues, Social issues, Social justice issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Public Hearing, Role-Play, Jig-Saw, Student Presentations

 

 

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