unit 1.5: human genomics Flashcards
(11 cards)
what is human genomics
the study of the human genome
what does human genomics involve
determining the sequence of the nucleotide base molecules along DNA, the sequence can be be determined for individual genes and entire genomes
what is a genome
the entire heredity information encoded in DNA, made up of genes that code for proteins and other sections that do not code for proteins
what is genomic sequencing
computer programmers being used by scientists to identify gene sequences by looking for coding sequences similar to known genes
what is bioinformatics
comparing sequence data, the use of computers and statistical analysis are used
what is pharmacogenetics
study of how people genetic information can be used in choice of drug and other treatment, if a drug is known to produce side effects in some people
what can pharmacogenetics identify
at risk patients
what is personalised medicine
the ability to use an individuals genome sequence to select most effective drug choice and dosage to treat their disease
diagnose more finely a persons disease
select treatments that are more likely to result in a successful outcome
reduce possible adverse reactions
what can personalised medicine predict
a persons susceptibility to disease and enables steps to be taken to avoid of reduce the extent of which an individual will experience a disease
what are the ethical issues with personalised medicine
insurance companies, banks and others may decline services or increase premiums as a result of finding less desirable traits
give examples of what is deemed a “less desirable trait”
alzheimer’s
other degenerative diseases
what is the term for increasing premiums for individuals with less desirable traits
genetic discrimination
