1. Salah & Diana had their newborn son, Malik, tested for several genetic disorders. Their son did have galactosemia, which, untreated, causes severe brain damage and death. Fortunately, with early diagnosis, the disease can be managed by diet. Malik's growth and development have been completely normal and at 5 years old, he is healthy and thriving. Recently, Salah changed jobs, his new insurance company notified the family that Malik is considered high risk because of another gene that predisposes him to high cholesterol. The insurance company found Malik's early DNA tests through a company that stores and sells information.

a. Did Malik's parents make a mistake by having this optional genetic testing on their newborn?

b. Does the insurance company have the right to deny insurance to this family?

c. What laws should exist to govern the use of information in genetic databases?

d. A biotech company also bought Malik's DNA tests; and scientists discovered a new tumor suppressor gene in his DNA that may cure several types of cancer. Who owns this gene? Should this gene be used to develop an anticancer drug? Who gets the profits?

e. Assume that Malik's DNA test showed that he has the Alzheimer's gene; should he be told?

2. Months of drought followed by months of rain have caused repeated crop failure in sub-Saharan Africa leaving 18 million people with little food. Couples often have as many as nine children because only one survives to adulthood. An American biotech company has genetically engineered wheat seeds that produce high-protein, drought-resistant plants. The U.S. is considering providing the seeds to the African people.

a. Will this result in over-population if nine healthy children survive in each family?

b. Will this create dependency on the West?

c. What will happen during the rainy season if the wheat doesn't grow?

d. Who's responsible if, 5 years from now, it is found that this high-protein wheat causes allergies?

3. Researchers at Splicedna Company identified an anti-retroviral protein in a deep sea sponge. The researchers have cloned the gene in Escherichia coli bacteria and the bacteria are making large quantities of this protein. Clinical trials of the purified protein show it kills HIV and the FDA has approved use of this drug in humans. Treatment costs $20 per month.

a. Should this drug be available to all HIV/AIDS patients, including low-income and homeless people?

b. AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa. Should this drug be made available to people in less developed countries, such as Namibia.

c. Whose responsibility is it to make this drug available to everyone who needs it?

d. Would your answer to question a change if the cost was $500/month?

4. One group of enzymes encoded by the cytochrome p450 genes breaks down most of the drugs we use in our bodies. Individuals with some forms of the cytochrome p450 genes are likely to show adverse reactions to about 100 common drugs ranging from asthma and psychiatric medications to over-the-counter St. John's Wort. Normal doses of drugs are ineffective for individuals with other forms of cytochrome p450. Signature Genetics has produced a test for variations in the cytochrome p450. The test costs $2000 and comes with a 50-page analysis for the patient and physician.

a. Should every patient be tested for cytochrome P450?

b. Who is responsible if a disease is not cured because this test wasn't done?

c. Who should pay for the test?

d. Who should be responsible for reading the 50-page report? What should be done after reading it?

5. The Omnichip is a DNA test for variations in 100 genes. Roberto's insurance pays for the OmniChip test for his family. The test shows that his daughter does not have a mutant breast cancer (BRCA) gene, however, his son shows a predisposition to heart disease. This heart disease can be avoided with lifestyle and dietary choices.

a. Who bears the responsibility of educating children about lifestyle choices?

b. Who bears the responsibility for a child's risk avoidance and surveillance? For an adult?

c. The OmniChip can't find every BRCA mutation. What are the implications of a false negative for Jose's daughter?