Concept explainers
In March 2010 Judge R. Sweet ruled to invalidate Myriad Genetics' patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Sweet wrote that since the genes are part of the natural world, they are not patentable. Myriad Genetics also holds patents on the development of a direct-to-consumer test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
(a) Would you agree with Judge Sweet's ruling to invalidate the patenting of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? If you were asked to judge the patenting of the direct-to-consumer test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, how would you rule?
(b) J. Craig Venter has filed a patent application for his “first- ever human made life form.” This patent is designed to cover the genome of M. genitalium Would your ruling for Venter's “organism” be different from Judge Sweet's ruling on patenting of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?
Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solutionChapter 19 Solutions
Study Guide and Solutions Manual for Essentials of Genetics
- We each carry 20,000 genes in our genome. Genes can be patented, and over 6,000 human genes have been patented. Do you think that companies or individuals should be able to patent human genes? Why or why not?arrow_forwardRecombinant pharmaceuticals (for the production of insulin, human growth hormone or blood clotting factors) Question: What are controversies or ethical dilemmas surrounding this genetic technology or process?arrow_forwardAn unapproved form of gene therapy, known as enhancement gene therapy, can create considerable ethical dilemmas. Why?arrow_forward
- Ignoring our traditional knowledge can prove costly in the area of biological patenting?Justify.arrow_forwardWhat are some possible reasons that researchers might be interested in identifying the gene that causes a genetic disease such as ICA? In other words, what benefits might result from this research?arrow_forwardCRISPR techniques allow scientists to modify specific genes while sparing all others, thus clarifying the association between a given gene and its consequence to the organism. If this technology can change the future of Medicine, what specific benefits CRISPR can bring to genetic testing or analysis? How can CRISPR help to enhance gene therapy or treatment of genetic diseases?arrow_forward
- write a comprehensive, one-page position paper about your stand on the practice of stem cell therapy and genetic engineering. Consider the following guide questions in establishing your arguments: •Could the widespread use of gene therapy make society less accepting of people who are different? •Will genetic engineering permanently change our society?arrow_forwardWhat are designer babies? What are the pros and cons of this future of biotechnology?arrow_forwardWhat are the Major Ethical Issues of Modern Biotechnology?arrow_forward
- Do a few cells created by therapeutic cloning of your own somatic cells constitute life? If these cells do constitute life, do they have the same rights as a human being conceived naturally? If it were possible, should someone be allowed to grow his or her own therapeutic clone into an adult?arrow_forwardChoose one genetic technology and explain the ethical, social and legal considerations associated with the technology.arrow_forwardWhat are the moral and ethical considerations of using transgenic animals to manufacture various human products?arrow_forward
- Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage Learning