Assignment:
Topic:
It is now possible to have human embryos produced via in vitro (test tube) fertilization (IVF) tested for many different genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, a form of Alzheimer's disease, and BRCA1 associated cancers among others. Those embryos that have the gene for any of these diseases will be discarded and only those embryos lacking the disease-causing genes will be used for implantation into the potential mother. The technique used to do this is called "pre-implantation genetic diagnosis" (PIGD). It is also possible for sperm/egg donor banks to carry out a fertilization event on paper before it is done in vitro.
This way, prospective parents can reduce the risk of having a child with some genetic disorder. There are also other genetic changes that might be done with PIGD techniques including the choice of embryos with specific gene combinations for eye color, height, hair color and others. Many traits will likely not lend themselves to modification because they are too complex.
Finally, the potential exists for modification of an embryo with a genetic disorder that would replace the 'bad' copy of the gene with 'good' copies.
1. Give a detailed explanation of IVF. Be sure to discuss the various reasons why couples might choose to use this technique.
2. Discuss the details of PIGD. What procedures must be done to lead to the production of a 'healthy' embryo. Be sure to discuss what 'healthy' means in this context.
3. Weigh in on the topic of PIGD in conjunction with IVF pointing out what you think are the pros and cons of this developing and ever-improving technology.