Discuss the role of Genetics in modern society

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Discuss the role of Genetics in modern society

Genes by definition are information we inherit from our parents, they contain chromosomal information which codes for every physical and mental attribute a human, animal or plant has. Modern society has come to realise by finding the gene that causes the illness they can remove it. They then can insert the correct gene to replace it. Genes are arranged like beads on a piece of string, they occur in a fixed order.

Modern day society has also realised that by learning about genes and increasing their understanding many useful tasks can be carried out.

For example, solving crimes; if a suspect has been identified, a sample of that's persons DNA can be checked against DNA (a long thread- like molecule found in every living cell) which may have been found at the crime scene. This process is done use of a genetic code. Although every human may have the same basic components in a double helix of DNA, base, sugar, and phosphate: The type of sugar may vary, further more the order of complimentary base pairs may occur in a different order. Thus, meaning an almost infinite number of combinations. As our genes allow every person to have their own DNA code, a definite match of DNA would mean that person could without doubt be linked to the scene. All that is needed to extract DNA is one cell - a speck of blood, a swab of saliva or a miniscule fragment of skin that clings to a strand of hair!

Jack Straw is said to putting plans forward to enforce any criminal to keep their genetic material on a national database with purpose of cross matching with unsolved crimes.
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As law stands at the moment written consent is required from the affected parties. Some criminals may feel this is violation of human rights whilst their victims could interpret this as being justice for criminals.

Genetic engineering is perhaps top of the media list in the medical/biological field. This (in very simple terms) involves swapping old genes for new ones. The topic already holds out hope for diabetes sufferers. 2 Having type 1 or 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of diabetes type1 include: cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney ...

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