Techniques in DNA manipulation have advanced rapidly in recent years, and it is

Question

Techniques in DNA manipulation have advanced rapidly in recent years, and it is now possible for individuals to run genetic genealogy searches on themselves to investigate their ancestry, find relatives, and more. One of these genealogy companies (GEDmatch) was used to identify a suspected serial killer and rapist, The Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, who was arrested less than two weeks ago for crimes that went unsolved for decades. Investigators submitted suspect DNA from crime scenes to a genealogy database, and constructed a family tree that allowed them to identify relatives of the killer, and eventually narrowed the search to DeAngelo. Investigators then confirmed the DNA match by collecting discarded DNA from DeAngelo (discarded DNA means it was likely isolated from something police found in his trash), and comparing it to their crime scene DNA.

a.) Why do companies that do genetic genealogy use DNA rather than RNA for their analysis?

b.) Geneology testing and DNA profiling usually examines sections of non-coding DNA, rather than sections of DNA that code for proteins. Explain a possible reason for this.

c.) GEDmatch is a company that allows customers to upload their own genetic information and search for “matches” that will indicate ancestry, relatives, and more. From the details above, what is your opinion on how Joseph DeAngelo was identified, and the implications for ownership and privacy of genetic information. Think through your answer carefully and explain your stance clearly. Answer to part c should be 350-500 words.

Explanation / Answer

1) Both DNA as RNA is considered important for the basis of life but in most of the cases DNA is taken as genetic material for any kind of genetic analysis. As the RNA contains ribose sugar on which it s named as RNA is more prone to hydrolysis due to present of hyroxy (OH) group on sugar molecule which can be easily hydrolyzed by addition of water whereas the DNA molecule is deoxy ribose hence name as DNA without any oxygen molecule with no chance of hydrolysis and forming a stable structure.

    In the second case the information in DNA molecule is well protected by the double helix stricter formed by supercoiling of the double helix stricter while in RNA molecules the RNA is single stranded leading to loss of genetic information.

    The nucleotides can be correctly paired by mismatch repair mechanism during replication for example whenever wrong nucleotides is placed in the daughter strand the DNA repair mechanism will replace correct nucleotide which is not possible in single stranded RNA molecule.

Hence e DNA is considered as more stable genetic material compared to RNA

2) The non coding region are the conserved sequences with the regulatory sequences for the coding of the proteins while the coding region contains the sequences for coding of proteins. The non coding region sis conserved sequences which is more stable and same as of our ancestor with no changes and most of the sequences are conserved while the non coding regions may differ in the sequences for the coding of specific of proteins hence non coding region is used in genetic analysis.

3) GED match gives us access to know our genetic match ancestors and helps to track criminals of the society. It the best toll in the modern technology for the accurate genetic information. Any person can access the information of genetic varaiation.It can also be utilized to identify any genetic hereditary problems which our ancestors might have and we have an option to rectify by studying or removing the defective genes. The criminal was also identified by analysis all the available genes in database of GED, the investigation official might have taken samples of blood or anybody sample from the crime spot and have matched with that of the gene bank GED database. During these search they have traced the genes which are matches that of the criminal DNA sample and then they narrowed their searched to his family and relatives and been able to identify him.

      But this technique also poses a great threat to human society as our genomes are totally public and anyone can access our gene data it also poses threat of cloning which unethical. There are chances that some may copy the gene information and produce clone identical which might be unethical and more dangerous. Though their strict measures have been imposed on the information of gens and its regulation but the gene data is at risk of going in wrong hands. The privacy of humans can be exploited ate the name of research and investigations which might be awkward situations.

      GEDmacth will have to follow proper protocol and compliance procedures to avoid mishandling of the genetic information. Apart from this it is great source of genetic information which can be a great help in the genetic studies for the human development and helping in treating various genetic disease which will also help in measures to avoid the genetic disease.     

        In my view the gene information is only to be used only for the investigation and diagnosis of disease purpose as most of the person can’t afford the genetic information from the website and person who can afford have extra edge to be super fit with all correct genes and they may have their babies with almost zero disease or disorder.

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