This question deals with issue that could very easily arise in the future and wi

Question

This question deals with issue that could very easily arise in the future and will have to be dealt with by society. This is meant to be an opinion question to get you to think about of this issue and what should be done. As of this point in time, this scenario is not real.

1. Dr. Sharon Martin and her company have spent years working to identify how the gene for albinism works. The mutation in this gene causes no pigment to be produced in the hair, skin or eyes. Identifying the gene would open the door to curing the condition. Finally, her team succeeds. But, the years of research have been expensive. One way to make back the money is to patent the gene that the team members have identified. Then, anyone who wanted to develop either treatments or tests would have to pay a fee to use the gene.

a. Do you think the government should allow this gene to be patented? Please explain.

b. If Dr. Martin

Explanation / Answer

a. Genes occur naturally and are not the property of any one, even the discoverer. So, the government should not allow this gene to be patented.

b. Yes, government can allow the test to be patented, because developing a test is an intellectual aspect of the research team. So, intellectual property rights are allow to get the patent.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.