Blog

What is the type of genetic test that is used to detect changes in embryos created using assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF?

When sending your saliva in to a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company they will perform [1] to look for genetic variants, which requires prior identification of variants of interest and is [2] for companies because it only looks at very specific places in the DNA. The genetic health risk report will determine your [3] which is the increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on your genetic makeup. Having an increased genetic risk for a disease means that you will [4] be affected by that disease in your lifetime. The [5] will use DNA sequence polymorphisms whose allele frequencies are significantly different in populations from different geographical regions of the world to determine your ancestry. 

Describe the Central Dogma of Genetics/Biology and include in this description how mutations lead to genetic diseases and disorders. 

Which of the following correctly describes genotyping instead of sequencing?

[1] are when a DNA segment of one kilobase or larger is present at a variable copy number in comparison to the reference genome, and encompass [2] nucleotides per genome than SNPs and are [3] likely to cause health problems than SNPs. Common CNV’s in humans are [4] such as Huntington’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia. Huntington’s disease is caused by a trinucleotide repeat [5] the coding sequence of the gene, while Fragile X syndrome is caused by a trinucleotide-repeat in the [6] region of the gene. The proposed mechanism for trinucleotide-repeat diseases is [7] which is thought to happen more often in regions of repeat during the process of [8].

In 2008, researchers discovered a genetic mutation in a man that took place 6,000-10,000 years ago. He that is thought to be the first person to have the mutation that resulted in blue eyes, and would therefore be the source of all blue-eyed humans alive on the planet today. 

What is the most common type of variant identified by direct-to-consumer genetic testing?

The recent announcement of the CRISPR-gene edited babies has prompted many prominent scientists and bioethicists to propose strict new guidelines that restrict human germline editing to be restricted to serious genetic diseases, and recommends couples should first attempt IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. 

CRISPR can only be used to knock-out specific genes. 

Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding CRISPR?