BRAINCAKEGenetic Counselling
Genetic counselling is advice and information given to people about genetic conditions, based on their family history and the results of genetic screening. Counsellors explain complex results clearly and without pressure, so that people can make their own informed decisions.
A genetic counsellor may:
• explain the results of a screening test and what they mean
• work out and explain the probability of a person developing a condition or passing an allele on to their children
• explain the options available, such as treatment, preventive measures, or IVF with embryo screening
• give emotional support and refer people to other services.
Worked example: two parents are both carriers of the recessive allele for cystic fibrosis (genotype Ff).
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Key terms in this lesson
- allele
- One of two or more alternative versions of a gene, occupying the same locus on homologous chromosomes.
- genotype
- The genetic constitution of an organism, i.e. the particular combination of alleles it possesses.
More in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Patenting
- GM animals
- Gene Therapy
- DNA Probes
- DNA Hybridisation
- Locating Specific Alleles with Probes
- Genetic Screening
- Personalised Medicine
All 23 lessons in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology · All AQA A-level Biology topics