BRAINCAKEGenetic Screening
Genetic screening is testing a person's DNA for particular alleles, using labelled DNA probes and DNA hybridisation. Screening can identify:
• heritable conditions: alleles that cause genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia or Huntington's disease
• drug responses: alleles that affect how a person responds to a drug, so the most effective drug and dose can be chosen
• health risks: alleles that increase the risk of a disease, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 alleles linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
Screening can be carried out on:
• adults, for example to find out whether someone is a carrier of a recessive allele before having children
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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.
More in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Patenting
- GM animals
- Gene Therapy
- DNA Probes
- DNA Hybridisation
- Locating Specific Alleles with Probes
- Genetic Counselling
- Personalised Medicine
All 23 lessons in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology · All AQA A-level Biology topics