Inherited disorders Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Higher

What is embryo screening?

Testing cells from early embryos for particular genetic variants before implantation, usually during in vitro fertilisation.

How can embryo screening results inform reproductive decisions?

They can help decide which embryos to transfer.

What is the potential benefit and key limitation of embryo screening for inherited disorders?

It can reduce the risk of a child having a particular inherited disorder, but testing and pregnancy outcomes are not guaranteed.

What should an informed judgement about embryo screening weigh?

Evidence and different viewpoints.

What economic considerations are relevant to embryo screening?

The costs of testing and treatment, and the allocation of healthcare resources.

What social considerations are relevant to embryo screening?

Effects on families, access to screening, and possible stigma towards people with genetic conditions.

What ethical considerations are relevant to embryo screening?

Reproductive choice and differing beliefs about creating, selecting, storing or disposing of embryos.

How might people differ in their evaluation of embryo screening?

They may assign different importance to each consideration.

What is polydactyly?

The presence of extra fingers or toes.

In a simple single-gene model of polydactyly caused by a dominant allele, how many copies of the allele are sufficient for the condition to be expressed?

One copy.

How many alleles of a gene does a person inherit from each parent?

One allele from each parent.

Why does a parent with polydactyly and one dominant and one recessive allele not necessarily have an affected child?

The parent can pass on either allele, including the recessive allele.