Application of Genetics

This and the following pages conform the content included in :
Science Education Key Learning Area, Biology Curriculum and Assessment Guide (Advaned Level), Jointly prepared by the Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examination Authority 2002

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Syllabus

3.1.7

Applications of genetics

human genetics :

(1)	Pedigree analysis (e.g. colour blindness).
(2)	Genetic screening (e.g. detection of Down syndrome).
(3)	Prenatal and postnatal counselling of genetic diseases (e.g. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and thalassaemia).
(4)	Gene therapy as a potential treatment of genetic diseases (e.g. cystic fibrosis).
(5)	The implications of the Human Genome Project.

plant and animal breeding.

(1)	Artificial selection and breeding for selected traits to produce desirable varieties. Hybrid vigour and polyploidy.
(2)	Cloning. [Refer to Section 12.]

the outline of the principle of recombinant DNA technology and its applications.

the outline of the principle of DNA fingerprinting, and its forensic use, e.g. parentage test.

implications of genetic manipulation : the potential benefits, hazards and ethical issues.

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Suggested Readings :

(1)	Advanced-level Biology for Hong Kong, by Y.K. Ho, SNP Manhattan Press (H.K.) Ltd. Bk 1, p.
(2)	New Understanding BIOLOGY for Advanced Level, 4th ed., by Glenn and Susan Toole, Stanley Thornes, p.
(3)	A-level Biology, by Phillips and Chilton, Oxford University Press, p.
(4)	Biology : Principles and Processes, by Roberts, Reiss and Monger, Nelson International, p.
(5)	Advanced Biology principles and applications, ISE, by C.J.Clegg with D.G. MacKean, John Murray, p..

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As the body structure and functions are controlled by inheritance, if we can control and repair the inheritance, then we can control the life of human beings.

Everybody is specific, because his/her inheritance is specific. No two natural individuals have the same genetic material. So, we can use the genetic material to identify the derivatives of each individual, as the relationship between the two individuals. This application is called the forensic science. But this work is also confronted by human cloning, between individuals derived from cloning would have identical genetical material. By the study of genetic material, we can identify the responsibilities. If many individuals have the same genetic material, we do not know which one should take up the responsibility. So, the study of genetic material in forensic services would eventually become invalid by the work of human cloning.

In the process of life, the bodily structure and functions would sooner or later be damaged or become malfunctioning and cause diseases. This may be due to the damage in genetic material, or genes. If we can manipulate genetic material or genes, we can repair the genes and restore the original structure and functions. Then, the aged diseases can be cured.

The human emotion and behavioral pattern would be affected by hormones. Hormones are controlled by genes. If we can manipulate genetic material or genes, the secretion of hormones can be regulated. Then, everybody can control their own emotion and behavior. Accidences can be reduced and human life can become better.

(11.02.2007)