Cracking the Genetic Code

I really enjoyed Cracking the Genetic Code. This documentary is part of the NOVA series on PBS. The NOVA series was originally started in hopes of teaching a more general audience about relevant science topics in an unbiased way. I liked this short film because really gave me a lot of insight into genome sequencing. And what is genome sequencing? Genome sequencing is the most direct way to figure out if someone has mutations within the arrangement of their genetic bases. This method can be used to find diseases and hopefully stop them. One of the main focuses of this movie was genome sequencing and its adverse side affects.

There are many good parts of genome sequencing. For instance, one of the best parts of looking at someone’s genetic code is that possible diseases can theoretically be stopped before they are even started. Having someone’s genetic code sequence can be potentially life-saving. However, there are some downsides as well. For instance, someone could find out they are at higher risk of getting an incurable disease such as Alzheimers. One of the biggest moral topics today is at what point does someone know too much about themselves. Information such as finding out about having a much higher chance of getting Alzheimers can be life-ruining. Even though they may never get Alzheimers, the thought of getting that disease will always be in the back of their mind.

Curious? Watch the movie here! https://www.pbs.org/video/nova-cracking-your-genetic-code/

Even today, whether or not someone’s genome should be sequenced poses lots of moral issues. Should someone have access to that much information? Furthermore, many people worry about where the future of gene sequencing may be heading. If we can alter genes in babies so they don’t catch rare diseases now, does that mean we are heading towards designer babies in the future? Most scientists don’t think technology is advanced enough yet, however, in the future it may be. Overall, breakthroughs in genome sequencing continue to pose more and more questions.

Works Cited:

“Cracking Your Genetic Code.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 27 Mar. 2012, http://www.pbs.org/video/nova-cracking-your-genetic-code/.

“DNA Sequencing Fact Sheet.” Genome.gov, www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/DNA-Sequencing-Fact-Sheet.

Genome sequencing machine. Photograph. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 26 Mar 2018.

quest.eb.com/search/132_1596955/1/132_1596955/cite. Accessed 24 Nov 2019.“Genome Sequencing.” Genome Sequencing – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, http://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/genome-sequencing.