Capella University Reproduction and Genetic Inheritance Discussion

Genetic Inheritance

When Tanya was in her late twenties, she had two children. At her prenatal physicals, she was asked questions about her family history and that of the children’s biological father, Christopher. Tanya was not aware of any family diseases because she was adopted, but Christopher knew that his family had a history of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetically transmitted disease. Genetics determine the traits that are inherited, but the environment can also affect traits. Tanya and Christopher were told they could benefit from a genetic counselor with a pedigree analysis, but with Tanya’s family history unknown, it could be difficult.

Write Your Discussion Post

Gene Therapy or Genetics and Environment

Select one of the following to address in this discussion:

• Recessive genes that cause genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle-cell anemia are often hidden, but gene therapy provides new hope for genetically inherited disorders like sickle-cell anemia.
  • Do you think gene therapy to “fix” genes might be unethical? Do you think there might be risks to such a procedure?
    • Review the basics in your Visualizing Human Biology text. Consider using the Capella library to increase your understanding of the dynamics of this disease as well.
• There have been many studies on twins separated at birth and later reunited. A 2018 documentary, Three Identical Strangers, tells the story of triplets separated at birth purely for the purposes of study. You also read The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart this week. Taking these readings and your own experiences into account:
  • Do you think genetics or environment has a greater influence on human behavior?
  • Based on the results of the Minnesota study, are twins reared apart really different?
  • Do you see similarities among your siblings, your children, or your parents and their siblings?
    • Support your ideas with at least one credible source, such as a recently published article from the Capella library, to increase your understanding of the dynamics of this idea.