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Genetics: Final assessment

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  • Module: Genetics/
  • Genetics: Final assessment

To complete this module, you should submit both of the assessments below.

First, you will see a paragraph from an essay on ethics in genetic research. The study is explained, but there is no discussion of the ethical considerations.  Complete the paragraph and submit.

The second task is an essay.  For the essay prompt below, please complete the essay and then send the file to your teacher. You should verify with your teacher how the essay should be submitted - as a Google doc, by email or as a written task in Inthinking.

A bit of practice

Task 1. Completing an essay paragraph

Caspi looked at a sample of 847 New Zealanders.  They were divided into three groups based on their 5-HTT alleles: Group 1 had two short alleles; Group 2 had one short and one long allele; Group 3 had two long alleles. The mutation of the 5-HTT gene has the shorter alleles. The 5-HTT gene regulates the transport of serotonin.  Many researchers believe that low levels of serotonin may play an important role in major depressive disorder.

The participants were asked to fill in a "Stressful life events" questionnaire which asked them about the frequency of 14 different events - including financial, employment, health, and relationship stressors - between the ages of 21 and 26.  They were also assessed for depression. The researchers found that people who had inherited one or more short versions of the allele demonstrated more symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation in response to stressful life events. The effect was strongest for those with three or more stressful life events. Simply inheriting the gene was not enough to lead to depression, but the genes' interaction with stressful life events increased one's likelihood of developing depression.

There are a few important ethical considerations for this study.

50 lines

 

Task 2. Writing an ERQ

Give yourself one hour to write a well-developed response to the following question:

Evaluate one or more studies on the role of genes on behaviour.

Although the question asks for only "one" or more studies, you should be careful to use the full hour.