Contents

Genes in the News

DNA

Chemical Bases in DNA

DNA Molecules

Gene Subunits

DNA->RNA-> Protein

Different Genes—Different Functions

Gene Mutations and Disease

Gene Mutations

Altered DNA-> Altered Protein

Hereditary Mutations

Acquired Mutations

Human Chromosomes

Alleles

Altered Dominant Genes

Altered Recessive Genes

Disease Inheritance Is Complex

Gene Tests—Three Common Methods

Genetic Tests Serve Many Purposes

Human Genome Project

Identifying DNA Bases

Searching Disease Families

Gene Markers

Probes for Gene Markers

Predictive Gene Tests Available Now or Soon

Many Mutations Lead to Cancer

Most Cancer Is Not Inherited

Genetic Tests Find Mutations, NOT Disease

Benefits of Gene Testing

Limitations of Gene Testing

Major Limitation of Gene Testing

Psychological Consequences

Who Should Know?

Confidentiality Concerns

Difficult Decision

Personal Decision

Importance of Counselors

Candidates for Testing

Technical Concerns