�ݺ�ߣ

Science or Science Fiction?

Karen Fisher
Spring 2013
http://www.dvdvcdplaza.com/cdimages/eng_gattaca.jpg

The Plot (6, 7)
Futuristic

Professionaland social standing
determined at birth by genetic analysis

Vincent
◦ an “In-Valid”
◦ A custodian
◦ Takes the place of Jerome
◦ Goal is to travel in space

Vincent Jerome
(Ethan Hawke) (Jude Law)
 Born with a congenital heart  “perfectgenetic specimen” (6)
defect  Crippled in car accident
 Predicted to die by age 30

Who’s Who? (5)

30.2 Years . . .
(10)

Science Fiction Science
Genetic testing at birth Genetic testing based on
Life expectancy history of family
determined Life expectancy tables
Environment affects Environment vs. Genetics??
Vincent’s destiny – kind
of . . . .

(5)

Genetic Testing (4, 8)
Carrier screening
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis of
embryos
Prenatal diagnostic testing
Newborn screening
Presymptomatic & confirmational
testing on adults
◦ Huntington’s
◦ Alzheimer’s
Over 1,000 tests available

Nature vs. Nurture
Isa person’s genetic makeup the sole
determinant of who a person will be?
D��es the environment influence a person’s
development?

What do you think?

Some biologists believe that
“we are who we are because
of our genes.” (3)

Berkowitz believes . . . (2)
Genes alone rarely predict human behavior
One faulty gene can dramatically change one’s
behavior or physiology
Gene expression is influenced by
◦ interactions of genes
◦ proteins, foods, hormones
◦ life experiences
Can’t quantify the effects of genetics or the
environment on “thoughts, emotions or
behaviors”
Bottom line: in the nature vs. nurture
argument, scientific studies are inconclusive

“Nature vs. Nurture Revisited” (3)
Certain genes already identified associated
with some diseases like cancer, diabetes,
hypertension, Alzheimer’s
Everyone has “predisposing genetic flaws”
which can be used to predict disease risks.
“Without laws prohibiting genetic
discrimination, society may soon begin
penalizing people with 'bad' genes.”
Could you be denied a job, health
insurance, life insurance or medical
treatment because of “bad genetics?”

Heredity & the Environment Interact (3)
People with perfect pitch
often have family members
with the same gift
Studies at the University of
California show
◦ that the perfect pitch trait is
highly inheritable
◦ musical training before age 6
is necessary to develop the
perfect pitch

Can the Human Spirit Overcome
Genetic Destiny?
“Consider God’s handiwork; who
can straighten what He hath made
crooked?”
Ecclesiastes 7:13 (7)
“Inot only think that we will
tamper with mother nature. I think
mother nature wants us to.”
Willard Gaylin (7)

In reality . . . Now . . .
Genetic testing? Yes
Genetic testing on everyone? No
Social standing and profession
based on genetics? No
Estimate life expectancy? Yes
Interaction between the
environment and genetics?
Probably, but not definite.

D�� you think GATTACA is a glimpse at
the future?
Will we eventually do genetic testing on
children at birth? For what reasons is it
acceptable?

Works Cited
1. "Actuarial Life Table." The United States Social Security Administration. 19
Apr. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4c6.html>.
2. Berkowitz, Ari. "Our Genes, Our Selves." BioScience 46.1 (1996): 42+.
Serendip. 3 Sept. 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.
<http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/gen_beh/Berkowitz.html>.
3. Davies, Kevin. "NOVA Online | Cracking the Code of Life | Nature vs
Nurture Revisited." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. 2001. Web. 25 Feb.
2011. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genome/debate.html>.
4. Emma-Jane. "Human Spirit :: The Gattaca Fanlisting." Dreamhost, n.d.
Web. 25 Feb. 2011. <http://audiohype.net/gattaca/movie.php>.
5. Garykmcd. Gattaca (1997) - Plot Summary." The Internet Movie
Database (IMDb). Amazon.com, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/plotsummary>.

Works Cited (2)
6. GATTACA. Dir. Andrew Niccol. Perf. Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, Uma
Thurman. Columbia Pictures, 1997. DVD.
7. "Gene Testing." Oak Ridge National Laboratory. U.S. Department of
Energy Genome Program's BERIS, 17 Sept. 2010. Web. 27 Feb.
2011.
<http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/
genetest.shtml>.
8. "GTL Image Gallery Office of Science." Genomics.energy.gov--genome
Programs of the U.S. Department of Energy. U. S. Department of
Energy, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2011.
<http://genomics.energy.gov/gallery/>.
9. "Image Gallery Gateway." Gateway to U.S. DOE Biological and
Environmental Research Image Galleries. Biological and Environmental
Research Information Systems (BERIS), n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
10. YouTube - Gattaca - 30.2 Years. Dir. Andrew Niccol. Perf. Ethan
Hawke, Jude Law, Uma Thurman. Columbia Pictures, 1997. YouTube
- Broadcast Yourself. n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-hnujqpoA>.

�ݺ�ߣ

GATTACA teacher demo p pt

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to GATTACA teacher demo p pt (20)

GATTACA teacher demo p pt