Introduction
DNA, a deoxyribonucleic acid, works as a scaffold and matrix for ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is then used, in turn, as a matrix to synthesize proteins. It is the central dogma of molecular biology. Companies such as 23andMe, according to their websites, offer their customers the opportunity to sequence their DNA for just several hundred dollars (23andMe, 2023). Personal genomics allows people to obtain a transcript of their DNA with commentaries from scientists on how each gene works in combination with others.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are two primary advantages to knowing one’s genetic information. It gives a deeper understanding of one’s body and provides clues about which dangers and diseases can be present later in life. It enables one to see one’s strengths and weaknesses and genetic predispositions and become aware of how to avoid diseases (23andMe, 2023). For an exact understanding of this information, one should be mindful of how genes work, which is a complex subject, as can be read in two scholarly articles (Berg, 2019; Whitley et al., 2020).
In addition, genomics data must be kept private and encrypted to ensure that third parties will not have access, which can also be read in scholarly articles (Grishin et al., 2019; Middleton, 2018). Thus, advantages include the ability to understand one’s predispositions and weaknesses. Disadvantages include risks of privacy breaches and misunderstanding.
Social Implications and Ethics
Genomics data provides endless opportunities. Examples are improving public health and predicting, diagnosing, and treating diseases. However, the danger of abusing this highly personal data always exists, and such ease in genome sequencing gives a powerful tool that malefactors can use. As Grishin et al. (2019) research, privacy and encryption of genomic data are essential questions that should be addressed by personal genomics companies. In addition, Berg (2019) states that raising public awareness and understanding of how genomics work and how to use DNA data correctly is crucial. These social implications would ensure the benefits of personal genomics.
Discussion
I do not know whether I will obtain my DNA sequence soon, but I am not against this technology and think its potential benefits outweigh the risks. With the proper actions based on the obtained information, it is useful (23andMe, 2023; Berg, 2019). However, the risk is high. Privacy breaches can lead to unpredicted consequences (Middleton, 2018).
While there are no apparent risks, as an ordinary person will barely understand something from these sequences without bioinformatic software, possible unidentified risks can be present as the industry develops. A lack of public understanding of how DNA genes work is another issue (Whitley et al., 2020). Consumers must understand what genomics data means to avoid dangerous wrong interpretations (Berg, 2019). Therefore, while there are risks, an increased understanding of genomics can overcome them, and the benefits for health are significant and precious.
Conclusion
Personal genomics is a powerful technology that makes genetic sequencing available for all people. Everyone can know their genetic code, which currently costs only several hundred dollars. This information provides a deep understanding of one’s predispositions, strengths and weaknesses, and risks of diseases.
However, there are risks connected with privacy breaches and the subject complexity, which can be overcome by improved encryption, genomic data protection policies, and raising public awareness about how DNA works.
References
23andMe. (2023). The science behind 23andMe – our science & testing process. 23andMe. Web.
Berg, J. (2019). Consuming personal genomics. Science, 364(6437), 213–213. Web.
Grishin, D., Obbad, K., & Church, G. M. (2019). Data privacy in the age of personal genomics. Nature Biotechnology, 37(10), 1115–1117. Web.
Middleton, A. (2018). Society and personal genome data. Human Molecular Genetics, 27(R1), R8–R13. Web.
Whitley, K. V., Tueller, J. A., & Weber, K. S. (2020). Genomics education in the era of personal genomics: Academic, professional, and public considerations. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(3). Web.