1、Unit 3Fit for lifeThe future is in our genes Discuss the possible changes genome editing can bring to human life and health care Explain their attitudes towards “designer babies” Understand the relationship between genetic markers and human lifespansWhat do you know about genes?Genes are small secti
2、ons of DNA within the genome that code for proteins. They contain the instructions for our individual characteristics like eye and hair colour.A gene is a small section of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific molecule, usually a protein.The purpose of genes is to store information. Each
3、 gene contains the information required to build specific proteins needed in an organism.The human genome contains 20,687 protein-coding genes.Genes come in different forms, called alleles. In humans, alleles (等位基因等位基因) of particular genes come in pairs, one on each chromosome (we have 23 pairs of c
4、hromosomes染色体染色体). If the alleles of a particular gene are the same, the organism is described as homozygous for that gene. If they are different the organism is described as heterozygous (等位等位异基因异基因的的) for that gene.An individuals phenotype is determined by the combination of alleles they have.For
5、example, for a gene that determines eye colour there may be several different alleles. One allele may result in blue eyes, while another might result in brown eyes. The final colour of the individuals eyes will depend on which alleles they have and how they interact.The characteristic associated wit
6、h a certain allele can sometimes be dominant or recessive.What advances in medical science have you heard about?Possible answer:I have heard about three-D printing that is used for printing parts of the body to replace those that are lost or injured beyond repair. For example, a leg or ear can be th
7、ree-D printed to the precise measurements of the patient. Precision medicine is another medical advance I know about. This health care approach takes into consideration patients genes, lifestyles and environments to find unique risk factors and develop personalized therapies. Both of these provide a
8、ccurate and effective treatments for the patients.What do you know about genes?Possible answer:I know that genes are found in the cells of all living things. Genes are very small and carry the DNA information which decides what we become. All living organisms have different genes; therefore, no two
9、individuals are 100% alike, even though there may be similarities. At the DNA level, not even identical twins are the same. Scientists are studying genes to help prevent health problems from being passed on from parents to their children. They are also trying to find ways to treat diseases that are
10、caused by bad genes.Read the lecture transcript and complete the chart below with the main idea of each paragraph.A1IntroductionPara.1: Genome editing brings many exciting possibilities.Main bodyPara.2:Para.4Para.5:ConclusionGenes play a critical role in shaping our lives.Para.3:Genome editing can h
11、elp with disease treatment and prevention.Many people are concerned about how to use genome editing appropriately.Despite the public argument, genome editing is one of the greatest inventions in the history of science.引入话题引入话题展开论述展开论述总结陈述总结陈述讲座（讲座（lecture）是主讲人向听众传授某方面知）是主讲人向听众传授某方面知识、技巧，或改善某种能力、心态的一
12、种公识、技巧，或改善某种能力、心态的一种公开、半公开的学习形式。为了在有限的时间开、半公开的学习形式。为了在有限的时间内清晰、条理地向听众传递信息，讲座文稿内清晰、条理地向听众传递信息，讲座文稿往往遵循特定的结构：引入话题往往遵循特定的结构：引入话题展开论展开论述述总结陈述。总结陈述。Read paragraph 2 and introduce the genome in your own words.A genome is the complete set of genes of a cell or a living being. It contains various informatio
13、n which determines the characteristics and lifespan of a living being.Read paragraph 3 and answer the question.Because genes are related to diseases, geneticists can use the technology of genome editing to change the specific genetic materials which cause the diseases, thus helping in the fight agai
14、nst diseases.How can genome editing help people fight against diseases?Read paragraph 4 and answer the question.Genome editing may cause a series of consequences. It may allow geneticists to enhance healthy bodies and even create “designer babies”, both of which can lead to moral condemnations. If t
15、he technology cannot be properly controlled and restricted, it may be misused.What consequences will genome editing bring?Read the lecture transcript again carefully and answer the following questions.A21 What information does our personal genome carry?It carries all the information needed to make u
16、s grow and develop. It also contains information that helps determine our lifespan and affects our chances of contracting certain diseases.2 How can geneticists make changes to the genome?By correcting, adding, deleting replacing specific parts of the genetic material.3 How might genome editing make
17、 it possible to prevent diseases from developing?By correcting abnormal genes early on.4 What is a “designer baby”?A “designer baby” is a baby whose characteristics have been specifically selected before it is born.5 What does the lecturer compare uncontrolled genome editing to?The lecturer compares
18、 it to a car out of control.Fill in the following chart.LifeSafety In our genesGenes: They are critical _Genome editing: it will lead to _Appropriate controls on genome editing: They make sure _The futurein shaping our livesHealth a fundamentalchange in our approaches to health carethat this new tec
19、hnologyis kept under controlIn pairs, discuss the following questions.A31 How does the lecturer feel about genome editing? Find evidence from the lecture transcript to support your opinion.The lecturer feels very excited about genome editing. He describes it as the most “game-changing” among the man
20、y wonderful scientific developments and “one of the greatest inventions in the history of science”. However, the lecturer is also concerned that this technology might not be used appropriately. He lists a few moral issues before warning that we need to put appropriate controls in place to prevent ge
21、nome editing from running wild and make sure it will work to our advantage.2 How does the lecturer describe the applications of genome editing?When the lecturer talks about the applications of genome editing, he uses the examples of restoring a blind persons vision and giving an excellent sense of h
22、earing to someone who was born deaf. These examples make it easier to understand and imagine the applications.3. How does the lecturer present his concerns over the improper use of genome editing?When the lecturer expresses his concerns over the improper use of genome editing, he raises a set of que
23、stions, making the audience think deeply about his explanations.I think we should restrict the use of genome editing. If anyone can become healthier or stronger after a few changes to his or her genes, then the balance of nature would be disturbed. Eventually, this technology may be abused if left u
24、nrestricted.4. What is your answer to the two questions in lines 26 to 28?5. Why is genome editing without restrictions similar to a car out of control?A car out of control is dangerous as it threatens the lives of people; similarly, if we do not restrict the applications of genome editing, human li
25、fe could be under threat.6 The lecturer mentions that one day we will be able to create “designer babies”. What do you think of “designer babies”?1. Designer babies can be perfectly healthy.2. Designer babies can be stronger and cleverer than ordinary babies.3. Designer babies help further the cause
26、 of science.4. Designer babies may have substantially longer lifespan.5. Designer babies can maintain a healthy gender ratio, the balance of males and females.List of Pros of Designer BabiesList of Cons of Designer Babies1. Designer babies will not be a success story all the time.2. Designer babies
27、can cause a rift in the societal balance.3. Designer babies would be manufactured so there would be no individuality.Possible answerI do not think we should design babies unless it is because of serious physical or mental healthy concerns. There is no need to design a baby if its parents are perfect
28、ly healthy. Natural gene selection ensures diversity among our species, so if “designer babies” become the norm, the diversity level will drop. Over time, this could lead to the majority of people being born with similar intelligence levels, similar physical features and perhaps, even similar person
29、alities. Humans could evolve into “superbeings”, which some people may believe to be good for us, but interfering with our natural evolution could result in disaster. I do not think we should take the chance.7 If “designer babies” become a reality someday in the future, what characteristics do you e
30、xpect them to have? Do you think they would grow up as designed?Possible answerI would expect them to be fast learners but I do not believe they would grow up as designed. We can see this from many cases of twins, who can be very similar when they are young. However, they gradually differ under the
31、influences of environment, personal experiences and many other factors. Although we may be able to edit the genome, we cannot control the environment that a “designer baby” grows up in.8 What controls can we put in place to make sure that genome editing will work to our advantage?Possible answerGove
32、rnments around the world should work together to make laws and regulations about when genome editing can and cannot be used. First, these laws and regulations should cover various aspects of genome editing, such as ethical issues and security, and they many have to be introduced at multiple levels-
33、global, national and even regional. Second, genome editing equipment needs to be strictly controlled so that it does not get into the wrong hands. Finally, governments, scientists, stakeholders and the public need to work together to enforce appropriate usage of genome editing. The application of th
34、ese laws and regulations regarding genome editing will only be successful if all parties concerned cooperate.Do you think the world would become a better place if all kinds of diseases could be eliminated someday? Why or why not?Possible answerOption 1I believe the world would become a better place
35、if there were no more diseases. Human lives are constantly under threat from deadly disease. When my grandparents died from lung cancer and heart disease, I was overcome with sorrow. I would like to become a doctor to treat people and save lives in the future.Option 2No, I do not think making diseas
36、es disappear could make the world a better place. In fact, diseases have always been a critical part of the nature. Without diseases, everything would just grow out of control. To some extent, it is necessary for certain diseases to survive. Perfection does not generate a better world.Read the text again and recite something of the important sentences.
