Chapter 10, Problem 18BS

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have worked out thousands of sequences of genes and the proteins they encode, and similar analyses are being carried out at universities and private companies. Knowledge of the nucleotide sequences of genes might be used to treat genetic defects or produce lifesaving medicines. The NIH and some U.S. biotechnology companies have applied for patents on their discoveries. In Britain, the courts have ruled that a naturally occurring gene cannot be patented. Do you think individuals and companies should be able to patent genes and gene products? Before answering, consider the following: What are the purposes of a patent? How might the discoverer of a gene benefit from a patent? How might the public benefit? What negative effects might result from patenting genes?