Chapter 12, Problem 1AC

BioEthics As you have learned in this chapter, many factors influence gene expression, including hormones. The use of anabolic steroids and growth hormones among athletes has created controversy in recent years. Hormones certainly affect gene expression, but, in the broadest sense, so do vitamins and foods. What do you think are appropriate guidelines for the use of hormones? Should athletes take steroids or growth hormones? Should children at risk of being unusually short be given growth hormones? Should parents be allowed to request growth hormones for a child of normal height in the hope of producing a future basketball player?