Four essay 2 page for each

Gattaca

Not-Too-Distant-Future

 

Vocabulary List for Gattaca:

1)    Gene: the basic unit capable of transmitting characteristics from one generation to the next. It consists of a specific sequence of DAN or RNA that occupies a fixed position on chromosome.*

2)    Genetics: a branch of biology dealing with heredity and genetic variations; the genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms.

3)    Genetic Code: the specific order of the nucleotide sequences in DNA or RNA that form the basis of heredity through their role in protein synthesis.

4)    Genetic Marker: a known, usually dominant, gene that is used to identify specific genes, chromosomes, and traits known to be associated with that gene.

5)    Genetic Fingerprint: a DNA sequence taken from a region of a chromosome that is known to be highly variable, used as an accurate means of identifying an individual.

6)    Genetic Engineering: the alteration and recombination of genetic material by technological means, with applications in treating disease, enhancing desired plant and animal characteristics, and manufacturing biological products such as insulin.*

7)    Genetically Modified Organism: a plant, animal, or microorganism produced by genetic engineering.

8)    DNA: a nucleic acid molecule in the form of a twisted double strand (double helix) that is the major component of chromosomes and carries genetic information.

9)    RNA: a nucleic acid that contains the sugar ribose, is found all living cells, and is essential for the manufacture of proteins according to the instructions carried by genes.

10) Chromosome: a rod-shaped structure in a cell nucleus carrying the genes that determine sex and the characteristics an organism inherits from its parents.

11) Nucleic Acid: any of various high-molecular-weight acids, for example, DNA and RNA, consisting of nucleotide chains that convey genetic information and are found in all living cells and viruses.

12) Science Fiction: a form of fiction, usually set in the future, that deals with imaginary scientific and technological developments and contact with other worlds.

13) Entertainment: the various ways of amusing people, especially by performing for them; the amount of pleasure or amusement you get from something.

14) Future: an expected or projected state; the tense or form of a verb used to refer to events that are going to happen or have not yet happened.

15) Utopia: an ideal and perfect place or state, where everyone lives in harmony and everything is for the best.

16) Dystopia: an imaginary place where everything is as bad as it possibly can be, or a vision or description of such a place.

17) Technophobia: fear of or resistance to new technology and computerization.*

18) Evolution: the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life.*

 

 

Questions for Gattaca:

1)    How far are we away from the future the “not-too-distant-future” outlined in Gattaca?

2)    What’s wrong with Vincent? Why does he want so badly to become an astronaut?

3)    Who is Anton? Why did Vincent’s parents genetically engineer their second son?

4)    What exactly is a “Faith Child,” and why are they considered abnormal in the future outlined by Gattaca?

5)    What is a “Degenerate” in the future outlined by Gattaca?

6)    What is “Genoism,” and how does it relate to “Degenerates?”

7)    Who is Gerome Morrow, and what’s his problem? Why did he step out in front of the automobile and attempt suicide?

8)    Would you genetically engineer your child? What would happen if you didn’t genetically engineer your child? Could your child compete in a world filled with genetically engineered children?

9)    What moral, religious, or ethical reasons might keep you from genetically engineering your child? What elements might dissuade you from following your moral guidelines?

10) What traits would you “gift” your child with? Make a top ten lists of physical and mental attributes you would engineer into your child.

11) What exactly is genetic engineering? Where can you find genetic engineering in use today?

12) What is stem cell research? Why is it so controversial?

13) Why shouldn’t we clone a human being? Why should we clone human beings?