Final answer:
True, single-gene testing can identify whether an individual carries DNA variants linked to specific hereditary diseases. These tests are used to determine carrier status for various genetic conditions and can guide future medical care and personal health decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Single-gene testing is a form of genetic testing that can indeed determine whether an individual carries specific DNA variants that are known to be linked to certain hereditary diseases. With conditions like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, Huntington's disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, single-gene tests now available can provide a carrier diagnosis, informing the individual if they carry a gene variant that could lead to a genetic disease either in themselves or in their offspring.
Additionally, for conditions such as Fragile X syndrome and cystic fibrosis, determining carrier status can be achieved via a simple blood draw. This process retrieves DNA for the purpose of testing. A genetic counselor often plays a crucial role in explaining the implications of these tests and can assist individuals or couples in deciding whether to undergo testing.
Furthermore, genetic testing is not limited to just carrier status. It can also guide future medical care based on the detection of certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, thus prompting more frequent cancer screenings. Another aspect of genetic testing includes understanding the personal risk or family history that suggests a higher likelihood of inherited cancer.
Genomic tools like FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) allow for the detection of specific extrachromosomal genetic material, which can be useful in determining the pedigree of a disease. Through genomics, individuals can also learn about their risks for genetic diseases, potentially influencing their decisions about their future and that of their children.