Transcript Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering
Noadswood Science, 2011
Friday, July 17, 2015
Genetic Engineering
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To understand the process of genetic modification
Anagrams
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Solve the anagrams: 
Lodyl
Dolly
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Senge
Genes
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Uclesun
Nucleus
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Niclngo
Cloning
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Srgrueoat
Surrogate
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Slxaeua
Asexual
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Tinctug
Cutting
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Mborye
Embryo
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Loenc
Clone
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Ohmemcrosos
Chromosomes
Genetic Engineering
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Genetic engineering is also called genetic modification or GM and is
very different from cloning
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What differences are there?
Cloning
Genetic Engineering
Produces exact copies
Produces a unique set of genes
Genes copied within the same species
Genes can be swapped across species
Genetic Engineering
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How have humans changed the genetic make-up of organisms that
we have taken advantage of ?
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Selective breeding - only breeding the organisms with the
characteristics we wanted
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Genetic engineering takes genes from one organism, and places
them into the chromosomes of another organism…
Genetic Engineering
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Genetic engineering takes genes from one organism, and places
them into the chromosomes of another organism. It alters an
organism's genetic code, and works because there is only one code
for life
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The set of instructions for which a gene is responsible work
whichever organism the gene is in, e.g. a gene for luminescence from
a jellyfish can be added to a frog, making it luminescent too!
Method
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Enzymes are used to cut up and join together parts of the DNA of
one organism, and insert them into the DNA of another organism
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In the resulting new organism the inserted genes will code for one or
more new characteristics - for example producing a new substance,
or performing a new function
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The organism has been
genetically re-engineered
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E.g. a bacterium's genetic makeup can modified by splicing a
gene into its DNA
Method – Detailed
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Certain enzymes can cut pieces of DNA from one organism, and
join them into a gap in the DNA of another organism
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The new organism with the inserted genes has the genetic
information for one or more new characteristics, e.g. the organism
might produce a useful substance, or be able to carry out a new
function
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The method can be used to produce bacteria that produce insulin
(valuable hormone needed for people with diabetes) – bacteria are
used as they reproduce very quickly rather than having to extract the
insulin from other humans / animals
Insulin Production
Arguments
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There are strong arguments for and against cloning and genetic
engineering
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It is possible to produce genetically modified animals and plants – sheep
that produce human proteins for treating the symptoms of cystic fibrosis
(a disease which causes sufferers to produce abnormally thick and sticky
mucus in their lungs) have been produced, and even tobacco plants that
glow in the dark when they need watering
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Some people are excited by the almost limitless possibilities of cloning
and genetic engineering, while some people believe the process is
unethical and should be banned. Others are concerned about what
might happen in the future as these techniques are all relatively new…
Pros & Cons
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Complete the genetic engineering pros & cons
worksheet
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Could be used to reduce the impact of genetic disease
‘Playing God’
Can be used to treat diseases (cut out genes)
It might not work (genes are complicated!) and you
would waste money
Plants growth rate could be improved therefore saving
money and providing more food
Genes could spread into the wildlife in other places or
often the plants aren’t fertile so seed would need to be
bought every year
It may be possible to genetically engineer animals to
harvest human organs
Designer babies is a concern for many people
GM foods could have a longer shelf life
The effects aren’t yet known long term concerns include
pesticide resistant insects
Animals such as cattle can be made to grow faster
Reducing the ‘gene pool’
Fruit and vegetable ripening rate can be changed
You could modify food so it grows in any conditions,
helping hunger problems
Debate
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Where do you stand with genetic engineering?
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You have five minutes to consider your standpoint, and then we
shall open up a debate (remember during the debate you do not
interrupt!
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If there is something you disagree with you must remain silent, just
raise your hand for your viewpoints to be heard!
Viewpoints
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When arguing about GM consider the following
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In favour: -
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Cloning company director
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A mother wanting to clone an organ for her son
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A scientist involved in reproductive and therapeutic cloning
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A scientist only involved in therapeutic cloning
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A government minister
Against : 
A scientist involved in the project with cloned Dolly the sheep
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A government minister
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A women’s rights activist
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Head of the Christian church