Genetic Engineering: From Ancient Breeding to Modern Modification

Biology Grades High School 6:31 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the history and ethical implications of genetic engineering, from selective breeding to recombinant DNA technology.

Video Resource

Introduction to genetic engineering | Molecular genetics | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 6:31
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Selective breeding as a form of genetic manipulation
  • Recombinant DNA technology
  • Ethical considerations of genetic engineering (bioethics)

Learning Objectives

  • Define genetic engineering and differentiate it from selective breeding.
  • Explain the process of recombinant DNA technology and its applications.
  • Analyze the potential benefits and risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Discuss the ethical implications of genetic engineering, particularly concerning human genome modification.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about genetic engineering. Briefly discuss examples from popular culture (movies, books, news) to pique their interest. Introduce the idea that humans have been manipulating genetics for thousands of years through breeding.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Introduction to genetic engineering | Molecular genetics | High school biology | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to take notes on key terms and concepts presented in the video.
  • Discussion: Selective Breeding vs. Genetic Engineering (15 mins)
    Lead a class discussion comparing and contrasting selective breeding and genetic engineering. Focus on the level of precision and the time scale involved in each process. Ask students to provide examples of each.
  • Exploring Recombinant DNA (15 mins)
    Explain the process of recombinant DNA in more detail. Use visual aids (diagrams, animations) to illustrate how genes can be inserted into different organisms. Discuss examples such as insulin production in bacteria and disease-resistant crops.
  • Bioethics Debate (20 mins)
    Divide the class into two groups: one arguing for the benefits of GMOs and genetic engineering, and the other arguing against it, focusing on potential risks and ethical concerns. Encourage students to use evidence-based arguments and consider different perspectives. After the debate, facilitate a whole-class discussion summarizing the key points and ethical dilemmas.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Summarize the main concepts of the lesson. Administer the multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Create a GMO Infographic
    Students research a specific GMO (e.g., Bt corn, Golden Rice) and create an infographic summarizing its purpose, benefits, potential risks, and ethical considerations.
  • Recombinant DNA Simulation
    Use an online simulation to model the process of recombinant DNA technology, including restriction enzyme digestion, gene insertion, and transformation.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some potential benefits of genetically modifying crops?
  • What are some potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
  • What are the ethical considerations of modifying the human genome?
  • How does genetic engineering compare to traditional selective breeding?
  • Should there be limits on genetic engineering research? If so, what should they be?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Scientific reasoning
  • Ethical analysis
  • Communication (written and oral)

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of selective breeding?

Correct Answer: Creating new breeds of dogs through controlled mating

Question 2:

What is recombinant DNA?

Correct Answer: DNA that is created by combining DNA from different sources

Question 3:

Which of the following is a potential benefit of genetically modified crops?

Correct Answer: Increased yield and resistance to pests

Question 4:

A major ethical concern surrounding genetic engineering is:

Correct Answer: The potential for unintended consequences and long-term effects

Question 5:

What is the purpose of inserting a gene into bacteria to produce insulin?

Correct Answer: To create a human-insulin-producing factory

Question 6:

The field of bioethics explores questions related to:

Correct Answer: The moral implications of biological advancements

Question 7:

What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Correct Answer: An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques

Question 8:

What is a potential drawback of modifying the human genome?

Correct Answer: It can impact future generations and the entire gene pool

Question 9:

Which of the following describes the term 'gene modification'?

Correct Answer: Direct manipulation of genes for a specific purpose

Question 10:

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential application of genetic engineering?

Correct Answer: Creating new elements

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

__________ breeding involves selecting organisms with desired traits to reproduce.

Correct Answer: Selective

Question 2:

__________ DNA is created by combining DNA from different organisms.

Correct Answer: Recombinant

Question 3:

An organism whose genetic material has been altered is called a genetically __________ organism (GMO).

Correct Answer: modified

Question 4:

The field of __________ explores the ethical implications of biological advancements.

Correct Answer: bioethics

Question 5:

Producing insulin using bacteria is an example of using recombinant DNA technology to create a __________.

Correct Answer: medicine

Question 6:

Humans have been influencing the genetics of organisms for thousands of years through __________.

Correct Answer: breeding

Question 7:

Inserting insect DNA into a plant is an example of __________ __________.

Correct Answer: gene modification

Question 8:

One ethical consideration of genetic engineering is the potential for __________ consequences.

Correct Answer: unintended

Question 9:

Modifying the human genome can affect the genes that exist in the __________ __________.

Correct Answer: gene pool

Question 10:

Correcting genetic __________ is a potential benefit of modifying the human genome.

Correct Answer: diseases

Educational Standards

B.LS3.1:[Standard] Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. B.LS3.2:[Standard] Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors. B.LS4.2:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence that biological diversity is influenced by (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.

Teaching Materials

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