Genetic Engineering BIO.B.2.4.1 – Explain how genetic engineering has impacted fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, cloning, genetically modified organisms, gene therapy)

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In what ways has genetic engineering helped to transform society? Selective Breeding

Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering is modifying an organism's genetic composition by artificial means, through the transfer of specific traits, or genes, from one organism into a plant or animal of an entirely different species. In recent years, genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture.  In terms of medicine, genetic engineering has allowed new drugs to develop to treat various genetic disorders which at one point in time would have been lethal. In addition, human life expectancy has increased and quality of life has improved.  In terms of forensics, genetically engineering has allowed the development of DNA fingerprinting, which allows for the identification of criminals and victims.  In terms of agriculture, genetic engineering has allowed horticulturists to modify plant species. Such modifications has allowed for plants to be resistant to various insecticides and pesticides. In addition, it has allowed for greater crop yields and growth of crops in harsh conditions.  Genetic engineering can be accomplished through methods such as o Selective breeding o Gene Manipulation  Gene therapy  Gene Splicing  Gene therapy and splicing can lead to things such as  Cloning  Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)

Selective breeding (also called artificial selection) is the process by which humans use animal breeding and plant breeding to selectively develop particular characteristics by choosing which typically animal or plant males and females will sexually reproduce and have offspring together.  This typically produces offspring with the best traits of either animals or plants.  Human have been selectively breeding animals and plants for thousands of years. o The different breeds of dogs alive today are due to selective breeding. 1.

What benefit does selective breeding have in society?

Gene Manipulation Gene Therapy  

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Gene therapy is a technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. Several approaches to this technique include: o Replacing a bad gene that causes disease with a healthy one. o Inactivating a bad gene. o Introducing a new gene to the body to help fight disease. This is usually done using a virus as carrier, or vector, to introduce the new gene.

* Bold-faced questions indicate questions directly related to the Keystone Assessment Anchors for the Biology Keystone Exam

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Genetic Engineering

Gene Splicing  

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A way of altering genes without using a viral vector. This is done through the use of cutting tools like restriction enzymes. o It involves cutting out part of the DNA in a gene and adding new DNA in its place. o Depending on the type of restriction enzyme used, different parts of the genetic code can be targeted. o A specific restriction enzyme will split apart a specific strand of DNA leaving behind a gap in the genetic code. New DNA can then be added in this gap.

How does gene therapy differ from gene splicing?

Cloning   

Clones are organisms that are exact genetic copies of each other. Every single bit of their DNA is identical. Clones can be either natural (identical twins) or artificial (made in the lab). According to research, there are three different types of artificial cloning: gene cloning, reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning o Gene cloning produces copies of genes or segments of DNA. o Reproductive cloning produces copies of whole animals. o Therapeutic cloning produces embryonic stem cells for experiments aimed at creating tissues to replace injured or diseased tissues.

There are debates among scientists as to how ethical it is to make clones, both the positive and negative effects. 1.

The idea of cloning brings to mind nightmares found in science fiction movies. What are some positive and negative effects of cloning?

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) GMO’s are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering,  GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide.  They are also designed to withstand environmental conditions that are otherwise unfavorable for such an organism. o Controversial topic among consumers as to how healthy such organisms are. Genetic engineering has produced concerns about the effects of by passing nature’s design and the consequences it could have on our society. 1.

What is a GMO? In your opinion, what are some issues that one might have with eating GMO’s?

2. Explain how genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, GMO’s, gene therapy). *

* Bold-faced questions indicate questions directly related to the Keystone Assessment Anchors for the Biology Keystone Exam

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