Genetic Modification

Topic 3.5: Genetic Modification & Biotechnology

Essential Idea: Biologists have developed techniques for artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms.

At SHS, Topic 3.5 is taught in the following class unit(s):

Statements & Objectives:

3.5.U1 Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size.

Match restriction enzyme names to the bacteria in which they are naturally found.
Describe the role of restriction enzymes in nature and in biotechnology applications.
Contrast sticky vs. blunt ends.
Identify a restriction site as either leaving sticky or blunt ends.
Demonstrate accurate use of a micro-pipette.
Determine the number and size of DNA fragments after being exposed to restriction enzymes (both linear and plasmid DNA).
Explain the function and purpose of DNA electrophoresis.
Describe how and why DNA fragments separate during electrophoresis.
Outline the functions of the buffer, marker and loading dye in DNA electrophoresis.

3.5.U2 PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA.

State the function of the PCR.
Describe the selectivity of the PCR.

3.5.U3 DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA.

Outline the process of DNA profiling.

3.5.U4 Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species.

Outline how the universality of the genetic code allows for gene transfer between species.

3.5.U5 Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell.

Contrast sexual and asexual reproduction.
Define clone and cloning.
Describe different ways in which natural clones can arise.

3.5.U6 Many plants species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning.

Define clone.
Outline two examples of natural cloning in plants.

3.5.U7 Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells.

Describe the process of reproductive cloning via embryo splitting.
Outline example of cloning animal embryos via natural and artificial embryo splitting.

3.5.U8 Methods have been developed for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells.

Describe the process of reproductive cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.5.A1 Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.

List example sources of DNA that can be used in DNA profiling.

3.5.A2 Gene transfer in bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligases.

Describe a technique for genetic modification including plasmids, restriction enzymes, reverse transcriptase and ligase.
Outline why plasmids with genes coding for antibiotic resistance are chosen as vectors in gene transfer between species

3.5.A3 Assessment of potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops.

Outline potential environmental, health and agricultural benefits and risks associated with genetic modification of crops.
Assess the risks and benefits of an example of a genetically modified crop (i.e. golden rice).

3.5.A4 Production of clones embryos produced by somatic-cell nuclear transfer.

Outline the production of Dolly the sheep using somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.5.S1 Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem-cuttings.

Outline preparation of a plant for rooting of a stem cutting.

List manipulated, responding and controlled variables in an experiment of rooting stem-cuttings.

3.5.S2 Analysis of examples of DNA profiles.

Analyze a DNA profile to determine relatedness or forensic guilt.

3.5.S3 Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.

Outline the formation and use of Bt crops in agriculture.
Assess the impact of Bt corn on monarch butterflies.

3.5.NOS Assessing risks associated with scientific research- scientists attempt to assess the risks associated with genetically modified crops or livestock.

State two ways in which the risk of scientific research can be assessed.

In the News:

Sweet route to greater yields (2018-02-07)
Gene editing – and what it really means to rewrite the code of life (2018-01-15)
Scientists make first ever attempt at gene editing inside the body (2017-11-15)
'Golden' potato delivers bounty of vitamins A and E (2017-11-08)
Genetically modified apple reaches US stores, but will consumers bite? (2017-11-07)
These gene-edited pigs are hearty and lean—but how will they taste? (2017-10-23)
Genetically boosting the nutritional value of corn could benefit millions (2017-10-09)
Uganda removes key hurdle to GM crops (2017-10-06)
DNA in the dock: how flawed techniques send innocent people to prison (2017-10-02)
Owner of John Lennon's tooth hopes to clone the late Beatle (2013-08-22)
Can Cloning Revive Spain's Extinct Mountain Goat? (2014-04-11)
Six cloned horses help rider win prestigious polo match (2016-12-13)
Somehow, This Fish Fathered a Near Clone of Itself (2017-05-26)
Cloned stem cells offer high fidelity (2014-07-02)
Dolly at 20: The inside story on the world’s most famous sheep (2016-06-29)
Dolly the Sheep’s Fellow Clones, Enjoying Their Golden Years (2016-07-26)
With a Simple DNA Test, Family Histories

Are Rewritten (2017-08-28)
After Disasters, DNA Science Is Helpful, But Often Too Pricey (2013-09-13)
A forensic anthropologist who brings closure for the "disappeared" (TED talk, 2014-11)
Genetics lab unravels mystery whale killing at sea (2015-02-05)
UW Researcher's Decades of DNA Detective Work Reveals Elephant Poaching Hotspots (2015-06-15)
DNA Under the Scope, and a Forensic Tool Under a Cloud (2016-02-26)
Blood of King Albert I identified after 80 years (2016-07-22)
Potsdam Boy’s Murder Case May Hinge on Minuscule DNA Sample From Fingernail (2016-07-24)
Adopted Koreans, Stymied in Search of Birth Parents, Find Hope in a Cotton Swab (2016-08-27)
Dust To Dust: Scientists Find DNA Of Human Ancestors In Cave Floor Dirt (2017-01-04)
Family DNA Searches Seen as Crime-Solving Tool, and Intrusion on Rights (2017-01-27)
Conflicting Views on a Wider Police Use of DNA (2017-02-10)
Vietnam begins huge effort to identify war dead (2016-01-12)
Using DNA Matching To Crack Down On Dog Droppings (2016-03-26)
Killer breakthrough – the day DNA evidence first nailed a murderer (2016-06-07)
What DNA reveals about St Helena’s freed slaves (2016-12-07)
North America’s oldest mummy returned to US tribe after genome sequencing (2016-12-07)
Engineered Golden Rice May Be Planted Soon In Philippines (2013-08-06)
After 12-Year Limbo, New GM Maize May Hit Europe's Fields (2013-11-7)
Transgenic trees make easy-chew wood for biofuels (2014-04-03)
No sign of health or nutrition problems from GMO livestock feed, study finds (2014-09-26)
GMO Apples Get The Nod, But Not Much Of A Welcoming Party (2015-02-13)
Gene-Altered Apples and Potatoes Are Safe, F.D.A. Says (2015-03-20)
A Proposal to Modify Plants Gives G.M.O. Debate New Life (2015-05-28)
G.M.O. Dilemma: Swaying a Wary Public (2015-06-24)
One crop breeding cycle from starvation (2016-03-29)
Once again, U.S. expert panel says genetically engineered crops are safe to eat (2016-05-17)
As a GMO Pillar Wobbles, Biotech Companies Promise New Insect-Killing Genes (2016-09-22)
With an Eye on Hunger, Scientists See Promise in Genetic Tinkering of Plants (2016-11-17)
These foods aren't genetically modified but they are 'edited' (2017-01-09)
Twice the tomatoes on the vine, thanks to a bit of genetic tweaking (2017-05-18)
'True blue' chrysanthemum flowers produced with genetic engineering (2017-07-26)
First genetically engineered salmon sold in Canada (2017-08-04)
Silkworms spin spider-strong threads (2014-08-29)
Scientists Condemn Destruction of Golden Rice Field Trial (2013-08-15)
Future Oversight of Recombinant DNA Research: (2014-01-16)
Why Are We Still Shouting About GMOs? (2014-02-17)
Genetically modified fish on the loose? (2015-06-10)
How GMOs Cut The Use Of Pesticides — And Perhaps Boosted It Again (2016-09-01)
Doubts About the Promised Bounty of Genetically Modified Crops (2016-10-29)
Harmonize conflicting regulations for genetically engineered plants and animals (2016-06-09)