Introduction to Genetic Engineering and Its Applications
Students learn about genetic mutationCopyright 2012 Carolinruv, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AGFP_hiir.jpg
Students learn how engineers apply their understanding of DNA to manipulate specific genes to produce desired traits, and how engineers have used this practice to address current problems facing humanity. They learn what genetic engineering means and examples of its applications, as well as moral and ethical problems related to its implementation. Students fill out a flow chart to list the methods to modify genes to create GMOs and example applications of bacteria, plant and animal GMOs.
Genetic engineers have developed genetic recombination techniques to manipulate gene sequences in plants, animals and other organisms to express specific traits. Applications for genetic engineering are increasing as engineers and scientists work together to identify the locations and functions of specific genes in the DNA sequence of various organisms. Once each gene is classified, engineers develop ways to alter them to create organisms that provide benefits such as cows that produce larger volumes of meat, fuel- and plastics-generating bacteria, and pest-resistant crops.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- List several present day applications of genetic engineering.
- Describe general techniques used by genetic engineers to modify DNA.
- Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of manipulating an organism's DNA.