Chapter 13: Genetic Engineering
Transgenic Organisms and Genetically Modified Foods
Objective:
To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified organisms.
To simulate the production of a genetically modified organism using a bacterial vector.
To form an opinion about the production of genetically modified foods.
Phase 1 (4 pts)
View video-
Classical vs. Transgenic Breeding
1. Describe the difference between wild potatoes, tomatoes, and grapes, and fruits and vegetables bred selectively over 100’s of years.
2. Classical breeders transfer hundreds to thousands of genes between organisms that are closely related. How is this different from the abilities of genetic engineers?
Phase 2 (4 pts)
Should We Grow Bt Corn?
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Complete the table:
Advantages of Growing Bt Corn / Disadvantages of Growing Bt CornPhase 3 (17 pts)
Make a Transgenic Crop
Click: transgenic manipulation
Answer the question below and complete the table:
1. What is the Bt gene?
2. Making a Transgenic Crop (write steps in left column and answer the questions in right column)
Step 1: / By completing the first step, what has taken place? What is a vector?Step 2: / What is Agrobacteria?
Step 3: / Bacteria in growth medium will multiply with copies of vector containing Bt gene inside.
Step 4: / What happens when plant leaf parts are added to Agrobacteria?
Step 5: / What does the plant growth medium promote?
Step 6: / Why are plant cells exposed to herbicide?
Step 7: / Plant grows.
Step 8: / How is the plant tested to see if it contains the Bt gene?
Phase 4 (4 pts)
What’s For Dinner?
Read about Genetically Modified (GM) Foods you may be eating!
Click: “Guess What’s Coming to Dinner.”
Choose four foods and discuss the genetic modifications being made to them.
Food #1 ______
Food #2 ______
Food #3 ______
Food #4 ______
Phase #5 (6 pts)
Read about the Pros and Cons of GM foods and answer questions below:
1. Is genetically modified food safe to eat?
2. How radical is the technology?
3. Are GM foods sufficiently regulated in the US?
Phase #6(10 pts)
Should We Grow GM Crops? You Decide!
Read about GM crops. Cast your vote (Yes/NO) on each page. Complete the table as you read about reasons for or against GM crops.
Pro/Con / Reason / Example / VoteTotal Votes / Yes / No
Phase 7 (5 pts)
Response/Reflection
Write a response to what you have learned about GM foods and transgenic organisms. Do you agree with the production of GM foods? Do you think that transgenic organisms should be produced? Support your opinion with examples from the material you have read and the videos you have seen today.