Objective Students will have the opportunities to
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1. Describe the process of genetic engineering.
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2. Describe how recombinant DNA is made.
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3. Describe how bacteria or yeast can produce human proteins.
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4. List some goals of genetic engineering.
Approximate time one week.
Progress has been made along the line of genetic engineering in improving the quality of lives of different organisms. Scientists have the ability to make changes in the genes, to turn genes on and off and even to synthesize new genes.
Genetic engineering is the process that allows genes or parts of DNA to be transferred from one organism to another. This usually is carried out in single-celled organisms. The transferred genes become part of the receiving organism’s DNA and the particular trait involved is inherited by succeeding generations. The new pieces of combined DNA are called recombinant DNA. The products of recombinant DNA are used to produce vaccines, insulin, inferon and human growth hormone.
Genetic engineering is aiding many areas of biological, agricultural and medical research. It is a field that people look at with both anticipation and fear. They see some of the benefits that could be gained from it, but they also see the dangers that can result. Through genetic engineering, it is becoming increasingly possible to breed plants and animals that would provide more and better food for the world’s growing popuLation.
Suggested Activities
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1. Students will see a video on ‘Genetic Engineering’. This video could be obtained via the audio-visual department in the New Haven Public School System—Dr. Theodore Astarita. The duration of this video is 15 minutes which helps students to understand the nature of change. Insights into how the quality of our lives could be improved.
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2. Slide presentation on human karyotypes.
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3. Growing plants in different environments.
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4. Have students make a flow chart showing the correct sequence of events that occur during genetic engineering.
Additional Activities
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5. Students will make charts showing how dominant, recessive and X-linked inheritance works.
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6. Students will perform the activity on ‘finger printing’ to show that no two persons are alike.
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7. Students will compare their heights and weights with other students of the class. Compare baby photos of themselves to see how people change as they grow older.