The PROCESS
For this assignment, I challenge you to think outside of the box. You will first review the basics of genetics that we have already discussed in class. Refreshing your mind with the terminology and concepts of genetics will help you to critically review the technologies presented and draw meaningful conclusions and opinions. You will be required to learn and think about the different applications presented, then apply your understanding to answer the questions provided.
Step 1: Refresh your understanding of genetics
To ensure all students have the same level of background knowledge required to fully understand the different DNA technologies, you are required to watch the YouTube videos provided and read through the additional content websites provided as links on the resources page. Take your time going through this introductory material. This step will also help you study the principles of DNA and genetics in preparation for your next unit exam.
Step 2: Learn about different DNA technologies
Provided within the resources page are numerous YouTube videos and additional content website links on each of the following DNA technologies:
1. Genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technologies
Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genetic material for practical purposes. Recombinant DNA is a molecule that is constructed by joining different pieces of DNA together which has the ability to replicate in a living cell. Examples include gene therapy, personalized medicine, and the development of vaccines and recombinant therapeutic proteins such as insulin for the treatment of diabetes.
2. DNA fingerprinting and forensics
The process of DNA fingerprinting illustrates the specific unique variations in DNA sequences which allows the discrimination between two or more people. Using technology such as PCR, to amplify DNA from a source, and gel electrophoresis, to separate DNA fragments by size, provides the tools for such things as paternity testing and forensic crime scene investigations.
3. Transgenic and knockout mice for research and development
Transgenic mice have genetic material from a different organism, such as human DNA, incorporated into their genomes. Knockout mice have one or more of their endogenous (normal expressing) genes removed from their genomes. These genetically altered mice provide a necessary tool in characterizing gene or protein function in either normal, gain of function, or loss of function states. These mice provide the necessary in vivo element for research and development studies of disease.
As you read the information in the links and watch the videos, think about the positive and negative implications of the technology both ethically and scientifically.
Step 3: Apply what you have learned to answer the questions below
Directions: Choose ONE of the following questions to answer in EACH group listed below using what you learned from the resources provided in this WebQuest and your own critical thinking skills. Each thoughtful and scientifically accurate response should be one half to one full typed written page.
Group A Questions (Choose 1)
1. Describe the process by which genes are genetically altered?
2. What are the rewards and risks of using genetic engineering? Are the rewards worth the risks? How can some risks be minimized?
3. How could genetic engineering change the world? Provide specific examples.
Group B Questions (Choose 1)
1. What are the positive and negative implications of using bacteria to generate recombinant DNA to be injected into humans?
2. With personalized medicine, what would it mean to have a life expectancy of 125 or more years? What are the positive and negative implications?
3. Do you think it is essential to modify genes to make new medicines? What's the alternative?
Group C Questions (Choose 1)
1. Design your own genetically modified organism and explain its advantages and disadvantages.
2. You have just been diagnosed with Genetic disorder X, it is fatal. You have two children and are concerned that you may have past on the disorder to your children. Should you have your spouse and children tested to find out if you passed the faulty genes to your children? Why or Why not?
3. Find a journal article that uses a transgenic or knockout mouse, and explain what gene was altered and what the researchers were studying. Be sure to provide the reference to the journal article.
Step 1: Refresh your understanding of genetics
To ensure all students have the same level of background knowledge required to fully understand the different DNA technologies, you are required to watch the YouTube videos provided and read through the additional content websites provided as links on the resources page. Take your time going through this introductory material. This step will also help you study the principles of DNA and genetics in preparation for your next unit exam.
Step 2: Learn about different DNA technologies
Provided within the resources page are numerous YouTube videos and additional content website links on each of the following DNA technologies:
1. Genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technologies
Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genetic material for practical purposes. Recombinant DNA is a molecule that is constructed by joining different pieces of DNA together which has the ability to replicate in a living cell. Examples include gene therapy, personalized medicine, and the development of vaccines and recombinant therapeutic proteins such as insulin for the treatment of diabetes.
2. DNA fingerprinting and forensics
The process of DNA fingerprinting illustrates the specific unique variations in DNA sequences which allows the discrimination between two or more people. Using technology such as PCR, to amplify DNA from a source, and gel electrophoresis, to separate DNA fragments by size, provides the tools for such things as paternity testing and forensic crime scene investigations.
3. Transgenic and knockout mice for research and development
Transgenic mice have genetic material from a different organism, such as human DNA, incorporated into their genomes. Knockout mice have one or more of their endogenous (normal expressing) genes removed from their genomes. These genetically altered mice provide a necessary tool in characterizing gene or protein function in either normal, gain of function, or loss of function states. These mice provide the necessary in vivo element for research and development studies of disease.
As you read the information in the links and watch the videos, think about the positive and negative implications of the technology both ethically and scientifically.
Step 3: Apply what you have learned to answer the questions below
Directions: Choose ONE of the following questions to answer in EACH group listed below using what you learned from the resources provided in this WebQuest and your own critical thinking skills. Each thoughtful and scientifically accurate response should be one half to one full typed written page.
Group A Questions (Choose 1)
1. Describe the process by which genes are genetically altered?
2. What are the rewards and risks of using genetic engineering? Are the rewards worth the risks? How can some risks be minimized?
3. How could genetic engineering change the world? Provide specific examples.
Group B Questions (Choose 1)
1. What are the positive and negative implications of using bacteria to generate recombinant DNA to be injected into humans?
2. With personalized medicine, what would it mean to have a life expectancy of 125 or more years? What are the positive and negative implications?
3. Do you think it is essential to modify genes to make new medicines? What's the alternative?
Group C Questions (Choose 1)
1. Design your own genetically modified organism and explain its advantages and disadvantages.
2. You have just been diagnosed with Genetic disorder X, it is fatal. You have two children and are concerned that you may have past on the disorder to your children. Should you have your spouse and children tested to find out if you passed the faulty genes to your children? Why or Why not?
3. Find a journal article that uses a transgenic or knockout mouse, and explain what gene was altered and what the researchers were studying. Be sure to provide the reference to the journal article.