Genes: engineering, disorders, screening
Genetic engineering and the genetic modification of organisms are regularly reported in the media. This makes the topic of interest to many students. It also provides an opportunity to explore the implications of scientific developments in a wider social context.
This list looks at both the biology involved in genetic engineering as well as the associated ethical issues.
Genetic disorders are considered and video clips show a clinician talking about gene therapy as a possible treatment.
The topic can also be used as an opportunity to revise and remind students about the structure of DNA and inheritance.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
GM Food
These materials are designed to give a framework for students to debate about the development and use of genetically modified foods.
The instructions give some good advice on running debates in class, such as setting the ground rules and providing stimulus materials to prompt discussion. These guidelines and techniques are applicable to discussions on any topic.
If all the suggested activities are followed, the materials contain several lesson’s work. It may not be possible to devote this much time to the topic. If this is the case, you can tailor the materials to the specific learning outcomes that are to be achieved.
For example, when developing analysis and discussion skills, you may want to focus just onto the consideration of pros and cons. If understanding genetic modification is the learning outcome, then the information cards will be useful.
Genetic modification in plants
This animation shows the stages in the genetic modification of a plant. It can be used to help students understand the process.
The animation uses the trait of spotty leaves. Students can be challenged to think of some more realistic traits that they would suggest as more desirable to genetically engineer into a plant. For example, tolerance to drought or resistance to a pest.
If they have done work on genetic modification of bacteria, students can be extended by asking what genes from other organisms (not plants) could be incorporated. What types of useful products could plants be used to grow? For example, crops containing extra nutrients that would not normally be present. What are the ethics of this?
Making human insulin
This is a very basic animation but the slides are clear and accessible. Adding a commentary will help students to understand the process of genetic engineering of bacteria to produce human insulin. The stages covered are:
• Identification and isolation of the human insulin gene.
• Insertion of the insulin gene into a bacterial plasmid.
• Growth of the genetically modified bacteria to produce human insulin.
This process is an example of one used in biotechnology. Use the opportunity to link these two areas of the curriculum, to show how basic research can be applied.
Insulin for human can also be obtained from animal sources (typically pig or cow pancreas). It requires purification and modification before it can be used.
A useful activity is to have students compare insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria with insulin for human use obtained from animal sources. What are the advantages of insulin from bacteria?
Other animations that may be useful.
Bacteria transformation: quite a detailed but accessible animation showing the process of inserting DNA into a plasmid and then getting the plasmid into bacteria.
Genetic engineering: a short animation showing the process of cutting a bacterial plasmid and inserting a new piece of DNA. It is quite a high level but the narration is accessible. Alternatively, turn off the sound and add your own commentary.
Genetic Testing
These materials can be used to achieve two learning outcomes.
They contain information sheets which describe the causes and symptoms of a range of genetic disorders. Using these alone will allow students to build up their knowledge of the topic.
There are also stimulus cards that relate to genetic screening and the use of personal biological information. Using these cards can help to develop skills in discussion, debate and consideration of ethical issues.
Students can be split into groups and given opposing points of view to argue before taking a whole class vote. For example, “Mortgage and loan companies should have access to your genetic records.” Give time for each group to develop their argument and then a time limit (say 2 minutes maximum) for them to deliver their argument to the class. Voting cards are provided so that the class can quickly show their views.
An alternative method could be to divide the class into groups, with them all working on the same issue. Groups are challenged to produce a set of guideline rules that determine when genetic screening technology can be used and how the information is treated.
