Scientists Already Manipulate the DNA of organisms
Genetically engineered seeds were commercially introduced in the United States in 1996. Currently, over 90 percent of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using genetically engineered varieties. (source)
/ Ii / Investigate
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/ iII / Level Up!
During this lesson you will learn more about how genetic variation among organisms affects survival and reproduction.
✎Notes:
- Genetic variations among individuals in a population give some individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing in their environment. This is known as natural selection. It leads to the predominance of certain traits in a population and the suppression of others.
- In artificial selection, humans have the capacity to influence certain characteristics of organisms by selective breeding. One can choose desired parental traits determined by genes, which are then passed onto offspring.
- Engineering advances including genetic engineering have led to important discoveries in virtually every field of science, and the scientific discoveries have led to the development of entire industries and engineered systems.
/ IV / choose your path
ADVANCED [+4 points]
Papaya originated in southern Mexico and Central America and was introduced in Hawaii in the early 1800’s. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. According to the USDA Hawaii produces nearly 12 million pounds of papaya each year and the industry is worth over $11 million. However the entire Hawaiian papaya industry was nearly destroyed in the 1990’s due to the spread of the Papaya Ringspot virus. The industry was saved in 1998 with the introduction of the Rainbow Papaya, a genetically modified papaya that is resistant to the virus. In 2013 hundreds of papaya trees were destroyed by vandals. Papaya farmers believed that the trees were destroyed by anti-GMO protesters. Use your understanding of artificial selection to judge the credibility, accuracy and possible bias of each source.
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EXPERT [+5 points]
Research and evaluate both the pros and cons for each genetic technology including genetic modification (GMOs), genetic engineering, cloning, animal husbandry, and gene therapy. What is your final stance on the use of genetic technologies? Explain why using evidence from your research. |
/ V / Knowledge Check
In artificial selection, humans have the capacity to influence certain characteristics of organisms by selectively breeding. One can choose desired parental traits determined by genes, which are then passed onto offspring. Now, engineering advances such as genetic modification have led to important discoveries and led to the development of entire industries and engineered systems. However, many scientists have warned how genetic modification may result in unintended consequences, such as the spread of modified genes to wild species and an overall decrease in the biodiversity of crops millions of people depend on.
Genetic engineering involves the insertion of genetic material from other plants or organisms into a plant in order to change its traits. It is different from conventional plant breeding. It wasn't until the 1990s that major products containing genetically engineered materials appeared in the U.S. food market. These crops are now used in the production of a wide variety of food, from cereals and ketchup to chocolate milk and Coca-Cola.
Currently, over 90 percent of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using genetically engineered varieties. Monsanto and the other biotech firms have had their greatest success with crops such as corn, soybeans, canola and cotton. They account for almost all of the estimated 125 million acres of GE crops grown in the world today.
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/ VI / redemption pointsRedemption Points
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/ VI / enrichment bonusEnrichment Bonus
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/ VII / Next Level (✓) Checklist:
- Can you gather information about at least two technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in plants and animals through artificial selection by choosing desired parental traits determined by genes, which are then often passed onto offspring?
- Can you assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication and method used in the information you gather?
- Can you use information from multiple sources to provide examples of how technologies have changed the ways that humans are able to influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms?
National Research Council 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13165
This site contains original content that may not be authorized for use by the creator and is legally used under the fair use principles section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1986 (17 U.S. Code § 107)
The official NGSS website. https://www.nextgenscience.org
LS4.C, MS-LS4-5, ETS2.A
Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms. (Cause and Effect) [MS-LS4-5]
This site contains original content that may not be authorized for use by the creator and is legally used under the fair use principles section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1986 (17 U.S. Code § 107)
The official NGSS website. https://www.nextgenscience.org
LS4.C, MS-LS4-5, ETS2.A
Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms. (Cause and Effect) [MS-LS4-5]