Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION V
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF MASBATE PROVINCE
CATAINGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
POBLACION, CATAINGAN, MASBATE
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
QUARTER 2 - WEEK 4
EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE
Name of Student:
___________________________________
Learning Area - Grade 11: ___________________________________
Subject-teacher:
___________________________________
Date:
___________________________________
I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT
Genetic Engineering also called Genetic Modification is one of the many branches of applied
biology. It is the changing of an organism’s genome using biotechnology. This module discusses the basic
concepts on Genetic Engineering or GE and identifying some of the Genetically Modified Organisms or
GMOs.
The history of Genetic Engineering can be traced back in 1953 when James Watson discovered the
structure of DNA, after which scientists were able to understand and changed the structure. The idea of
Genetic Engineering is something that we associate with the 20th century. No one knew that genes were
actually the mechanism of Heredity until the middle of the 20th century. The direct modification of genes for
some purpose did not even start until the 1970s. but it is worth noting that human beings have been, in some
ways, influencing the genetics of organisms for a very, very, very long time.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hsbiotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
As one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in science, this module demonstrates an
understanding of the concept of Genetic Engineering. This module focuses on the simplest yet
comprehensive lessons that will be tackled. You will appreciate the values that one must uphold in this
worthwhile scientific endeavor. Advantages/benefits and disadvantages will also be given emphasis at the
end of this module.
This LAS will also help you explore your own imagination and express your creativity as you create
your own imaginary - Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). This way, one will come to appreciate the effort
exerted by our scientists in producing only the best organisms with desirable characteristics.
Genetic Engineering Processes
Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make products or
plants and animals that have desired traits. In order to carry on this technology, it employs different processes
such as:
•
Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into fragments. It is basically used to
create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends that can join with other DNA fragments.
•
Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used to study DNA fragments of various
sizes.
•
Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA fragment with the DNA from another
source also called exogenous DNA.
•
Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA molecules. It is
used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be used in genetically engineered organism.
•
DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant DNA molecule to
further study. It is used to identify errors in the DNA sequences to predict the function of a particular
gene and to compare to other genes with similar sequences from different organisms.
•
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific regions of sequenced DNA. It is used
to copy DNA for any scientific investigation including forensic analysis and medical testing.
3 Types of Genetic Modification
Plant Genetic Modification
The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering ancestors and until today,
is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous population of plants is inspected, and “superior”
individuals - plants with the most desired traits, like improved palatability and yield - are selected for
continued propagation.
ex. Production of pest-resistant plants
ex. Increase of crop production
Animal Genetic Modification
Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a result of breeding
strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture include assisted reproductive
technologies; use of naturally occurring hormones, such as recombinants, and biotechnologies to
enhance reproductive efficiency without affecting the genome; and biotechnologies to enhance
expression of desirable genes.
ex. Increase of milk production
per cow
ex. Double production of eggs in chickens
Genetic Modification of Microbes
Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as primary and secondary roles
in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and they can produce enzymes or other metabolites used in
food production and processing. Humans have used and genetically modified microbes for centuries to
produce food, wine, bread, and cheese are common examples of ancient foods, still popular, depend on
microbial ingredients and activities.
ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production
ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases
For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:
•
•
•
https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-biotechnology48776975
https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hsbiotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
II. LEARNING SKILLS
At the end of the activity sheet, you should be able to:
1. Define Genetic Engineering and its different types;
2. Description on the different processes;
3. Identification of some examples of existing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):
4. The advantages and disadvantages of GMOs.
III. ACTIVITIES
Activity 1 :
“Bisayang Manok” vs. Commercial Chicken
Direction: It’s time to synthesize your learning. Table 2 below contains statements that may or may
not describe both “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”. Organize them on the Venn diagram to
show comparison and contrast between “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”.
Table 2. Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”
Higher protein
Lower fat
Yellow-orange egg yolk
Low-flying birds
Lesser muscle mass
Higher muscle mass
Deep complex flavor
Low protein
Less beneficial to health
More beneficial for health
Higher fat
Has feathers
Less complex flavor
Has short pointed beak
Venn Diagram
“Bisayang
Manok”
Commercial
Chicken
Both
Activity 2 :
A Boon or Bane?
Advantages/Benefits
One of the main reasons why scientists conduct Genetic Engineering (GE) is to provide and sustain
human. The modern practice of genetic engineering goes beyond cross-breeding different species to create
a new outcome. There are many advantages that genetic engineering can bring the world today. One is that
it makes agricultural practices much safer by reducing, if not totally eliminating the use of pesticides. This will
result in creating greater yields since farmers will no longer spend extra money for pesticides. No use of
pesticides would lead to improve growth rate of crops and consequently create better food products. GE
allows specific traits to be developed for plants and animals.
It can improve resistance to diseases and even stop genetic diseases in humans. We already have
genetic testing in place to test for certain cancers. GE could be used DNA manipulation to help treat or cure
people who are born with genetic disorders. The different tools of genetic engineering could produce novel
medical treatments like vaccines, insulin, and even hormone treatment. Through GE we can create more
treatments that allow us to be proactive more often against pathogens that can have life-threatening
characteristics.
Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages that genetic engineering can bring like: amount of diversity that is
available is limited. The reason for this is the industry will focus on the product or organism that performs
well. Another disadvantage is, it’s prone to technological abuse. Currently, we have laws and treaties in place
to prevent genetic engineering abuse. However, that does not mean that abuse on its use will not occur. The
next disadvantage is the genetic engineering process can only be copyrighted in the United States, a rule
that GE DNA sequences can be patented. That makes the rule more profitable for organizations to study
DNA manipulation instead of working for the good of humanity. Another disadvantage is, it can bring difficult
legal liabilities with unintended consequences. Seeds and crops can also be patented. This brings issues for
farmers who encounters GMOs on their land due to unintentional spread. GE does create a natural barrier
against disease and harsh environmental conditions. It also just extend the resilience of plants and animals.
The changes made are not permanent benefits. More modifications are required over time because nature
eventually adapts. Pathogens become stronger to affect the stronger plants and animals. Our own experience
with medicines that we take like antibiotics is an evidence to this fact.
This area is intentionally blank
Direction:
Make a table and cite at least ten (10) advantages and ten (10) disadvantages
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
7.
7.
8.
8.
9.
9.
10.
10.
Activity 3 :
An Imaginary Creature Activity
Direction: Let your imagination work! Consider yourself as one of the Genetic Engineers. Using your drawing
materials, illustrate a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) that you would produce. Emphasize the unique
features of this creature and the benefits it would give to mankind.
Name of Creature
Description
Special Features
Rubrics for the Imaginary Creature Activity
RUBRICS
Category
4
The poster
clearly
Presentation communicates
the main idea
and strongly
promotes
awareness.
All of the
graphics used
Creativity
on the poster
and
reflect an
Originality
exceptional
degree of
student ingenuity
in their creation.
All graphics in
Accuracy
the poster are
and
accurate and
relevance
related to the
topic.
The poster
includes all
Required
required
Element
elements as well
as additional
information.
3
2
The poster clearly
communicates
some of the
important ideas
and slightly
promotes
awareness.
Most of the
graphics used on
the poster reflect
student ingenuity
in their creation.
The poster
indirectly
communicates
the idea and
hardly promotes
awareness.
Most graphics in
the poster are
accurate and
related to the
topic.
All required
elements are
included.
Some graphics in
the poster are
accurate and
related to the
topic.
Few required
elements are
included.
1
The poster does
not sufficiently
communicate
any idea that
can promote
awareness.
The graphics
The graphics
were made by the were not made
student but were
by the student.
copied from the
designs or ideas
of others.
The graphics in
the poster are
neither accurate
nor related to
the topic.
Required
elements are
missing.
IV. ANSWER KEY
Biotechnology – is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make products or plants and
animals that have desired traits.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid – is any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity.
Exogenous DNA – is produced by growth from superficial tissue.
Gel Electrophoresis - separates DNA fragments by size.
Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA molecules.
Genetic Engineering – is a technology that involves manipulating the DNA of one organism in order to insert the
DNA of another organism called exogenous DNA
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – is an organism whose genomes has been engineered in the laboratory in
order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the reproduction of desired biological products.
Genes – is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the
functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the
structure
Activity 1: Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”
Venn Diagram
“Bisayang
Both
Manok”
*Yellow-orange egg
yolk
*Higher protein
*Lower fat
*Low-flying birds
*Deep complex
flavor
*Higher muscle
mass
*Has feathers
*More beneficial
Actrivity 2:
for health
*Has short-pointed
beak
Commercial
Chicken
*Low protein
*Higher fat
*Lesser muscle
mass
* Less complex
flavor
*Less beneficial
to health
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
1. It allows for a faster growth rate.
1. the nutritional value of foods can be reduced.
2. It can create an extended life.
2. it could create new pathogens.
3. specific traits can be developed.
3. there can be negative effects that are unexpected.
4. new products can be created.
4. the amount of diversity developed can be less favorable.
5. Greater yields can be produced
5. copyrighted genetic engineering can have costly consequences.
6. Risks to the water supply can be reduced. 6. it is a technology that can be easily abused.
7. it is a scientific practice that has been in 7. It is a process that can be copyrighted in the US.
place for a millennia.
8. it makes agricultural practices much safer 8. it creates difficult legal liabilities with unintended consequences.
9. it can improve disease resistance
9. it only prolongs the resilience effect.
10. it could stop genetic disease in humans 10. it may have negative consequences when interacting with other
species.
11. it could produce novel medical
11. it can lead to more birth defects.
treatments
V. REFERENCES
Earth and Life Science modules week 4 from ADM or from the region.
For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:
•
•
•
•
https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-biotechnology48776975
https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hsbiotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-engineering
Prepared by
SERAFIN E. GRAJO, JR.
SHS T-II