Genetics
Unit 6
Biotechnology (25 days)
Enduring Understanding: DNA stores and transmits genetic information which is passed from generation to generation in all organisms.
Manipulation of DNA in organisms has led to commercial production of biological molecules, genetically modified organisms, and an enhanced
knowledge of life. Biotechnology has impacts on science, society and the environment.
Essential Questions
What role do bacteria and viruses play in the
transfer of genetic information and where does
biotechnology play a role in this transfer? (6
days)
State Benchmark from Course Description


SC.912.L.16.7: Describe how viruses and bacteria transfer genetic material between cells and the role of this
process in biotechnology.







Students will describe the processes of bacterial conjugation and transformation.
Students will describe the process of transduction.
Students will compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viruses.
Students will explain how the lysogenic cycle can alter the host DNA.
Students will perform a bacterial transformation.
Students will identify and describe uses of bacterial transfer of genetic information.
Students will identify and describe uses of viral transfer of genetic information.
Also address the following:
o
MA.912.S.1.2: Determine appropriate and consistent standards of measurement for the data to be
collected in a survey or experiment.
o
MA.912.S.3.2: Collect, organize, and analyze data sets, determine the best format for the data and
present visual summaries from the following:
o
SC.912.N.1.2: Describe and explain what characterizes science and its methods.
What steps would a biotechnologist use to
create recombinant DNA? (2days)
How can recombinant DNA be used? (2days)

Required Topic: Recombinant DNA
Why is gel electrophoresis important in
biotechnology? (3 days)
What are the uses of PCR? (1 day)

How can biotechnology be used in forensics? (3
days)

Required topics: RFLP & Gel
Electrophoresis

SC.912.L.16.12: Describe how basic DNA technology (restriction digestion by endonucleases, gel electrophoresis,
polymerase chain reaction, ligation, and transformation) is used to construct recombinant DNA molecules (DNA
cloning).











Students will explain the function of endonucleases (restriction enzymes).
Students will explain the function of ligases.
Students will model cleavage by endonucleases and ligation by ligases.
Students will create recombinant DNA and use it to perform a bacterial transformation.
Required Topic: Recombinant DNA – Suggested Lab: Ward’s Glowing Bacteria
Students will discuss industry and medical uses for recombinant DNA.
Students will explain how gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments.
Students will differentiate between DNA samples using gel electrophoresis.
Students will illustrate how polymerase chain reaction makes copies of DNA.
Students will explain the process of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Students will identify the uses of PCR in manufacturing genetic material.
Also address the following:
o
MA.912.S.1.2: Determine appropriate and consistent standards of measurement for the data to be
collected in a survey or experiment.
o
MA.912.S.3.2: Collect, organize, and analyze data sets, determine the best format for the data and
present visual summaries from the following:
o
SC.912.N.1.2: Describe and explain what characterizes science and its methods.
SC.912.L.16.11: Discuss the technologies associated with forensic medicine and DNA identification, including
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.





Students will describe restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and what causes it.
Students will assess the usefulness of RFLP.
Students will describe the process of DNA fingerprinting.
Students will “solve” a crime using DNA fingerprinting.
Required topic: RFLP & Gel Electrophoresis – Suggested Lab: Wards DNA Fingerprinting
Also address the following:
o
LA.910.4.2.2: The student will record information and ideas from primary and/or secondary sources
accurately and coherently, noting the validity and reliability of these sources and attributing sources of
information.
o
MA.912.S.1.2: Determine appropriate and consistent standards of measurement for the data to be
collected in a survey or experiment.
o
MA.912.S.3.2: Collect, organize, and analyze data sets, determine the best format for the data and
present visual summaries from the following:
o
SC.912.N.1.2: Describe and explain what characterizes science and its methods.
What are the benefits and risks of
biotechnology? (3days)
Are the benefits of biotechnology worth the
risks to individuals, society and the
environment? (2days)
What recommendations or precautions should
be employed in biotechnology to ensure the
maximum benefits with the smallest risk?
(2days)

SC.912.L.16.10: Evaluate the impact of biotechnology on the individual, society and the environment, including
medical and ethical issues.






Students will describe the uses of genetic engineering.
Students will hypothesize the medical potential of biotechnology.
Students will assess the benefits and costs of biotechnology to an individual, society and the
environment.
Students will discuss the ethical concerns of biotechnology as related to its medical potential and
societal expectations.
Students will develop an ethical standard for the use of biotechnology appropriate to societal
expectations and environmental conservation.
Also address the following:
o
SC.912.N.2.1: Identify what is science, what clearly is not science, and what superficially resembles
science (but fails to meet the criteria for science).
o
SC.912.N.3.5: Identify which questions can be answered through science and which questions are
outside the boundaries of scientific investigation, such as questions addressed by other ways of knowing,
such as art, philosophy, and religion.