March 4

Genetic Engineering & Ethical Considerations 🧬🔬

📅 Completed: March 4
📅 Due & Graded: March 5

In this activity, we explored genetic engineering, including gene therapy, cloning, selective breeding, and hybridization, and discussed its benefits, risks, and ethical concerns.

📝 What We Covered:

1️⃣ What is Genetic Engineering?

• The ability to modify DNA to create desirable traits or remove harmful mutations.

• Used in medicine, agriculture, and research to improve health and survival.

2️⃣ Types of Genetic Engineering:

• Gene Splicing (Recombinant DNA): Combining DNA from different organisms to create disease-resistant crops or fast-growing livestock.

• Gene Therapy: Treating genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia by replacing defective genes.

• Cloning: Creating exact genetic copies, such as Dolly the sheep or potentially bringing back extinct species.

• Selective Breeding: Choosing parents with specific traits to enhance offspring characteristics, common in livestock, crops, and pets.

• Hybridization: Crossing two species (e.g., ligers, wholphins) to combine desirable traits.

3️⃣ The Human Genome Project:

• Mapped all 80,000 human genes to help identify genetic diseases and develop new treatments.

4️⃣ Ethical Questions:

• Should humans genetically modify babies?

• Is cloning ethical for animals or humans?

• Should we alter the genetic code to remove disorders permanently?

📌 Activity Details:

✅ Reading Assignment: "You Wanna Mix My DNA With What?!" explored different genetic engineering techniques.
✅ Response Questions: Analyzed real-world applications, benefits, and risks of genetic modifications.
✅ Class Discussion: Debated the ethical concerns of modifying organisms and cloning.

🌍 Why This Matters:

Genetic engineering is shaping the future of medicine, agriculture, and conservation. Understanding its potential benefits and risks helps us make informed decisions about how we use biotechnology in society.

✅ Great job thinking critically about genetics and ethics! Keep questioning how science impacts our world. 🔬