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Essential Idea:
Essential Idea:
Scientists have developed techniques for artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms
Scientists have developed techniques for artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms
Understandings:
- PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA
- Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size
- DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA
- Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species
- Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell
- Many plant species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning
- Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells
- Methods have been developed for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells
Applications:
- Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations
- Gene transfer to bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase
- Assessment of the potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops
- Production of cloned embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer
Skills:
- Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem cuttings
- Analysis of examples of DNA profiles
- Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops
Nature of science:
Assessing risks associated with scientific research—scientists attempt to assess the risks associated with genetically modified crops or livestock. (4.8)
Theory of knowledge:
- The use of DNA for securing convictions in legal cases is well established, yet even universally accepted theories are overturned in the light of new evidence in science. What criteria are necessary for assessing the reliability of evidence?
- Read the Wasington Post article 'Convicted defendants left uninformed of forensic flaws found by Justice Dept.' to get an overview on forensic evidence as a whole.
Introductory Video
Introductory Video
Powerpoint
Powerpoint
Useful Videos
Useful Videos
Unit Summary Questions
Unit Summary Questions
3.5 Genetic Modification and biotechnology Unit Summary Questions.pdfGoogle Sites
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