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Part C: Biotechnology

The latter half of the twentieth century began with the discovery of the structure of DNA, then progressed to the development of the basic tools used to study and manipulate DNA. These advances, as well as advances in our understanding of and ability to manipulate cells, have led some to refer to the twenty-first century as the biotechnology century. The rate of discovery and of the development of new applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy is expected to accelerate, bringing huge benefits to humankind and perhaps also significant risks. Many of these developments are expected to raise significant ethical and social questions that human societies have not yet had to consider.

In this section,  you can choose which biotechnology tool you'd like to learn more about. In this week's discussion you'll make an argument for or against the use of this technology. 

Option 1: Genes as Medicine

Gene therapy is a genetic engineering technique that may one day be used to cure certain genetic diseases. In its simplest form, it involves the introduction of a non-mutated gene at a random location in the genome to cure a disease by replacing a protein that may be absent in these individuals because of a genetic mutation. The non-mutated gene is usually introduced into diseased cells as part of a vector transmitted by a virus, such as an adenovirus, that can infect the host cell and deliver the foreign DNA into the genome of the targeted cell. To date, gene therapies have been primarily experimental procedures in humans. A few of these experimental treatments have been successful, but the methods may be important in the future as the factors limiting its success are resolved.

For this option, you will watch the film below, and work through this  worksheet   IT IS GOING TO BE A PDF FILE CALLED GENES OF MEDICINE FILL IT OUT about gene therapy and its potential uses. You can answer the questions in the PDF

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGEiaDau7hU&t=7s

 

Option 2: GM Mosquitoes

The  US EPA has approved an experimental permit Links to an external site.  to have genetically modified mosquitoes released in the Florida Keys. The GM mosquitoes have been altered with a  gene drive Links to an external site.  which prevents female mosquitoes from reaching maturity. The female mosquitoes are the ones which bite, and potentially spread deadly diseases. 

For this option, you will watch the film below and complete this  worksheet CALLED TRACKING GM MOSQUITOS IT WILL BE A PDF FILE    Only complete Part 1 of the worksheet.

 

Option 3: CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful gene editing tool that was discovered in the bacteria  E. coli in the 1980s. CRISPR-Cas9 allows for the removal, editing, or adding of DNA in precise locations. CRISPR-Cas9 is a promising technology that could lead to many breakthroughs in biotechnology and gene editing, though it is not without controversy. 

Here's a video summary of how CRISPR-Cas9 works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pp17E4E-O8&t=2s

For this option, you will listen to the podcast episode below, or  download the episode here (mp3) . To read the transcript, visit the  SITE https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/update-crispr While listening to the episode, follow along AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THE DOCUMENT CALLED RADIOLAB Podcast CRISPR

PART D

Lab 7 Discussion: Should we or shouldn't we?

In this  we investigated different types of biotechnology. Each of these technologies holds the promise of tremendously powerful ways of changing our world. The question is, should we be using these technologies?

What you need to do

Describe briefly, in 2-3 sentences, how the technology you investigated in Part C works and some examples of how the technology is used.

Next, for the biotechnology you investigated in Part C of this lab, construct an argument (5-7 sentences, minimum) that expresses your opinion on whether these technologies should be utilized or not. Some things to consider while thinking and writing (these are guiding questions and not meant to be answered individually):

· If this technology were widely used, who would be able to use it?

· Who would benefit from the use of this technology?

· What are potential downsides (cons) of this technology?

· What are the upsides (pros) of this technology?

· What responsibility do scientist have to the safety and well being of society?

· What is your mother/father/sibling/best friend's life could be saved by using this technology - what would you tell them?

Due Date & Grading

Initial post must be between 7-10 sentences in length, minimum