What CAN we do? What SHOULD we do? You will be assigned a controversial topic that uses “genetic engineering” biotechnology Your assignment: A written.

What CAN we do?What SHOULD we do?

You will be assigned a controversial topic that uses “genetic engineering” biotechnology

Your assignment: A written research/opinion essay (individual) A debate (in teams) either FOR or AGAINST

using this technology

Let’s see the topics!

What is it?◦ Putting genes from one

organism’s DNA into another What happens?

◦ The organism can now express (make the protein for) that gene

Using bacteria to create human insulin (a protein)

Protect crops from insects: BT corn corn produces a bacterial toxin that kills caterpillar pests

Extend growing season: fishberries strawberries with an anti-freezing gene from flounder

Improve quality of food: golden rice rice producing vitamin A improves

nutritional value

bacteria human insulin

What are the

issues?

What is it?◦ Replacing human genes that don’t work with new

genes that do

• What happens?

• Viruses are used to introduce a new gene• If the new gene works, it makes the missing enzyme or protein

What are the issues?

What is it?◦ People can test their DNA to tell whether they

have a gene What happens?

◦ The DNA is analyzed to see the chances are that you will have a certain trait, such as a disease

What are the issues?

What is it?◦ Parents may be able to choose the traits of their

future child What happens?

◦ Zygotes with certain traits can be selected to be implanted into a mother using IVF (in vitro fertilization)

What are the issues?

What is it?◦ Stem cells can grow into any type of cell

What happens?◦ Stem cells can be used to grow new tissues to

repair damaged or diseased body parts ◦ Some stem cells could grow into a human if

implanted in a uterus

What are the issues?

What is it?◦ Creating a genetically

identical organism from a donor

What happens?◦ An egg cell has a diploid

nucleus put inside it from the donor

◦ It grows into another individual with the exact same DNA as the donor

Dolly the sheep◦ Clone died early of illness

Cloning dogs◦ Replace a dead pet for

$150,000 US dollars Camel cloning (2009) Natural clones: Twins!

What are the issues?

One page (about 400 words) It needs to include:

◦ A brief explanation of the technology used for the process (how it works)

◦ Some of the arguments for and against using this technology

◦ Your own opinion on whether this technology should be used with explanations why you think so

◦ At least three sources of information at least one source that agrees and one source that

disagrees

Scientific Content- The description of the biotechnology is thorough and correct

/ 5

Explanation of controversy- Both sides are equally represented with strong arguments both for and against

/ 7

Personal Opinion- The student’s personal opinion is very clear, with several reasons supporting his/her view

/ 5

Writing Quality- Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation are used- The essay is structured and flows easily

/ 5

Sources of Information- At least 3 sources are used and both sides of the argument are represented

/ 3

Total / 25

In teams You will find out whether you are arguing

FOR (pro) or AGAINST (con) the topic on the day of your debate.

ONE MINUTE each for a:◦ Opening Statement ◦ Rebuttal ◦ Closing Statement

Debate response (listening skills)

Debate response questions:1. What are the two strongest arguments for the

technology?2. What are the two strongest arguments against

the technology?3. Do you think we should be using this technology

and why?4. Which team did you think had the best debating

skills? Why?

Speaking clarity- The debater’s voice was loud and easy to understand

/ 5

Clarity / Strength of Arguments- The debater made several strong arguments and explained them clearly

/ 5

Response- The debater directly responded to the other team’s points

/ 4

Listening Skills- The student listened carefully to the debates and wrote a thoughtful, thorough response to each one

/ 6

Total / 20

Valentina SMaria PaulaNatalia

GonzaDanielAndres Torres

JuanitaJorgeDaniela

PilarAndres Fajardo

Veronica

LaraCamilaAndres Felipe

Jose MiguelValentina DMiguel

Good luck with your research...

Start now!

Juan SebastianDaniela RamosMaria Jose

ValeriaDaniela G RiosMariana

Maria CarolinaAndres FernandoFelipe

ManuelaAndres TobonSimon

Ma. AlejandraFabioEsteban

FedericoGeraldinne

Good luck with your research...

Start now!