THE USES OF MODERN
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Exploring the applications
of genetic modification
LESSON OUTLINE
Genetic Modification
Agricultural Applications
3
General Considerations of Modern
Biotechnology
THE DISCOVERY OF DNA
The discovery of DNA by James Watson and
Francis Crick in 1953 laid the foundation for
modern biotechnology.
Understanding the structure and functions
of DNA paved the way for genetic
engineering, gene editing tools and DNA
sequencing technologies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Identify uses of modern biotechnology,
including gene technology.
Describe some of the practical and
ethical considerations of modern
biotechnology.
WHY ARE THERE
DIFFERENT COLOURS
OF CORN?
Biotechnology involves modification and
gene editing technologies to enhance a
desired characteristic or to replace a
defective gene, resulting in different
coloured corns.
Scientists manipulate the genes responsible
for kernel colour to produce desired traits.
GENETIC MODIFICATION
GENETIC MODIFICATION
Genes are segments of DNA that carry genetic information
and are associated with specific traits in organisms.
Modifying genes involves altering their expression or
structure to achieve desired traits. It can be in the form of:
Knocking off/silencing - removing or deactivating
certain unwanted genes
Transgenic modification - isolating desired genes
using enzymes and inserting them to a host to carry
on the wanted genes
GENETIC MODIFICATION
Genetic modification processes can provide many benefits, from improving the quality and quantity of
crops grown to helping cure genetic diseases.
Scientists genetically modified golden rice by
Scientists are currently researching how to introducing genes responsible for beta-
change a mosquito’s DNA to prevent the spread carotene production, enhancing its nutritional
of malaria. value to combat vitamin A deficiency.
ZOOMING FURTHER INTO GENE EDITING
CRISPR - Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
‘Cas9’ stands for CRISPR-associated protein 9.
1 2 3 DNA 4
GUIDE CUTTING
MOLECULE ENZYME
HEALTHY
DNA
STRAND
DEFECTIVE
CELL DNA
STRAND
The faulty gene is detected In a new segment of gene in a The synthetic version of the
A synthetic version of the gene
and removed by a cutting DNA strand, the Cas9 enzyme gene made, is then placed
is made, without the defect.
enzyme. cuts the faulty gene out. back into the DNA strand.
LEARNING CHECK
Imagine you are a scientist aiming to improve
the nutritional content of a staple crop in a
region suffering from vitamin deficiencies.
Based on this situation, what specific
genetic modifications would you consider
implementing in the crop, and why?
SHARE YOUR ANSWER WITH THE CLASS OR PEER.
LEARNING CHECK
SAMPLE ANSWER
One way to address vitamin deficiencies is
through gene modification of rice to
produce higher levels of Vitamin A, like the
development of golden rice.
Genes responsible for beta-carotene—a
precursor of vitamin A, can be inserted into
rice.
THE USES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
We will now explore specific examples of where biotechnology is used in
agriculture—crop modification and selective breeding.
AGRICULTURE:
CROP MODIFICATION
Genetically modified Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) corn produces
insecticidal proteins that kill insects
consuming it, leaving the corn
undamaged.
This reduces the need for chemical
pesticides and promotes crop health.
AGRICULTURE:
SELECTIVE BREEDING
To make sure that a cattle have the
desirable traits like strength, disease
resistance and size, farmers use selective
breeding.
This involves choosing animals with desired
characteristics to reproduce, passing on
these traits to their offspring.
LEARNING CHECK
Provide an example of another type of
livestock that a farmer can consider
to selectively breed?
LEARNING CHECK
SAMPLE ANSWER
Selective breeding can be applied to sheep.
The farmer can select sheep with superior
wool quality and disease resistance to
enhance wool production and reduce losses
due to illness.
This can possibly increase their profits.
CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing
the use and methods of biotechnology.
SCIENTIFIC CONSIDERATIONS ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Address concerns about transparency and
Ensure rigorous testing for safety and informed consent, ensuring that
efficacy before GMOs are approved for consumers are aware of GMO content in
commercial use. food products.
Implement ongoing monitoring and Establish guidelines to protect the rights
research to study the long-term effects of and welfare of small-scale farmers,
GMOs on health and the environment. preventing exploitation by large biotech
companies.
CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing
the use and methods of biotechnology.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Develop strategies to prevent the Support equitable access to GMO
unintended spread of GMO traits to wild technology for farmers of all scales,
populations and non-GMO crops. particularly in developing countries.
Promote sustainable agricultural Implement policies to ensure that the
practices that incorporate GMOs benefits of GMOs, such as increased crop
responsibly, preserving biodiversity and yields and nutritional content, reach
ecosystem health. vulnerable populations.
CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing
the use and methods of biotechnology.
REGULATORY AND POLICY MEASURES
Create a regulatory framework that
involves multiple stakeholders, including
scientists, policymakers, farmers, and
consumers.
Develop international guidelines and
cooperation to standardize GMO regulation
and trade practices globally.
SUMMARY
MODERN USES PRACTICAL & ETHICAL
OF BIOTECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATIONS
There is a wide range of uses for The field of genetically modified products is
biotechnology in both medical and agricultural still relatively new, spanning a few decades.
industries. Genetically modifying a cell’s DNA There are many complex ethical factors to
can provide various benefits. consider when modifying the DNA of a cell.
ASSIGNMENT TASK Considering both the potential
benefits and risks associated with
genetically modified organisms
(GMOs), propose a comprehensive
policy framework that would
maximize the positive impacts
while minimizing the negative
consequences of GMO use in
agriculture.
Your policy should address scientific,
ethical, environmental, and socio-
economic factors.
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