TOPIC How and why are the genes

1.4 of organisms manipulated?

Key Concepts
• DNA of a living cell can
T hese two animals, named Pete and Webster, are not typical
goats. A Canadian biotechnology company inserted a spider
gene into their gametes, and now they produce spider silk protein
be copied, modified,
in their milk. Spider silk has many possible uses, including as
and inserted into
a component of tough, light-weight steel. Because spider silk
another organism.
is not rejected by the human body; this steel could be used to
• DNA technology has create durable, low-weight artificial limbs, tendons, and other
many uses. replacement connective tissue for use in humans.

• The use of biotechnology

has some risks and
raises some ethical
issues.

Curricular
Competencies
• Communicate ideas,
claims, information,
and courses of action
for specific purposes

• Transfer and apply

learning to new
situations.

• Consider the role

of scientists in
innovation.

• Connect scientific
explorations to
careers in science.

70 UNIT 1 NEL
 Starting Points
Choose one, some, or all of the following to start your
exploration of this Topic.

1. Identifying Preconceptions The topic of biotechnology is often in

the news. What do you think of when you hear the term? Are the
associations you have positive, negative, or neutral? Why?
2. Checking for Bias One area of biotechnology includes developing
ways to prevent certain types of inherited genetic disorders, especially
those that are fatal. Do you think everyone should be tested for
possible genetic disorders? Would you want to know if you had a
genetic disease that may kill you before you turned 40? Reflect on your
ideas in small groups or privately.
3. Applying A person can be identified from a single strand of hair.
Except for identical twins, every person’s body contains unique genetic
information. Thus, your DNA is like your fingerprint. Police can use
DNA fingerprinting to identify people based on samples such as a hair
collected at a crime scene. Can you
identify the perpetrator of this crime
using DNA evidence shown on the A perpetrator
right? Do you think this method is
foolproof? Why or why not?
B C D E F G
Sample A is the DNA fingerprint taken
from a strand of hair. The hair was found
on the victim, but it is not the victim’s hair.
Samples B though G are DNA fingerprints
of hair taken from six suspects. suspects

Key Terms
There are seven key terms that are highlighted in bold type in this Topic:
• biotechnology • cloning • gene cloning
• recombinant DNA • artificial insemination
• in vitro fertilization (IVF) • gene therapy
Flip through the pages of this Topic to find these terms. Add them to your
class Word Wall along with their meanings. Add other terms that you think
are important and want to remember.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 71
 CONCEPT 1

DNA of a living cell can be copied, modified,

and inserted into another organism.

Activity
Cloning—As easy as it is in science fiction?
You may have seen a science fiction film that had a character that had been
cloned. Although a film may make it look easy to clone an organism, it is actually
quite complicated to clone a single cell or even a piece of DNA within a cell.
What do you think is needed to clone a gene, a cell, or a whole organism?
What type of setting and equipment might be needed to clone something?

O ver the last 60 years, the combination of science and technology has
allowed us to learn more about DNA and about how to modify, or
make changes to, genes. These techniques are often called biotechnology.
biotechnology the use of One example of biotechnology is cloning. In general, cloning is defined
technology and organisms to as a process that produces identical copies of genes, cells, or organisms.
produce useful products
However, the word cloning can mean very different things, depending on
cloning a process that what is being copied. This book focusses on the process scientists use to
produces identical copies of clone a gene.
genes, cells, or organisms
gene cloning manipulating
DNA to produce multiple Gene Cloning
copies of a gene or another Gene cloning involves manipulating DNA to produce multiple copies of
segment of DNA in foreign a gene or another segment of DNA in foreign cells. The cloned DNA can
cells be used for further study or for mass producing the protein that the gene
recombinant DNA a DNA codes for. Proteins produced in this way have many commercial and
molecule that includes medical applications. For example, insulin is a hormone that enables the
genetic material from body to use sugar; it is absent in people diagnosed with type I diabetes.
different sources
Before gene cloning, people with diabetes used purified insulin from
animal sources. Producing insulin this way was labour-intensive and
expensive. Since the early 1980s, human insulin has been produced in
bacteria through cloning of the insulin gene. The general experimental
approach to gene cloning is described below. Refer also to Figure 1.33,
which summarizes the steps in cloning a gene in bacteria.
1. Isolate the segment of DNA to clone, and choose a vector for cloning.
Vectors act as carriers of the DNA to be cloned so that it can be copied
in a foreign cell. One common vector for cloning in bacteria is called
a plasmid. Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that remain
distinct from the bacterial chromosome.
2. Insert the chromosomal DNA into the vector. This relies on the use
of enzymes that can cut DNA and help different pieces join together.
The resulting DNA molecule, which includes genetic material from
different sources, is called recombinant DNA.

72 UNIT 1 NEL
 3. Treat foreign cells, such as bacterial cells, so that they take in the
recombinant DNA. This process is called transformation. Once the
recombinant DNA plasmid is taken into the cell, many copies of the
cloned gene or DNA fragment will be made by the host cell.

chromosomal DNA
Figure 1.33 A gene or piece
of DNA can be cloned. Many
copies of it or the protein that
the gene codes for can be
gene of produced and isolated.
interest gene cloning:
cell of many copies Comparing: How does the
interest of a gene recombinant DNA molecule
vector DNA of interest
recombinant differ from the vector DNA?
DNA

bacterial cell vector DNA

Transgenic Organisms
Researchers have also developed techniques to investigate and alter the
genetic material of many organisms. The process of specifically altering Figure 1.34 This researcher
the genetic make-up of an organism is called genetic engineering. Genetic is investigating ways to
engineering involves making precise changes directed by the researcher manipulate corn kernel traits
(Figure 1.34). These include making specific changes to the sequence of such as starch and oil content.
DNA, such as introducing a mutation
into a gene. Other kinds of changes
are also possible. Genetic engineering
involving the introduction of foreign
DNA into an organism’s genome, such
as a gene from another species, results
in a transgenic organism. Transgenic
organisms are a type of genetically
modified organism, or GMO.

Applications of
Transgenic Plants
Transgenic crop plants account for
more than half the corn and canola
grown in North America. Many have
been modified to increase their
resistance to herbicides, insect pests,
fungal infections, or viruses.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 73
 Transgenic Plants: Golden Rice
Scientists are also working to produce genetically modified plants with
increased nutritional value. In many developing countries where rice is the
main staple food, symptoms of iron and vitamin A deficiencies affect hundreds
of thousands of people. In 2000, researchers in Switzerland developed a
genetically modified strain of rice known as golden rice, shown in Figure 1.35.
This rice has been genetically modified to increase its iron and vitamin A
content. Golden rice is still in experimental stages, but it is considered to
be the first GMO crop that was made to help reduce malnutrition.

Figure 1.35 This transgenic Beans Aspergillus fungus Wild rice Daffodil
product, golden rice, contains
four different foreign genes.
Three of these genes come
from other plants, and one
comes from a fungus. Ferritin gene is Phytase gene is Metallothionein gene Enzymes for β-carotene
transferred into transferred into is transferred into synthesis are transferred
Inferring: How could the rice from beans. rice from a fungus. rice from wild rice. into rice from daffodils.
development of such a
disease-resistant plant be
economically advantageous?
Fe Pt rice chromosome S A1 A2 A3 A4

Ferritin protein Phytate, which inhibits iron Metallothionein protein β-carotene, a precursor
increases iron reabsorption, is destroyed supplies extra sulfur to to vitamin A, is
content of rice. by the phytase enzyme. increase iron uptake. synthesized.

Transgenic plants can also be used for medical purposes. In 2009,

researchers used tobacco plants to produce virus-like particles that were
used in vaccines against the A/H1N1 flu pandemic that hit the same year.
Because the researchers used plants to produce the virus-like particles,
they were able to develop a vaccine against the strain of virus causing the
pandemic very quickly.

Activity
“Tough” Plants
One of Canada’s most important crops is corn. Many other crops, including soybean, potato,
European corn borers and corn earworms and strawberry, have been developed so they
are insects that can destroy corn crops when are resistant to diseases and insects. There is
they feed on them. A bacterium called Bacillus even a new apple that has been genetically
thuringiensis, makes a toxin that kills these insects modified so that its flesh does not turn brown
when they ingest it. Scientists extracted the genes if it is bruised or after it is cut or bitten into.
that control the production of the toxin from the
Suppose you are a transgenics scientist.
bacteria and inserted them into the corn DNA.
Propose an idea for a genetically modified
The genetically modified corn can now create the
fruit or vegetable that most people eat. Write
toxin. When the insects feed on the corn, they
a paragraph explaining why you think you
die shortly after being exposed to the toxin.
should look for a gene to alter that crop.

74 UNIT 1 NEL
Applications of Transgenic Animals
Animals such as mice, fruit flies, and roundworms are widely used in
research laboratories around the world to study diseases and ways to treat
them. Transgenic milk-producing animals, such as goats, are being used
to produce medical protein products that include human growth hormone
and anti-clotting factors. Figure 1.36 shows the main steps in creating a
herd of goats that are genetically modified to secrete specific proteins in
their milk. Recall also Pete and Webster in the opening to this Topic.

human gene egg donor

egg Figure 1.36 Genetic

engineering can create
micro-injection of human gene transgenic animals that
secrete human proteins or
other substances in their milk.
Communicating: In your
opinion, is it ethical to use
development within a host goat animals in this way? Why or
why not?

milk containing
a medical product transgenic goat is born

Another area of research involves developing transgenic animals that

can serve as organ donors for humans. Usually, transplanting organs
from donor animals, such as pigs, into humans has very limited success
because of tissue rejection. Some research teams are conducting work to
develop transgenic pigs that are more compatible with human tissues.
Research such as this also raises difficult issues, however. Some people
are concerned about the risk of transferring diseases from pigs to humans.
Other people ask whether it is ethical to create new kinds of animals purely
for the purpose of harvesting their organs.

Before you leave this page . . .

1. What is the function of a vector in gene cloning?

2. Make a T-chart to list the different uses of transgenic plants and
transgenic animals.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 75
 CONCEPT 2

DNA technology has many uses.

A dvancements that have come from biotechnology can affect many

aspects of our lives. Besides cloning and transgenic organisms, another
example is a DNA profile, like the one shown in Figure 1.37A. A DNA profile
determines the sequences of certain regions of a person’s DNA that are
unique to each individual. DNA profiles are used by law enforcement to try
to match a person’s DNA to a sample found at a crime scene. DNA profiles
are also used to determine if people are related to each other.

Reproductive Technologies
Advancements in biotechnology and genetics also have touched one of the
most basic biological activities—reproduction. These technologies have
changed the way many people are conceiving children. They represent
different options for people who want to have children but who are not
able to conceive a child on their own.
In artificial insemination, sperm are collected and concentrated
artificial insemination before being placed in the woman’s uterus. This technique was originally
a process that involves developed to promote breeding success among domestic animals. Human
collecting and concentrating couples have been using artificial insemination successfully for many years
sperm, and then placing it in
since it was first performed in the 1940s.
the female’s uterus
Another example of the use of biotechnology to help people conceive
in vitro fertilization (IVF) children is in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, the woman’s eggs are
a process that results in a
retrieved and combined with sperm in laboratory glassware. (In vitro is
female’s eggs being fertilized
by sperm outside of the body Latin for “in glass,” and refers to the petri dish in which fertilization takes
place.) After fertilization, one or more of the developing embryos are
placed in the woman’s uterus. Once an embryo becomes implanted, the
pregnancy proceeds. In 1978, the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born
as a result of IVF, offered hope to many couples whose inability to conceive
a child was due to the woman having blocked fallopian tubes. This prevents
the sperm and egg from coming into contact for fertilization. A type of
IVF technique, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is shown in
Figure 1.37B.

Figure 1.37 A DNA profiles A B

are used by law enforcement
to identify or eliminate
perpetrators of crimes.
B In a form of IVF called

intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI), the sperm is
injected directly into the egg.

76 UNIT 1 NEL
Gene Therapy
Understanding the role genes play in human diseases is an especially
important part of biotechnology. This involves finding genes or genetic gene therapy an
material that has been mutated in some way, and then identifying a link experimental treatment to
between those changes and a particular disease. Finding the genetic
cure genetic disorders that
involves inserting a healthy,
material that causes a disease enables doctors to make better diagnoses
normal form of a gene into
and to predict the likelihood of a person developing it. the cells of tissues that are
Gene therapy is an experimental treatment to cure affected by a disorder
genetic disorders. Its aim is to insert a healthy,
normal form of a gene into the cells of tissues Mutation
that are affected by a disorder. This gene
can replace the mutated gene that causes
the disorder. The approach to gene
therapy for treating cystic fibrosis Chromosome 7
is shown in Figure 1.38. A normal Cystic fibrosis occurs in people with Abnormal protein
gene is added to lung tissue, where mutations to chromosome 7;
lung cells produce abnormal proteins.
it produces a normal protein. With
a functioning protein, the thick
mucus that builds up and harms
people with cystic fibrosis is no
longer produced, allowing them to
breathe normally.
Healthy version
Lung cells produce of the gene
normal proteins. Normal protein
is placed inside
viruses.

Figure 1.38 The strategy for using gene therapy

to cure cystic fibrosis. A normal copy of the gene is
taken up by cells in the lungs. These cells can then
produce a normal protein from that gene, which Patient inhales
can carry out its regular functions. In the approach viruses, which carry
healthy genes
shown, viruses act as vectors that carry and deliver into multiple lung cells.
the gene. The viruses have been treated so that
they do not cause illness.

Extending the Connections

Gene Therapy for Donor Lungs
Scientists at the McEwen Centre for transplant lists. Read the information provided
Regenerative Medicine in Toronto have by your teacher about this technique. Decide,
developed a gene therapy technique to repair from an ethics standpoint, whether this type of
donor lungs before they are transplanted. The gene therapy is in the same category as treating
technique dramatically improves the success the actual genetic material of an individual.
of transplants. As a result, more donor lungs Write a paragraph that summarizes your opinion,
are available to people who are waiting on including supporting details.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 77
 Using DNA Technology in British Columbia
The use of DNA technology can benefit British Columbia both
economically and ecologically. New DNA technologies are being used to
help detect viruses in plants that are imported and exported to and from
Canada. As well, biotechnology is applied to help fight invasive species in
provincial forests.

Food Crops and Testing for Viruses

Exporting food crops is an important source of revenue for Canada.
Exported strawberries bring in about $17 million per year, and tree fruits
are worth over $240 million per year. As you might expect, when food crops
are exported and imported to and from Canada they must be tested to
make sure they are not carrying any viruses that could harm other crops. If
food crops, such as those shown in Figure 1.39, are found to have viruses
during testing, they are not accepted by the buyer. The loss of sales can
be costly to growers. The earlier they can detect a virus in their plants, the
better. Currently, the process of testing and quarantine can take up to three
years. This can affect the speed with which products are traded, which can
also cost growers.

Figure 1.39 Strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are just a few of

the food crops grown in and exported from British Columbia.

In 2017, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced new

projects that will use biotechnology to help reduce testing and quarantine
time. In one project, scientists will use DNA-based technologies to test
for all viruses normally associated with imported plants. This new testing
process could reduce quarantine time to only six months. The second
project specifically involves the testing of strawberry plants. The process
will allow scientists to carry out a single test to check for multiple viruses in
all exported strawberry plants. As with the first project, this will reduce the
amount of time it takes for these plants to be sold.

78 UNIT 1 NEL
Invasive Species and Forests of British Columbia
British Columbia’s forests are important for many reasons. People use the
forests for recreation and the trees and plants in the forests reduce soil
erosion, filter water, and provide habitat. Timber is an important export for
British Columbia and is a $33 billion industry across Canada.
When invasive species are introduced to forest ecosystems, they can
cause great damage. An invasive species is a species that is not native to
an ecosystem and causes harm to an ecosystem in which it is introduced.
Examples of invasive species in B.C. forests include the Asian longhorned
beetle, the Asian gypsy moth, and pathogens that cause sudden oak death
and Dutch elm disease (Figure 1.40). Being able to identity the presence of
an invasive species as early as possible can help reduce damage as well as
reduce the risk that the exported timber will be rejected by the buyer.

Figure 1.40 As a caterpillar,

the Asian gypsy moth eats the
leaves of trees (left). Trees
affected by sudden oak death
(middle) develop cankers on
their trunks. The leaves of
trees with Dutch elm disease
turn yellow, wilt, and then
turn brown (right).

Scientists and CFIA agents can use a handheld device to test for
invasive species. The device can extract DNA from samples of insect eggs
or fungi. The DNA is then compared with a library of DNA from known
invasive species and pathogens. This new device can reduce the time
required to identify a sample from months to days. This device can also be
used to test incoming wood and plant products for the presence of invasive
species or infection. Early detection can prevent invasive species from
entering B.C. ecosystems and reduce the damage they cause.

Activity
Asian Gypsy Moth
Your teacher will provide you with an information sheet about the
Asian gypsy moth. Read the information, and then answer the
questions on the worksheet provided by your teacher.

Before you leave this page . . .

1. Compare and contrast artificial insemination discussed in the text and describe the
and in vitro fertilization. benefits of its use. Do you think there are any
2. Choose one of the uses of biotechnology disadvantages to its use? Explain.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 79
 CONCEPT 3

The use of biotechnology has some risks

and raises some ethical issues.

Activity
Assessing the Use of Transgenic Plants
Different agencies oversee the development and use of transgenic products.
These agencies consider criteria such as the potential social, economic, and
environmental costs and benefits. Read the material provided by your teacher
about a transgenic plant product or crop that has been approved for use in
Canada. Describe the review process it has gone through for approval in
Canada. What advantages does the product provide? Are there any negative
consequences linked to its use?

Concerns about GMOs

The success in producing transgenic bacteria, plants, and animals has
revolutionized health care and the ways that many plant crops are grown.
However, there is controversy that surrounds making and using GMOs.
Some of the risks and ethical issues are listed below.

Environmental threats
• The use of herbicide-resistant plants could encourage the use of stronger
herbicides, which may get into the water or soil system and harm
organisms that live there.
• There is evidence that genes can cross to other species, which may
create “superweeds” and “superbugs” that cannot be controlled with
pesticides.
• Another concern is that a GMO could out-compete or breed with species
in the wild. This may endanger the natural populations.

Health effects
Figure 1.41 Some products • Some scientists believe that not enough is known about the long-term
have a label that shows effects of consuming genetically modified products such as food and
they do not contain any medicine. Some people are concerned that GMOs are hazardous to our
GMO ingredients. health or may produce allergic reactions in people. Some companies have
chosen to make products that do not contain any GMO ingredients and
are able to place a label on the product like the one shown in Figure 1.41.
• In Canada, up to 70% of processed foods could contain genetically
modified ingredients. However, producers do not have to indicate this
on their labels. Many international governments, including Canada’s,
continue to debate how to regulate the production, distribution, and
labelling of GMOs and products that contain GMO ingredients.

80 UNIT 1 NEL
Social and economic issues
• Although there are benefits to human health and reducing world hunger,
the amount of money spent on genetics research may be greater than the
overall benefits of the research.
• Some people wonder if private enterprise is having too much influence
over the global food market.
• Other people question the ethics of using other species solely for human
benefit.

Concerns about Gene Therapy

Scientists have carried out experimental treatments of genetic disorders
aside from cystic fibrosis. These include treatments for sickle cell anemia
(Figure 1.42) and some forms of inherited blindness. Although gene
therapy has helped some people, others have experienced negative results.
This caused most of the experimental treatments to be stopped until safer
procedures could be developed. Nevertheless, gene therapy still holds great
promise as a treatment for genetic disorders. As well, people are concerned
about which genetic conditions should be considered “disorders” that
deserve treatment.

Gene with mutation Edited gene is Figure 1.42 Gene therapy

leads to the production of grafted into patient’s used to treat sickle cell
sickle cell red blood cells bone marrow anemia
Edited genes lead to
the production of
Mutated gene is healthy red blood cells
edited using biotechnology
processes

Sickle cell Sickle cell Healthy

disease red blood red blood
patient cells cells

Activity
Should we or shouldn’t we?
Consider the scenario that has been presented by your teacher. In preparation
for a debate, develop an argument for both sides of the issue. Your teacher
will assign you a side to argue for in the debate. Carry out the debate
according to the rules provided by your teacher.

Before you leave this page . . .

1. Why should environmental, social, and 2. Discuss one thing that concerns you about
economic issues be considered when the use of biotechnology. Justify your concern
deciding how to use biotechnology? with evidence collected from this concept.

NEL TOPIC 1.4 HOW AND WHY ARE THE GENES OF ORGANISMS MANIPULATED? 81
 Stem Cells:
Paralysis Cured

What’s the Issue?

A race car driver is paralyzed in a crash. A teen is paralyzed after
diving into shallow water. Until recently, these people would have
little hope of regaining the full use of their bodies, but new research
on adult stem cells shows promise for reversing paralysis.

What are stem cells? In animals, a cell that can differentiate into
many different cell types is called a stem cell. A stem cell divides into
two daughter cells through the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis.
Each resulting daughter cell can develop into a different type of cell,
based on which parts of its DNA are switched on. Stem cells generally
occur in clumps that differentiate into different tissue layers, such as
epithelial, muscle, and nerve tissues.
There are two types of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can
differentiate into any kind of cell. Adult stem cells exist within
specialized tissue. They are only able to differentiate into certain
types of cells. For
example, tissue stem cells
bone marrow stem cells
found in bone marrow
can differentiate into
CNS stem cells white blood cells, red
blood cells, or platelets.

fat cells Stem cells from bone

cardiac marrow or the central
muscle cells nervous system (CNS)
can be manipulated
to generate many cell
types that can then be
epithelial cells transplanted to treat
blood cells
illness or repair damage.

nerve cells
skeletal
muscle cells

82 UNIT 1 NEL
 How can stem cells be used? Scientists are trying to find ways
to grow adult stem cells in cell cultures and manipulate them to
generate specific cell types. For example, stem cells might be used
to repair cardiac tissue after a heart attack, to restore vision in
diseased or injured eyes, to treat diseases such as diabetes, or to
repair spinal cells to reverse paralysis.

Stem Cells and Paralysis In Portugal, Dr. Carlos Lima and his
team of researchers found that tissue taken from the nasal cavity
is a rich source of adult stem cells. These stem cells become nerve
cells when transplanted into the site of a spinal cord injury. The
new nerve cells replace the cells that were damaged.
More than 40 people with paralysis due to accidents have
undergone the Portuguese procedure. All have regained some
sensation in paralyzed body areas. Most have regained some
motor control. With intensive physical therapy, about 10 percent
of them can now walk with the aid of supportive devices, such
as walkers and braces. This is promising news to the many
individuals facing illnesses or injuries that have robbed them of
the full use of their bodies.

Stem Cells and the Future Scientists are eager to do the research
necessary to make adult stem cell treatments a regular part of
health care. Paralysis might not have to be permanent—stem cells
could provide the cure.

Dig Deeper
Collaborate with your classmates to explore one or more of these
questions—or generate your own questions to explore.

1. Create a pamphlet that explains the benefits 2. Legal, ethical, and social concerns surround human
to society of adult stem cell research. Conduct stem cell research. Investigate and summarize
research in order to include information about Canada’s current guidelines on stem cell research.
the research methods, treatment, examples, cell 3. Research the ethical arguments for and against
physiology, and a brief history of adult stem cell stem cell research. Prepare an argument to present
research. Be sure to illustrate your pamphlet. your opinion on this issue.

NEL AT ISSUE 83
S C I E N C E A T W O R K

Biology Connections
Plant Pathologist

Bioinformatics Fisheries
Data Scientist Certification Manger

What kinds of
Soil Scientist jobs are there for Animal Behaviourist
people interested
in the unity and
diversity of life?

Bioethicist Medical Illustrator

If you like to ponder Where do you draw the
challenging issues, then line—literally? Medical
keep reading. Bioethicists illustrators use their
help researchers and knowledge of anatomy for
healthcare workers make advertising, textbooks, and
decisions about ethical Tree Breeder other teaching tools. They
dilemmas. They also Combine your interests in work for medical schools,
help develop policies in DNA and the great outdoors, publishers, and companies
hospitals and in research and help manage and that make pharmaceuticals
settings that involve protect B.C.’s forests. Tree and medical devices.
human or other animal breeders help improve the
subjects. growth, form, and health of
trees to sustain forests for
future generations.

? ?? ? ??Questions
? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ?
1. What other jobs and careers do you know or can you think
of that involve biology?
2. Research a job or career related to Unit 1 that interests you.
Explain what attracted you to it. What kinds of things do you
have to know, do, and understand for this job or career?

84 UNIT 1 NEL
 Check Your Understanding of Topic 1.4
QP Questioning and Predicting PCPlanning and Conducting PA Processing and Analyzing E Evaluating
AI Applying and Innovating C Communicating

Understanding Key Ideas 7. How can transgenic organisms help to

achieve social, economic, or environmental
1. Use a flowchart with diagrams to summarize
goals? Give one example of a transgenic
gene cloning. PA C
organism designed to meet one of these
2. What is the benefit of producing insulin from goals. E C
transgenic plants rather than transgenic
bacteria? PA Connecting Ideas
3. A company has developed a transgenic 8. Many people have life-threatening allergies
carrot that secretes toxins that kill damaging to certain foods, such as nuts. Researchers
insects and worms. AI C are developing transgenic peanuts that
a) What are some of the risks and benefits will not produce allergic reactions. Do you
that you think the Canadian government think this is a good use of research money?
should consider when deciding whether Explain. E C
to approve this plant for agricultural use?
b) If approved, what advantages will this Making New Connections
transgenic carrot offer to farmers? What 9. Study the diagram below. What does it show?
are some of the potential drawbacks to Explain your reasoning. PA C
farmers?
retina
c) Do you think that foods produced with
genetically modified ingredients should In a healthy eye, cells in
lens the retina sense light.
be labelled so that consumers can make
informed choices? List your arguments.

4. Explain the steps involved in in vitro

fertilization. PA C A mutation to a gene leads
to the death of light-sensing
5. Use a graphic organizer of your choice to cells in the retina.
help explain how gene therapy works. PA C light-sensing cells
small tube
6. Copy the following table into your notebook fluid
and complete it. PA C
To stop cell death, fluid
is injected to lift the
Applications of Biotechnology layer of affected cells.
Risks/
Application Benefits
Concerns
Cloning Normal copies of the
Genetically mutated gene are injected
to keep the cells from dying.
modified organisms
DNA
Gene therapy

NEL TOPIC 1.4 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING 85

INVESTIGATION
G U IDE D I N QUI RY
1-I Owning and Controlling
Skills and Strategies
• Planning and
Genetic Information
Conducting As knowledge and technology related to genetic information continue
• Processing and to grow, more questions about how ownership and control of this
Analyzing Data information should be handled are being asked.
• Evaluating
Question
• Communicating
How should ownership and control of genetic information be
regulated?
What You Need
• access to online Procedure
or print resources 1. Work in small groups to conduct research on what laws or
regulations different countries, such as Canada, the United States,
and Great Britain, have regarding privacy of genetic information.
2. Why is privacy an issue of concern when it comes to personal
genetic information? Research to find out how the privacy of
genetic information relates to
• potential employers • criminal cases
• life insurance • paternity testing
• medical drug plans • biobanks/stored DNA
• the health of family sequences
members • genetic research studies
3. Is a person’s genetic information their own private property?
Research to find different opinions about this issue.

Analyze and Interpret

1. Within your group, discuss whether there are any situations in
which you think a person should be forced to share their genetic
information. Defend your opinion.
2. Based on your research, how might someone be discriminated
against because of his or her genetic profile? Include an example
in your answer.
3. Why do you think the progress of government regulations is
not able to keep up with scientific advancements in this area?
What rules and policies would your group propose to deal with
controlling genetic information?

Conclude and Communicate

4. As a group, present your list of rules and policies to the class.

86 UNIT 1 NEL
INVESTIGATION
G UI DE D I N QUI RY
1-J The Effects of Biotechnology
Skills and Strategies
Despite successes, controversy still surrounds making and using
• Planning and
GMOs. Most of the concerns are about the “unknowns”—potential
Conducting
dangers that may occur.
• Processing and
Analyzing Data Question
• Evaluating What positive and negative effects do genetically modified organisms
• Communicating (GMOs) have on the environment?

What You Need Procedure

• access to online 1. Use the questions below to guide your research.
or print resources • What are three examples of GMOs that have been developed?
• Why was each of these GMOs developed? What advantage does
each provide?
• Are there any reports of GMOs having negative impacts on the
environment? If so, what is the source for each report?
• How well do scientists understand the effects of GMOs on
the environment? Are additional data and further studies
necessary? If so, what kind?
2. Some of the following topic and key word suggestions may help
guide your research:
• BT corn • GMO effects on biodiversity
• herbicide-resistant plants • effects on “non-target
• genetically modified organisms”
wheat, canola, or insects • development of superweeds

Analyze and Interpret

1. What information do regulators need when they are assessing the
effects of GMOs on the environment?
2. How can you tell which reports about GMOs are based on
credible evidence and which are based on misconceptions or
opinions?

Conclude and Communicate

3. Create a table to summarize the positive and negative effects of
GMOs on the environment. Do you think the benefits outweigh
any negative effects?
4. Based on your research, do you think GMOs are safe to use?
Create an informational poster to promote your point of view.

NEL INVESTIGATION 1-J THE EFFECTS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 87