what can we do? what should we do? you will be assigned a controversial topic that uses “genetic...
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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!