Genetic Engineering - This will change everything.......Forever.
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No matter what you think about genetic engineering, this is for certain - it is here, it isn't going anywhere and the potential is just about limitless.
Humans have been "engineering" plants and animals for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Up until recently, we have done the "engineering" the old-fashioned way - through selective breeding. However, with the mapping of genomes and advances in molecular biology there is no longer a need to wait through trial and error of selective breeding to produce an incrementally "better" organism. Today, we can pick and choose traits and insert them with precision. As with all technology, it seems the potential good that could be provided is only matched by the potential horror it could unleash. And, that is precisely why it is so interesting and important to understand a little bit about it. |
Work with partners on Questions 2 and 3. Do 4 and 5 on your own.
- Watch the video above which provides a brief overview and history of genetic engineering.
- Consider the advances in genetics and the rate at which they are happening. Make a time line from 1850-2050. Place key events that have taken place in regard to genetics, and genetic engineering since 1850. (Don't be afraid to use your good friend google:) Think about the number, speed and significance of the advances of the last 20 years....... predict the advances we might see between now and 2050.
- Make a list of at least 10 pros and 10 cons to genetic engineering. Use your own imagination first, but also do a web search of potential positives and negatives. Don't limit yourself to humans.... consider agriculture, medicine, biodiversity, entertainment, environment, energy, etc.
- In your opinion, list the 3 most important reasons we should pursue advances in genetic engineering. Also, list the 3 issues you find to be of the greatest concern as genetic engineering advances.
- For those of you who want to feel uncomfortable and truly uneasy...... consider the question posed at 14:45 of the above video - "In the future, would you have been allowed to exist?"
Let's look at some of the specifics of genetic engineering -
CRISPR CAS9
CRISPR
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