Genetic Engineering

By Bethany Vice •

Grade Level	10th
Subject Area	Biology - Genetics
Duration	70 minutes (one class period)
Setting	Classroom - tables preferred
Background Knowledge	Students will already have studied basic genetics concepts (Mendelian inheritance, DNA function) and probabilities with Punnett squares..
Author	Bethany Vice

Summary
Students are introduced to genetic engineering and its impact on society. A review of basic genetics concepts and discussion of the more advanced concepts of genetic engineering allow students to understand biotechnology. Then students then participate in the first step of genetic engineering, DNA extraction, by extracting DNA from their own cheek cells.

Objectives
Students will be able to Explain the relationship between DNA and genes. Discuss how genetic engineering affects their lives. Give examples of genetically modified foods. Describe why genetic engineering is possible. Describe the basic process of genetic engineering. Identify the different components of a scientific activity and lab report.

Mateirals Required
One test tube per person Test tube rack Liquid soap (25% soap, 75% distilled water) Bottled water Sodium chloride (8 grams NaCl per 92 mL distilled water) Rubbing alcohol Parafilm Pipettes Small graduated beakers

Ohio Standards

Heredity
- Illustrate the relationship of the structure and function of DNA to protein synthesis and the characteristics of an organism.
- Explain that a unit of hereditary information is called a gene, and genes may occur in different forms called alleles (e.g., gene for pea plant height has two alleles, tall and short).
Diversity and Independence of Life
- Describe ways that human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter the equilibrium in ecosystems. Explain how changes in technology/biotechnology can cause significant changes, either positive or negative, in environmental quality and carrying capacity.
Historical Perspectives and Scientific Revolutions
- Analyze and investigate emerging scientific issues (e.g., genetically modified food, stem cell research, genetic research and cloning).
Understanding Technology
- Describe examples of scientific advances and emerging technologies and how they may impact society