Process
Step 1: Research the genetic code, DNA. What is the importance of DNA? Does all life have DNA? What is the basic structure of DNA?
Resources/Links:
http://www.dnai.org/index.html
http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/genetic/default.htm
http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/exhibitdna/index.jsp
http://www.genome.gov/Pages/EducationKit/online.htm
Step 2: Research the technology that scientists are doing to manipulate DNA. Use the links to understand how each technology uses DNA. As you read the information in the links, think about the positive and negative implications of the technology both ethically and scientifically.
Generic website that will help you understand the range of technology that scientists have to manipulate DNA.
A. Genetic Engineering: manipulation of genes
Links:
gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/cloning/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/131035.php
Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering and Transgenics by Linda MacDonald Glenn
Biotechnology and the Green Revolution an interview with Norman Borlaug
Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? by Arpad Pusztai
B. Stem Cell Research (Embryonic): use of undifferentiated embryonic cells
Links:
Stem Cells for Cell-Based Therapies by Lauren Pecorino
C. Human Genome Project: mapping of human DNA
Link:
The Human Genome Project: A Scientific and Ethical Overview by Marion L. Carroll and Jay Ciaffa
D. Cloning: making an exact copy of something
Links:
Primer on Ethics and Human Cloning by Glenn McGee
Animal Cloning: Old MacDonald's Farm Is Not What It Used To Be by Lauren Pecorino
Step 3: Pick one of the cases to represent. Decide if you support or refute the technology. Use scientific research you have conducted to support your opinion.
Case A: You have a spinal cord injury. With the current scientific knowledge you most likely will never use your legs to walk again. You hear about the promise of stem cell research and need to decide if you want to be part of this research.
Case B: You have just been diagnosed with Genetic disorder X, it is fatal. You have two children and are concerned that you may have past on the disorder to your children. Should you have your spouse and children tested to find out if you passed the faulty genes to your children?
Case C: Gene ABC has been identified that will make strawberries juicier and plumper. Gene ABC is found in a single-cell eukaryote. Should gene ABC be extracted and incorporated in to the strawberry genome?
Case D: Your beloved dog, buttons, a yellow lab, is sick and dying. You read about a procedure that can use Button's DNA and make a clone of him. Should you make Button #2?
