1. Genetic Technology Aims: Must be able to outline the main forms of genetic technology. Should be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic technology. Could be able to discuss the ethical issues associated with genetic technology.

2. What is Gene Technology Gene technology includes DNA analysis, genetic engineering and other gene manipulation. Genetic engineering refers the artificial manipulation of genes: adding or subtracting genes, or changing the way genes work. Organisms with artificially altered DNA are referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Gene technologies have great potential to benefit humanity through: increasing crop production increasing livestock production preventing and fighting disease reducing pollution and waste producing new products detecting and preventing crime

3. Answer the questions from the Biozone sheet. Activity

4. Why Gene Technology? Despite potential benefits, gene technology is highly controversial. People feel strongly that safety concerns associated with the technology have not been adequately addressed. Environmentally friendly Could improve the sustainability of crop and livestock production Could potentially benefit the health of many More predictable and directed than selective breeding Who owns and regulates the GMOs? Third world economies are at risk of exploitation Biological risks have not been adequately addressed Animal ethics issues The costs of errors

5. Genetic Engineering - Background Genetic engineering (GE) made possible by the discovery of new techniques and tools in the 1970s and 1980s. Builds on traditional methods of genetic manipulation, including selective breeding programs and the deliberate introduction of novel traits by exposing organisms (particularly plants) to mutagens. Methods were developed to insert ‘foreign’ DNA into cells using vectors. New recombinant DNA technology involved ‘recombining’ DNA from different individuals and even different species. Organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts are used to propagate recombinant genes and/or transfer genes to target cells (cells that receive the new DNA).

6. Answer the questions from the Biozone sheet. Activity