How Does Biotechnology Affect Individuals, Society, and the Environment? Benchmark SC9.12.L.16.10

What is Biotechnology? Some Ideas? Some examples?

Biotechnology Definition Biotechnology is the transfer of DNA from one organism to another to modify the genetic makeup of that organism. The process of gene transfer is used in many fields, including medicine and agriculture. Gene manipulation

What is Biotechnology? In its most simple form, biotechnology is the use of living systems (organisms) by people to make products. Biotechnology uses many different sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computers, and information technology to develop tools and products. Biotechnology changes genes of organisms for specific purposes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm6_BBS_KE4&feature=related

What is Biotechnology?

Recombinant DNA Biotechnology tool DNA from two different sources is combined into one molecule Inserted into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry

Genetic Engineering Remove, modify or add genes to a DNA molecule or organism Add new traits Cloning genes into new organisms, or altering the DNA sequence to change the protein product. **Genes are the chemical blueprints that determine an organism's traits Add new traits not originally there

Terms to Know! Gene Cloning Genetic Engineering Gene cloning is the act of making copies, or clones, of a single gene. Once a gene is identified, clones can be used in many areas of biomedical and industrial research. Genetic engineering is the process of cloning genes into new organisms, or altering the DNA sequence to change the protein product.

Vacanti Mouse A laboratory mouse resemblance of a human ear on its back. Its actually an ear-shaped cartilage structure grown by seeding cow cartilage cells into a biodegradable ear-shaped mold. The earmouse, was created by Dr. Charles Vacanti, at the University of Massachusetts in 1995. To demonstrate a method of fabricating cartilage structures for transplantation into human patients, a resorbable polyester fabric was infiltrated with bovine cartilage cells & implanted under the skin of a hairless mouse.

Glofish Fluorescent zebrafish with bright red, green, and orange fluorescent color. Fluorescent protein (GFP), originally extracted from jellyfish, producing bright green bioluminescence .Inserted the gene into a zebrafish embryo, causing the fish to be brightly fluorescent under natural white light & UV light. Goal was to develop a fish that could detect pollution by selectively fluorescing in the presence of environmental toxins.

Sudden Death Mosquito Oxitec which is a British bio-tech company, has created genetically modified mosquitoes, which are programmed for sudden, early death. Oxitec’s technology is a variation of a proven process called “sterile insect technique” It involves irradiating male insects, causing mutations that make them sterile. When released into the wild, they mate with females passing on lethal genes which either kills the female or at least kills the youngs in her so then she fails to reproduce . Scientists at this British bio tech company said they have evidence that their genetically modified mosquitoes can by this way for sure control the spread of dengue fever.

What are some common examples of biotechnology use? Pollution-eating microbes (oil spills) Laundry detergents and dish soaps DNA finger-printing Bio-pesticides for crops Vaccines for illnesses and diseases Genetically Modified Foods like cheese These are just to name a few!

What are some common examples of biotechnology use? Bioengineered crop plants – wheat, corn, potatoes, cotton are fortified (strengthened) against disease & pests Biofertilizers – add nitrogen to increase fertility Gene Cloning – isolate & reproduce DNA Human Gene Therapy – replace a nonworking gene with a working one DNA Fingerprinting – DNA pieces “Markers” are used to identify people by blood/hair Ex crime scene. Page 117-119 bio EOC book

So... How Can or Does Biotechnology Affect us as Individuals?

What does it mean? Biotechnology affects our everyday lives! It provides medicine, and can detect and treat diseases Diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, antibiotics, etc. It has and continues to change what we are able to eat Baking bread, making cheese, etc.

SAMPLE: Biotechnology of Corn Scientists have successfully been able to change the genes of corn for more desirable traits Biotech (Bt) corn may be insect protected (no need for pesticides), herbicide-resistant, or both Another type of corn is able to grow in times of drought (no or low rain seasons) As well, corn has been engineered to contain more healthy ingredients

How does corn affect us as individuals? PROS CONS Many products we rely on contain a corn base (high fructose corn syrup) such as fast food, batteries, candy, pop, cereal, etc. Genetically modified corn adding nutrition and medicines both increase quality of, and help to prolong, human life – especially in third world countries High fructose corn syrup, made from corn, is linked to diabetes in kids and other health risks For those who have or may develop an allergy for corn or corn products, will have a very short list of foods they can eat! Some genetically modified corn have led to signs of organ damage in rats...

So… Did you know these products have corn? Toothpaste Soap Crayons Glue Batteries Make-up

How can or does biotechnology affect our society?

What does it mean? It changes the quality of life in our world! Pros Industrial Biotechnology can help generate a new “greener” economy with countless new jobs.   May solve world food shortage (agriculture and livestock) Helps with discovery of new medicines Solving crimes with DNA and forensic testing Cons There are safety and ethical debates How far do we draw the line? “Perfect” babies and cloning Accidental immunity of pests, weeds, viruses, and bacteria Engineering even more foods Biological warfare It changes the quality of life in our world!

How does corn affect our society? When compared to original unchanged corn, the amount of biotech corn being able to be produced is much higher. This is important for farming economies, like Canada, which therefore is able to feed more people while also requiring less work and time overall.

How does biotechnology affect the environment?

What does that mean? Public Environment Natural/Physical Environment We will have the ability to find ways to use our garbage to create new needed products. Agricultural biotechnology will help us to use our lands more efficiently (no loss of crops and money) By 2030, the WWF estimates that biotechnology “has the potential to save the planet up to 2.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions per year.” Biotechnology will aid in the removal of pollution from our soils, water, and air Wwf global

Advantages of Biotechnology Are all of these biotechnology solutions safe? As we move towards a greener society, biotechnology is the leading force to help us solve problems that we, as humans, were responsible for creating. We are able to understand the world that we live in on a microscopic level. We can solve a lot of world issues such as malnutrition, world hunger, pollution, and death with biotechnology innovations

Why or How is Corn Biotechnology Good? May solve declining oil issue and provide us with new energy form Third world countries especially prone to insect infestation, nutrition deficits, and drought no longer have to worry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lI9zrDGX1o

Amazing Corn!

Disadvantages to Biotechnology Are we planting new problems that may haunt us in the future? Unknown/unintended harm to environment Food Labelling and consumer choice Dependency Cost There may be unknown or unintended harm posed to other organisms when exposed to the public and natural environment (food webs) Only some countries demand mandatory GM food labelling, which does not provide consumers with accurate information when they go food shopping As the industry becomes more sophisticated and complex, the costs of using these products will rise Once we are dependent on biotechnology, what other choices will we have?

Why or How is Corn Biotechnology Bad? Insects may become immune to pest-tolerant Bt corn and become more harmful (already seen in mosquitoes) as well as creating `superweeds` Approximately 95 percent of soybean and cotton acres, and more than 85 percent of corn, are planted to varieties genetically modified to be herbicide resistant. "Resistant weeds have become a major problem for many farmers reliant on GE crops, and they are now driving up the volume of herbicide needed each year by about 25 percent. Herbicide is a toxic material used to get rid of unwanted plant life.

True or False Gene cloning is the process of isolating and making copies of a chromosome. _____ Biotechnology has raised ethical questions. ______. Insulin was the first human protein to be produced by gene cloning. _______.

4. A disease such as cystic fibrosis, can be potentially cured by: Selective breeding Vaccines Gene therapy antibiotics