Biotechnology Extra Credit Assignment PDF

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SBI4U-Geddes Due: Tue Jan 7th 2020

Biotechnology Project: Extra Credit Assignment

The world has witnessed extraordinary advances in science over the last few decades. Biotechnology ‐ one such area of growth – has major implications related to human and environmental health. Whether you choose to take action for, against, or do absolutely nothing, about issues in biotechnology, you will be involved in how these technologies are used to shape the future – our genetic future, that is. DNA, your DNA, is related to just about everything. GOAL You will research and describe the application of genetic modification (GM) in one of these areas: 1) Medicine 2) Research 3) Agriculture/Industry FORMAT This assignment is called a RAFT (role, audience, format, topic). You choose your role, and format you will present the information in, and the topic to present. The audience is the general public, so present the information in a way that is simple and easy to understand. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Your final product must incorporate the answers to the following questions but should not be limited to them. Meeting the minimum requirements is not sufficient to achieve an 4+ grade. Going above and beyond is what will make your project outstanding. All written work (answers) must be submitted to the drop box (word doc). If you choose a video, podcast etc. you still must submit a written composition of your research/answers/citations. Media files must also be included. Posters ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS 1. What is the technology and what is it used for? 2. What is one specific example of how genetic modification is applied in relation to your topic? 3. What are the specific scientific techniques and processes involved in the technology? a. How is DNA involved in this technology? What is done to DNA in this technology? b. What does the technology “look like”? Provide a diagram or construct a model depicting the specific procedures and/or equipment used. 4. What is the impact of this technology on society (social, legal, economic, political, ethical, cultural, etc)? a. Advantages and potential uses (minimum of 4) b. Disadvantages and potential misuses (minimum of 4) c. Imagine 30 years in the future, when this technology has become widespread throughout society. What will this future society look like? Be as detailed as possible and incorporate at least 4 specific differences from today. d. Who stands to gain the most from this technology, and who stands to gain the least? How can they benefit or be harmed by it? 5. What is your opinion about using this technology and what action, if any, will you take about it? a. Support your opinion with at least 2 examples or arguments related to question #4. 6. How is the use of this technology regulated in Canada (or another country of your choice)? How do these regulations compare to the regulation in one other country? a. What are some the implications of the similarities and differences in the global regulation of this technology? See Table 2 for more information. 7. What are your reliable and accurate sources of information? a. References: Minimum of three (3), using embedded citations (where applicable) in APA style. b. Plagiarism will result in an automatic zero. An electronic version must be provided to the drop box and will be subjected to an originality assessment via Turnitin.

TABLE 1: TOPIC CHOICES Examples of Applications of Biotechnology (if you pick your own topic ensure you can at least answer the essential questions) MEDICINE EXAMPLE Somatic and germline genetic engineering for treating or curing genetic Human Gene Therapy diseases such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, etc. Recombinant Pharmaceuticals To create “biologics” to treat various diseases (Ex. Monoclonal antibodies, Interferons, Adalimumab, Remicade, Enbrel, Factor VIII and Factor IX, Genetically engineering viruses that can still confer immunity but lack the Vaccines infectious sequences. The development of antisense drugs to treat cancers, diabetes, asthma, Antisense Therapy arthritis, HIV/AIDS, high cholesterol, or hemorrhagic fever viruses. Using genetics to slow or reverse aging in humans Life extension Incorporating artificial or genes found in other organisms into the human Radical alteration of human biology genome to improve or modify human biology RESEARCH EXAMPLE Gene Function Discovery Using gene knockouts in which an organism is engineered to lack the Loss of function experiments activity of one or more genes to determine the role of that gene. The logical counterpart of knockouts. These experiments are sometimes Gain of function experiments performed in conjunction with knockout experiments to more finely establish the function of the desired gene. Seek to gain information about the localization and interaction of a Tracking experiments desired protein. For example, using green florescent protein (GFP) to visualize the product of genetic modification. Artificial Lifeforms Creating an artificial organism with a genome designed by humans to perform specific tasks. Genomic sequencing or testing Using genetic techniques to determine the genetic composition and predispositions of humans. AGRICULTURE/INDUSTRY EXAMPLE Genetically modified foods/transgenic Genetically modifying foods or crops to be drought, temperature, or crops insect resistant. Creating pharmaceutical crops to incorporate edible vaccines or drugs. Bioremediation Using genetically engineered bacteria to clean up oil spills and other toxic waste. Biofuels Using genetically engineered organisms to produce renewable energy resources (e.g., GM bacteria to produce diesel fuel). RESOURCES: Starting Points BioCanada is a tool to help you locate information on biotechnology from the Government of Canada. Access policies, research activities and resources from the departments and agencies of the Government of Canada. Find information on R&D, health, ethics, the environment, and the business of biotechnology. http://www.biotech.ca/ The National Human Genome Research Institute was established in 1989 to carry out the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the International Human Genome Project (HGP). The HGP was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy and begun in 1990 to map the human genome. Access credible information regarding health, education, research, issues and news in genetics. http://www.genome.gov/ Genetics Tutorial and Resource website ‐ http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

TABLE 2: BIOTECHNOLOGY RAFT ROLE

AUDIENCE

Doctor

General public

Scientist TV or radio news reporter Newspaper/magazine journalist Student informing a class, parent, friend or family member Other (must be approved)

FORMAT 1. Informative public poster (See “Research Poster Guidance” attachment for criteria). 2. Pre‐recorded TV commercial or news broadcast (5‐10 minutes) with other required written components (submit script) 3. Informative website (ex. Weebly or wiki) 4. Podcast with interview (submit script) 5. Magazine article

TOPIC See Table 1 for topics...