4UNIT

For what purposes should humans genetically modify animals? You will learn about the use of genetically

modified organisms in our world.

People have bred animals and plants for hundreds

of years. The results include leaner livestock that

produced better quality meat, familiar domesticated

dogs and cats, and strains of crop plants that are

resistant to pests. Today, with the technology of

genetic modification, scientists are introducing new

genes and traits to both plants and animals, further

modifying them from their original form.

Scientists and engineers are still exploring the

uses of genetic technology. Genetically-modified

bacteria and yeasts now produce useful products

such as human insulin and human growth

hormone. In the future, similar techniques could

be applied to produce tissues or organs for

transplant, and perhaps to cure genetic disorders.

Would achieving these goals have only benefits,

or are there risks associated with this technology?

As scientists continue developing genetic

technology, society will be faced with many

questions about the way we treat plants,

animals, and ourselves. The answers will affect

everyone’s life—including yours.

GeneticsGenetic Modification of Animals

Unit 4 Genetics | Introduction 87 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates

To solve this problem, perform these activities as they

come up in the unit, and record your findings in this journal.

PROBLEM For what purposes should humans genetically modify animals?

Chapter 13 Lesson 2

Chapter 12 Lesson 2

Start Unit 4VIDEO

Why Break Nature’s Code?

Watch a video about the current uses of genetically modified animals.

Check when complete

LAB INVESTIGATION

Heredity and Genetically Modified Organisms

Model the inheritance of genetically modified traits from parents to offspring.

PROBLEM LAUNCHGenetic Modification of Animals

Check when complete

Conduct research on a current or proposed genetically modified animal.

Check when complete

CLASS DISCUSSION

Shared Structure of DNA

Discuss the structure of DNA and how it is similar and different among organisms.

Check when complete

Unit 4 Genetics | Introduction 88 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates

Chapter 16 Lesson 3

Chapter 16 Lesson 4

Chapter 14 Lesson 3

Chapter 16 Lesson 2 PROBLEM WRAP-UPGenetic Modification of Animals

Check when complete

Organize the results of your survey to create an opinion piece for the use of genetically modified animals.

STEM PROJECT

Design Evaluation Criteria for Uses of GM Animals

Create a survey to gauge the opinions of your classmates or community members on specific uses of genetically modified animals.

Check when complete

End Unit 4

UNIT 4 (continued)

INTERACTIVITY

Zika and Genetically-Modified Mosquitos

INTERACTIVITY

Transforming an Animal

Investigate the science behind the genetically-modified insect populations to help control the spread of disease.

Complete the steps to isolate, splice, and transfer a gene to genetically modify an animal.

Check when complete

Check when complete

AUTHENTIC READING

Genes Essential to Life Found in Mouse Mutants are Related to Many Human Disease Genes

Read about scientists who are studying the mouse genome to better understand human diseases.

Check when complete

Unit 4 Genetics | Introduction 89 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates

Solve the ProblemEach activity in this unit brings you one step closer to solving the problem. Track your progress as you complete each activity.

Activity What I learned.How it helped me solve the problem.

Questions I still have.

VIDEOWHY BREAK NATURE’S CODE?

Beginning of Unit 4

PROBLEM LAUNCHGENETIC MODIFICATION OF ANIMALS

Beginning of Unit 4

LAB INVESTIGATIONHEREDITY AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

Chapter 12, Lesson 2

CLASS DISCUSSIONSHARED STRUCTURE OF DNA

Chapter 13, Lesson 2

INTERACTIVITYZIKA AND GENETICALLY-MODIFIED MOSQUITOS

Chapter 14, Lesson 3

Unit 4 Genetics | Introduction 90 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates

Activity What I learned.How it helped me solve the problem.

Questions I still have.

INTERACTIVITYTRANSFORMING AN ANIMAL

Chapter 16, Lesson 2

AUTHENTIC READINGGENES ESSENTIAL TO LIFE FOUND IN MOUSE MUTANTS ARE RELATED TO MANY HUMAN DISEASE GENES

Chapter 16, Lesson 3

STEM PROJECTDESIGN EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR USES OF GM ANIMALS

Chapter 16, Lesson 4

PROBLEM WRAP-UPGENETIC MODIFICATION OF ANIMALS

End of Unit 4

Unit 4 Genetics | Introduction 91 Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates