Genetic Technology – Oil-digesting bacteria

Genetic Technology
(used with permission from Activity
Manual to Accompany Biology: 

In Chapter 15, genetic technologies and
some of the emerging issues related to genetic technology are discussed. Genetic technologies currently under
investigation or development include gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology,
gene therapy, and the genetic engineering of bacteria, plants and animals. With respect to genetic engineering, the
regulatory responsibilities in the United States are divided among several
agencies. At the present time in the
U.S., policies pertaining to certain aspects of genetic engineering are still
being developed. In a very real sense,
politicians make policies about the uses of technologies developed in
science. Consequently, educated citizens
will have significant impacts on the decision-making process involved in policy
formulation in these areas. Also,
several relevant laws state that the public must be allowed an opportunity
to make their feelings known before policies are formulated.

Select one of the cases listed below and
answer the questions. You will need to
do an internet search to obtain the information that you need to formulate your
position. Return to the Home page and
click on the Library link for assistance.

Oil-digesting bacteria

Bacteria have
been created that can break down oil, including oil spilled in the natural
environment. Assume that you live in a
community located on a bay that has been inundated with oil spilled from a
tanker. Should these bacteria be
used? Should the application of the
genetically engineered bacteria or bacteria enhanced by a recombinant DNA
technology product be allowed? Why? Why not?
What do you consider to be the benefits?
Are there any risks or problems?
Explain. Be sure to cite your web
references – you don’t want to accidentally plagiarize anything!

Herbicide-resistant Wheat

Should wheat
farmers be allowed to plant a newly developed strain of wheat in their fields
that tolerates an herbicide that is widely used to control weeks? Should the use of the genetically engineered
wheat products be allowed on the market?
Why? Why not? What do you consider to be the benefits? Are there any risks or problems? Explain. Be sure to cite your web references
– you don’t want to accidentally plagiarize anything!

Bovine Growth Hormone-Enhanced Dairy Cows

Bovine (cow)
growth hormone (BGH) has been manufactured using recombinant DNA
technology. By regularly injecting dairy
cows with BGH, it is anticipated that their milk production would increase by
10-40%. Would you allow the use of this
hormone for increasing milk production in the U.S.? Why?
Why no? What do you consider to
be the benefits? Are there any risks or
problems? Explain. Be sure to cite your web references – you
don’t want to accidentally plagiarize anything!

4.
Cows or Other Mammals That
Secrete Human Proteins in Their Milk

At present,
transgenic goats, pigs, and cows are being developed that contain genes
encoding rare human proteins. If
incorporated correctly into the animal’s genome, these genes will be expressed
and the human proteins will be secreted in their mil,. Human lactotransferrin is a protein that has
roles in iron metabolism, blood cell formation, and immune reactions. Should approval be given to market human
lactotransferrin produced by dairy cows?
Why? Why not? Most of it would probably be used as a
supplement in baby formulas and as a treatment for immune-deficient patients,
such as people who have AIDS. What do
you consider it benefits? Are there any
risks? Be sure to cite your web
references – you don’t want to accidentally plagiarize anything!