Now that you are more familiar with the benefits, risks, and impacts of biotechnology, it is time for you to take a stand! Your
task is to choose one of the following types of biotechnology: genetic engineering, cloning, or artificial selection. You will then write a one- to two-paragraph summary describing your chosen type of biotechnology. You will then need to argue for either the benefits or the risks of your chosen type. Your arguments should present your position, and then give the evidence that led you to this position. Be sure to include the following in your argument:
a description of your chosen type of biotechnology (genetic engineering, cloning, or artificial section)
one benefit or one risk for the individual (based on whether you are for or against it)
one benefit or one risk for society (based on whether you are for or against it)
one benefit or one risk for the environment (based on whether you are for or against it)
A picture (you may hand draw, take photos in nature, or use stock images)
You may get creative on this activity. You may choose to create a brochure, write a letter, or create a presentation using software. I
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification or genetic manipulation, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesising the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with the lambda virus. As well as inserting genes, the process can be used to remove, or "knock out", genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly, or targeted to a specific part of the genome.
