Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology

Since the discovery of the double helix shape of DNA in 1953, PCR in 1985, and rapidly improving technology, the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology has rapidly expanded   In the 1990's millions of dollars were spent to sequence the human genome.  Today you can have a portion of your genome sequenced for about $100.  Gene therapy, medical use of stem cells, and DNA analysis have created excited and fascinating frontiers in biology.  In this unit we will examine, conduct, and discuss some of these technologies exciting technologies.

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Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Standards

Assignments:

1. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Notes
2. PCR Virtual Lab
3. Should we redesign humans?
4. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Socratic Seminar
5. Biotechnology Assessment Essay
   

Resources

Lab Standards Explained

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology

• Utah Genetics: Gel Electrophoresis
• DNA Learning Center: Gel Electrophoresis
• McGraw Hill: Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Genetic Engineering to Produce Insulin
• Induced Pluriopotent Cells

Genetically Modified Organisms

• NY Times: Why Aren’t GMO Foods Labeled? 
• The Guardian: GM Crops Promote Superweeds
• Slate: Building Super Biological Weapons
• The Next Web: How Technology Gave us Super Cheap Food
• Genetically Modified Food Introduction
• Genetically Modified Food Video Introduction
  
• Fighting Dengue with Genetically Modified Mosquitos
  
• Genetically Modified Food Interactive Timeline
• Glowing Mice!
• Growing Better Rice for a Hungry World
• Monsanto is Going Organic

Cloning & Stem Cells

• McGraw Hill: Steps in Cloning a Gene
• The Guardian: Creating Human Brain Cells
• Induced Pluripotent Cells
• 30 minute stem cells

Human Genome Project

• National Human Genome Research Institute: How to Sequence a Genome Introduction

Gene Therapy

• Curing Blindness by Gene Therapy
• Uses of Gene Therapy

Notes & Lectures:

Genetic Modification & Biotechnology Part 1

Genetic Modification & Biotechnology Part 2