SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

Subject: Earth and Life Science Grade: 11 Quarter: 2 Week: 4

MELC: Describe the process of genetic engineering and Evaluate the benefits and risks of using GMOs
Competency Code: S11/12LT-IIej- 17 and S11/12LT-IIej- 19

A. Readings/ Discussions GENETIC ENGINEERING AND THE USES OF GMO

Genetic Engineering refers to the science of identifying, isolating, and

altering of genes. The purpose of altering the genetic make – up of an organism
is to come up with one or more desired traits that are not found originally in a
certain organism. In this process, the genes are removed using a technique
called gene splicing. Genetic Engineering is also called Genetic Modification.
The product of Genetic Engineering is called Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMOs). To understand how genetic engineering works, let us first understand
the following concepts.

● DNA. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) refers to the molecule found in the

Figure SEQ Figure
nucleus \* ARABIC
of every 1. molecule made up of four (4) sub – units which are represented by letter A, C, G and T.
cell. This
Identifying and Altering of Genes
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stands for Adenine, C for Cytosine,
biologydictionary. net/ G for Guanine and T for Thymine. These subgroups are nucleotides which
are responsible
genetic - engineering/ for the production of proteins that are needed for the organisms to grow and live. The segments
of DNA are called genes. These hold the instruction on how to produce a single protein. Each organism consists of
thousands of genes. The set of genes in an organism is called genome.
● DNA is known as universal language. This means that the genetic code of all organisms is the same. When a gene
for consisting of a desirable trait is taken from one organism and is inserted into another, the recipient of gene
will acquire an ability to express the trait encoded.
● Proteins. These are bio macromolecules which are responsible in all the works done by the cell. They are also part
of the structures such as in cell wall, organelles, and tissues. These macromolecules regulate the reactions that
take place in the cell. They also serve as enzymes which speed up reactions.

The alteration of gene was also done using biotechnology. Biotechnology refers to the use of biological techniques
and engineered organisms to make products or plants and animals that have desired traits. To carry on this technology, it
employs different processes such as:
Figure SEQ
1) Restriction EnzymesFigure \* ARABIC
refers 2 Sample
to the process Process
of cutting of Genetic
the DNA strandsEngineering
into fragments. This is basically used
Retrieved from https://biologyboom.com/genetic-engineering/
to create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends that can join with other DNA fragments.
2) Gel Electrophoresis refers to the process of separating DNA fragments by size. This is used to study DNA
fragments of various sizes.
3) Recombinant DNA Technology refers to the combination of a DNA fragment with the DNA from another
source. This is also called exogenous DNA.
4) Gene Cloning refers to the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA molecules. This
is used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be used in genetically engineered organism.
5) DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant DNA molecule to further
study. This is also used to identify errors in the DNA sequences to predict the function of a particular gene
and to compare to other genes with similar sequences from different organisms.
6) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to make copies of specific regions of sequenced DNA. This is also
used to copy DNA for any scientific investigation including forensic analysis and medical testing.

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Three (3) Types of Genetic Engineering

Analytical Genetic Engineering. A research branch of genetic engineering in which virtual genetic models are created
using computer software. Various computer programs are utilized to hypothetically study the implications of different
genetic engineering activities. This is to check if the models are to be carried out in the field of practice. Ex. Before splicing
two different genes in actual application, analytical models are prepared and developed to provide an idea to the
researchers whether the process they are planning to conduct would be successful or if the desired end would be achieved.
This type of engineering is a better way of carrying out the trial and error of the study since it reduces risks of
disaster during experiments using real organisms.
Chemical Genetic Engineering. This type of engineering deals with separating, classifying, and graphing of genes in
preparation for applied genetic engineering activities and experiments. This includes genetic mapping, studying genetic
interaction and genetic coding.
Genetic mapping refers to the process in which the DNA fragments are assigned to individual chromosomes. The genetic
map is created after completing the DNA sequencing. Genetic mapping is very important in understanding a disease –
gene link.
Genetic interactions on the other hand, helps the researchers understand exactly what set and combination of genes
would produce a particular phenotype or set of morphological, physiological and behavioral characteristics.
Gene coding deals with the study and conduct of experiments with amino acids sequences of DNA and RNA. This is very
important in understanding the heredity trends and characteristics of a subject. This is also of great help in understanding
the bases, possibilities and conditions of undesirable hereditary characteristics, defects and diseases. This also helps in
coming up with medical solutions.
Applied Genetic Engineering. This refers to the field of genetic engineering which pertains to the practical application of
genetic engineering tools to manipulate the genes of living organisms to make genetic copies. This includes two set ups.
The first one is what we call as cloning and the second one is the transgenesis.
3 Types of Genetic Modification
1) Plant Genetic Modification-Selection is considered as the easiest method of plant genetic modification.
Genetically heterogeneous population of plants is inspected, and plants with the most desired traits, like improved
palatability and yield - are selected for continued propagation. This is used to produce pest-resistant plants and
increase of crop production.
2) Animal Genetic Modification- The established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture greatly helps the
production of quality livestock. This includes assisted reproductive technologies, use of naturally occurring
hormones, such as recombinants, and biotechnologies to enhance reproductive efficiency without affecting the
genome; and biotechnologies to enhance expression of desirable genes.
Sample Outcome: Increase of milk production per cow --Double production of eggs in chickens
3) Genetic Modification of Microbes-Microorganisms have significant roles in food production. They have a primary
and secondary role in food fermentation and in food spoilage. They can also produce enzymes or other
metabolites used in food production and processing. Humans have used and genetically modified microbes for
centuries to produce food, wine, bread, and cheese. The following are examples of how genetic modification of
microbes greatly help the people.
Ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production Ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases
ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
The following are the possible benefits of Genetic Engineering:
● More nutritious food
● Tastier food
● Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer)
● Less use of pesticides
● Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life
● Faster growing plants and animals
● Food with more desirable traits, such as potatoes that produce less of a cancer-causing substance when fried
● Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other medicines
But despite of all the advantages mentioned, some people have some concerns towards Genetic Engineering. The
following are some of the concerns:
● Creating foods that can cause an allergic reaction or that are toxic
● Unexpected or harmful genetic changes
● Genes moving from one GM plant or animal to another plant or animal that is not genetically engineered
● Foods that are less nutritious
Human Genetic Engineering has the advantages and disadvantages as stated on the following list. This is based on the
article entitled “16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Human Genetic Engineering” written by Keith Miller.

List of the Advantages of Human Genetic Engineering

1. Genetic engineering could further human lifespans.It usually takes multiple generations to generate evolutionary
movement within a species. As the environment changes, so must the physical traits of humans. Genetic engineering gives
us a faster path forward that we can use to ensure the survival of our species. Altering our cells through this practice to
make them more resilient to the natural aging process could extend our lifespan to levels previously thought to be

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impossible. We can feel better as we age too if we take care of our bodies, especially if we can program resilience against
particularly dangerous diseases.
2. We could rid of hereditary disease. There are numerous diseases that require a genetic predisposition for their
existence. That means a person’s risk for developing cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other problems can be reduced
because of this technology. When they exist on a single mutation, then we could eliminate them immediately before it
impacts the development of a baby’s system. Even smaller issues, such as eczema, could be resolved because of this
proactive intervention. It could lead to treatments for people who are born without them as well.

“I predict we will abolish suffering throughout the living world,” David Pearce commented. “Our descendants will be
animated by gradients of genetically pre-programmed wellbeing that are orders of magnitude richer than today’s peak
experiences.”

3. Every child would have a chance to be born healthy.There are several diseases that we can already detect during the
fetal development process. Human genetic engineering can stop illness or disease before the child is born. Parents face a
difficult choice when their doctor tells them that their child could face chronic pain, a lifetime of disabilities, or other
health issues. Knowing that your baby would suffer for a few months only to die means you are taking a gamble on their
quality of life. The technology behind the engineering process could eliminate this issue, virtually guaranteeing that every
child could be born healthy. Anything disease that comes from a potential carrier would slowly work its way out of the
human experience.

4. Food requirements could be changed through human genetic engineering.-Humans need specific foods to ensure their
survival. You must receive a particular nutrient profile to ensure that you maintain healthy energy levels. This technology
could help us to solve the looming food insecurity problems as our population grows because we could engineer profiles
that have fewer food requirements. We could reduce our destruction of natural habitats, stop overgrazing, and even make
the items we eat healthier because of how the food interacts at a cellular level.

5. This technology could eliminate fertility issues for couples.Human genetic engineering could also make it possible for
couples to have children when they would struggle at it naturally. We would not need to worry about infertility because
any sperm and egg combination could be edited to match the profile of the parents. This technology would make it
possible to maintain population levels without going overboard on family size. It is a necessary advantage to consider since
the average fertility rate in the top 30 developed countries has declined by 50% in just 60 years. If a country does not have
a birth rate of 2.1 per family, then population shrinkage occurs. At 1.7, the United Kingdom is already there.

6. Human genetic editing could lead to medical advancements.The processes behind human genetic editing would
undoubtedly encourage advances in medical research over time. We would get the opportunity to share genetic material
that could prevent disease, cure illnesses, or eliminate the risk of certain cancers. There would be new avenues of research
to consider because of our knowledge of human systems. This advantage could be the next wave of medicine that equals
or exceeds the impact of antibiotics.

Since 2015, there have been HIV therapy trials that became possible because of gene editing. When researchers destroyed
the gene for CCR5, then they could raise a person’s resistance to the virus. The goal is to create a functional cure that
could apply to sickle cell disease and other benefits.

7. There could be mental health benefits to consider with human genetic engineering.Babies are not forced to go through
a genetic lottery when this technology becomes available. It would become possible to work on mental health issues just
as much as physical concerns with human genetic engineering. That means we could reduce the prevalence of
schizophrenia, depression, and similar challenging diagnoses thanks to the pre-birth preparations that would occur.

These changes could even become heritable under the right gene editing conditions. It could weed out mutations in the
mitochondria, create replacement therapies, and open an entirely new world of scientific discovery over time.

List of the Disadvantages of Human Genetic Engineering

1. It would change how we would need to approach population control.Disease is one of the most effective methods of
population control for humans. If we use genetic engineering to extend the lifespan of everyone, then this influence would
change our global culture. A longer life is not always practical. We might open the doors to having more children, require
higher levels of medical care for a longer time, and increase the economic costs of each family unit. There could be
problems with job availability, economic disparity, and a lack of agricultural space to support everyone.

2. There will always be ethical questions to consider.Anyone who believes in the concept of God or a supernatural creator
will have some level of ethical concern about the idea of humans genetically editing future generations. There could be
some who would see the work as being blasphemous, which could eventually lead to higher levels of violence against
specific groups. We already see this disadvantage to some extent in the abortion debate because of the implication that
the choices being made are tantamount to playing God. Allowing for genetic editing would take this conversation to a
whole new level.

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 “The only thing we can try to do is to influence the direction scientists are taking,” commented Yuval Noah Harari.
“Since we might soon be able to engineer our desires too, perhaps the real questions facing us is not ‘What do we want to
become?’, but ‘What do want to want?’

3. It would create different societal classes around the world.New technologies are always expensive. Only the
households that could afford to take advantage of this service would perform gene editing on their children. That means
the initial population surge from human gene editing would involve the wealthiest people. It would create a severe divide
between those with money and the people without it. We could find ourselves living in a world where different
classifications of genetic purity could lead to individualized approaches to health care, employment, and education. It
would become the next step for those with wealth to safeguard their societal status.

“I’ve always been suspicious of the assumption that great intelligence would be an unqualified benefit – that the madness
that so often accompanies it can be cavalierly dismissed,” said Andrew M. Ryan. “So, I asked the question: suppose there
was an entire subpopulation of extreme geniuses, well beyond anything that would occur naturally. What would that really
look like?”

4. It would reduce the amount of genetic diversity in the world. If we start eliminating the potential diseases and illnesses
that are currently part of our genome, then the amount of genetic diversity in humans would slowly fade. Human genetic
editing could help to delay the fade that would undoubtedly result over time, but it would not erase it entirely. After a
handful of generations with this technology, the human genome might degrade to the point where it would be almost
impossible to create offspring unless a parent without this evolutionary trait decides to have children with a partner from
the same perspective.

5. It does not eliminate the risk of a mistake happening.There will always be the disadvantage of a mistake occurring
when dealing with human genetic engineering. We are not a perfect people, no matter how smart the scientist happens
to be. We have a general understanding of what our core makeup happens to be, but there is also the possibility that we
do not have all the pieces to the puzzle yet. Small changes to a growing baby could have a disruptive effect that we might
be unable to predict with our current resources. Changing the genetic profile to eliminate disease might create
miscarriages, birth defects, or a greater risk of stillbirth. That is why a careful approach to this subject is necessary.

6. This technology would eventually allow for trait selection.Most people concur that the primary benefit of human
genetic engineering is to create a process where every baby is healthy at birth. Once we reach this goal, then what is the
next step? It would likely be the selection of specific traits that future generations would want their children to have. You
might get the opportunity to choose hair color, eye color, or even gender. You would know what the child would look like
at every age before they were born. Then we would need to create systems that would help to keep those with genetic
advantages equal to the children who were born “naturally” because they did not have enough wealth.

7. There could be unintended side effects that we do not know about today.One of the reasons why there is a ban on
human cloning activities is because animals that come from this technological effort suffer from a variety of severe health
problems. The birth rate when genetic modification is involved can be less than 1 in 100 embryos for some species. There
are concerns for the health of the mother when there are changes to the genetic profile as well, including the option that
the woman’s immune system might attack the growing fetus. It could even change the manner of gene expression in the
body so that more harm than good occurs through this process.

8. This process could become the foundation of new weapons technologies.One of the frightening concerns about
human genetic engineering is that military forces, terrorists, and others could develop biological weapons from it. You
could produce weapons that seek out specific genetic profiles while leaving the rest of the general population untouched.
This disadvantage could result in a surge of unhealthy nationalism, healthcare spending, and global death as each nation
works to protect its own best interests. There is even the possibility that the organisms produced because of human
genetic editing could reproduce much faster than normal, allowing for a new arms race to occur.

9. It could increase the risk of allergies.We already know that food allergens can transfer from one crop to another
because of genetic engineering efforts. That means women who are pregnant and eating GMO foods could endanger their
offspring by altering gene expression. One of the greatest concerns about human genetic editing is that many scientists
fear that this process is a one-and-done effort. That means you would be unable to change the alterations you make after
completing the work. We have a symbiotic relationship with the world around us, a structure that Neil Tyson deGrasse
describes as everything being “made from stardust.”

Source: https://futureofworking.com/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-human-genetic-engineering/

B. Exercises: Exercise No.1

Directions: Make a table and cite at least ten (10) advantages and ten (10) disadvantages of Genetically Modified
Organisms or GMOs.

Advantages Disadvantages

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 Exercise No.2
Directions: Given the different Genetic Engineering tool or processes, give the function and application of each.

Processes or Tools Functions Application

Directions: Answer the questions comprehensively:

1. How can genetic engineering help Filipinos?
2. What are the effects of genetic engineering to the health of Filipinos?
3. What are the GMO’s crops produced in the Philippines?
4. How are the GMO’s products different from organic products?
C. Assessment: Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is NOT a use of biotechnology?
A. use of plastic wrappers to make chairs, tables and other furniture.
B. use of living cells to make products such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages
C. use of organisms such as bacteria to protect the environment
D. use of DNA science to produce materials for diagnostics and research.
2. Which of following cannot be modified by genetic engineering?
A. Plants B. Animals C. Microbes D. Rocks
3. Which of the terms below cannot be associated to genetic engineering?
A. modification B. destruction C. manipulation D. biotechnology
4. Which of the following cites the disadvantage of GMOs?
A. It makes agricultural practices much safer. B. It can create an extended life.
C. It can lead to more birth defects. D. It reduces the risks of depleted water supply.
5. What Genetic Engineering process occurs when DNA strands are cut into fragments?
A. Recombinant DNA C. Recombinant DNA technology
B. Restriction DNA D. DNA sequencing
6. Which of the following statement best describes recombinant DNA?
A. Adding DNA from one organism into the DNA of another
B. DNA which has been changed over generations by natural selection
C. DNA that causes genetic disorders
D. DNA that has been sequenced
7. Which of the following argument is NOT in favor of GMOs?
A. Reduced biodiversity B. Disease resistant crops C. Food with extra nutrients D. Controlled production of insulin
8. What technique is used to make a DNA fingerprint?
A. PCR B. Karyotyping C. Electrophoresis D. Cloning
9. Which of the following term refers to the process of making changes in the DNA code of a living organism?
A. selective breeding B. genetic engineering C. inbreeding D. hybridization
10. Which of the following is the ultimate source of genetic variation?
A. inbreeding B. hybridization C. mutations D. radiation
11. What do you call an entire collection of genes within human cells?
A. human genome B. karyotype C. pedigree D. gene map
12. A scientist successfully cloned a goat. Which of these is a true statement about the cloned goat?
A. It has new genes and traits. B. It lacks the genes for reproduction.
C. It has the genes that are identical to the original goat. D. It looks the same but has different genes.
13. Which of the following term refers to a farmer choosing the best corn from this year to plant next year?
A. natural selection B. selective breeding C. genetic engineering D. genetic transformation
14. Which of the following best describes GMO?
A. A genetically modified organism B. An organism with altered DNA
C. An organism developed by scientists to have desired traits D. All of these.
15. In which way/s genetic engineering can improve crops?
A. Make them pest or drought resistant
B. Make them more nutritious
C. Make them larger
D. All answers are correct

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