Download webquest transgenic organisms

WEBQUEST
TRANSGENIC ORGANISMS
INTRODUCTION
A mouse that expresses a jellyfish protein? Insect-resistant corn with a gene
from a bacterium? Mixing and matching the genes of one living thing with
those from another might sound like a science fiction movie or a fantasy tale.
In fact, scientists do this all the time in their research. Researchers can take a
gene from one organism and implant it into another organism’s genetic
material, creating a transgenic living thing.
How are transgenic organisms beneficial to us? In this Webquest, you’ll find
out.
TASK
Scientists have already produced fluorescent mice, goats that produce spider silk, and many other creatures that make
proteins from the genes of other organisms. But why do they do move genes from organism to organism, and how is it
done?
Answer these questions by exploring the scientific research. Explain why researchers are interested in developing these
transgenic organisms, why the procedure is useful in both plants and animals, and why it is a controversial technique.
RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH
1. Step one:
Use a sample of the Web sites below to learn more about why researchers study transgenic plants and animals. Make
notes about the important points you find, including the controversy.
2. Step two:
Use this information to prepare a summary of your findings to answer the questions.
3. Resources:
Transgenic plants and animals can offer people many benefits, but some people are wary of them.
 Gene Transfer Breakthrough
http://news.nationalgeographic.com / news / 2002 / 01 / 0111_genmice.html
Read this article to find out how and why scientists make mice that glow.
 Why Use a Fluorescent Gene?
http://gfp.conncoll.edu/
Learn how scientists use fluorescent genes in research.
 Producing Transgenic Plants
http://cls.casa.colostate.edu / TransgenicCrops / animation.html
This animation explains how transgenic plants are produced.
 Planting a Transgenic Seed
http://users.rcn.com / jkimball.ma.ultranet / BiologyPages / T / TransgenicPlants.html
Benefits and controversies of producing transgenic crops.
 Transgenic crops: yes or no?
http://www.pbs.org / wgbh / harvest / viewpoints / risks.html
Controversy surrounds some transgenic research. Sample these opinions to learn more.
 Animated Protein Synthesis
http://www.learnerstv.com/animation/biology/Proteinsynthesis.swf
Need a refresher on how proteins are made? Click your way through this animation for a review.
 Silk Milk?
http://news.bbc.co.uk / 1 / hi / sci / tech / 889951.stm
Learn how researchers produce spider silk in goat's milk.
For group discussion:
1. What are some of the potential benefits of transgenic plants and animals?
2. What are some of the potential benefits of your example of transgenic organism?
3. Briefly describe how transgenic organisms are created.
4. Some controversy surrounds the research and use of transgenic organisms. What are the arguments for and against the
procedure?
For the presentation:
Prepare a presentation in which you will explain your summary of what you investigate as the introduction, besides the
GMO that you chose with an explanation of the reason why scientist created this type of transgenic organism.