Download Activity 3.1.7: Designer Genes: Industrial Application Genetic

Activity 3.1.7 – Designer Genes:
Industrial Application of Genetic
Modification
Introduction
Your team will design an industrial application of recombinant DNA technology and
genes for fluorescent proteins. Several mail order colors are available which include
green, red and blue fluorescence. The design of the proposed engineering must
improve the human condition and meet legal concerns of federal regulatory
agencies.
For example: A local biotechnology company is looking for an innovative company
logo that incorporates the latest advances in genetic technology. Specifically, they
request a design that demonstrates applications of recombinant DNA technology.
Equipment
 Computer
 Graphics programs
Procedure
Initially, your team must determine the basic application of the genetic engineering
project and then select the best organism(s) and approach. The application must
benefit living systems in some way. Determine the following:



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Application
Organism(s)
Vector (how will your gene get put into your organism)
Control of gene expression (just like sugar or ampicillin was our control)
DUE DAY 2:
Designer Gene Proposal
Provide a written proposal for your industrial application including:
 Thumbnail sketches of proposed designs.
 Genetic maps (i.e., plasmid map) of genes and operon involved.
 Approval application for regulatory agencies. Determine appropriate
contacts.
DUE DAY 3:
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
PLTW TM - BE – Unit 3 – Lesson 3.1 – Activity 3.1.7 – Designer Genes: Industrial Application of Genetic
Modification – Page 1
 An animoto presentation will be given covering the experimental design,
sketches, and application of genetic modification.
 Take pictures of your sketches and include them in your animoto
 Student teams will document results throughout with digital photos or
graphic animations which will be incorporated into a PowerPoint
presentation.
Conclusion
1. What controls gene expression?
The entire cluster of genes(operons) controls if a gene is active or not. If a
Gene is active, then the environmental stimuli can augment the gene.
2. How are operons like power switches?
Operons are like power switches because they contain genes that turn on or turn
off together in clusters or groups.
3. What are the current applications of recombinant DNA technology?
By current applications of recombinant DNA technology, it is possible to combine
genes from multiple sources and put them in a single DNA. By using this it is
possible to make certain bacteria glow. We can use this to find cancer cells.
We can make insulin from animals that fits in the human. We can make growth
hormones, and make insect resistant crops.
4. What are the ethical considerations regarding genetic engineering?
People are not sure if genetically modifying the gene is morally acceptable. They are
also asking themselves “Who has the right to cure?”. Genetically modifying the
genes may not agree with various religions.
5. What are the regulatory issues related to genetic engineering?
The FDA makes rules regarding the use of genetically modified animals. They
are making rules regarding the labeling of food labels. They also make rules
on what should be fed to the genetically modified animals. There may also be
health risks with these products because it has not been tested many times.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
PLTW TM - BE – Unit 3 – Lesson 3.1 – Activity 3.1.7 – Designer Genes: Industrial Application of Genetic
Modification – Page 2