GENERAL BIOLOGY 2

MODULE 2

Kimberly Mercado
STEM 11-PLUM

Guide Questions:

1. Cite the importance of polymers chain reaction in genetic engineering.

- It is a method used to make multiple copies of DNA. This will help in determining
if we got the desired DNA. A target DNA sequence can be amplified a billion
times in a short span of time with this process. It is also an effective tool for
detecting infections quickly.
2. What are the common molecules present in the DNA?
- The DNA plasmid and the gene of interest. The restriction enzyme will cut the
restriction site of each molecule. As a result, the gene of interest is inserted to
the host cell (DNA plasmid). And after this is being done, it will be able to have
the recombinant DNA.

Materials used:
● DNA segment of the desired trait
● Plasmid
● A restriction enzyme template
● Scissors
● Transparent tape
In this activity, I am able to have a good understanding about the general process of genetic
engineering. I can compare the materials with the things that are present during the process.
After sticking all of it together in a circle, it made me think that it looked like a plasmid. After
determining the restriction site as directed in the module, the scissors served as an enzyme to
cut the nitrogenous bases. The DNA is being attached to the plasmid using a tape and that can
be similar to DNA ligase about its use.
1. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering in our
society? Explain your answer.
- There are a lot of advantages to genetic engineering. By enhancing disease and
insect resistance, genetically engineered crops and livestock have increased the
quality of their use as well as their efficiency. It also helps in the environment to
aid in pollution. On the other hand, though it can be advantageous, there can still
be other environmental and health concerns because as we know, genetic
engineering is artificial or man-made. Genetic engineering is certain to bring
about change. Many of these changes are beneficial, resulting in the production
of more and better food. However, some of these changes can be harmful and
unwanted.

2. Nowadays, many countries all over the world are suffering because of the pandemic
brought about by the covid-19 virus. Do you think that using a PCR, particularly the RT-
PCR test machine is a big help for the detection of this virus? Explain your answer.
- Yes, it will help in detecting the virus. A PCR test is very beneficial for it enables
us to have multiple samples of DNA of one individual to help in determining if
they have the virus. The replicated samples of a person’s DNA can be matched
to the one that has a virus to see if that person has the virus or not. It is an easy
way to discover such pathogens in a person’s DNA.

3. From your standpoint, do you agree that GMO products are beneficial to us and are
good to consume? Explain your answer.
- I believe not all GMO products are healthy to consume. These products have
foreign genes on it that makes us have the risk of food allergies. Also, not all
GMO products can have more nutrients than the natural products because in
some cases there are products where their nutritional content has been
decreased.