Senior High School

NOT

Earth and Life

Science
Quarter 2 - Module 11
Genetic Engineering
& GMOs

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Earth Science- Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 11: Genetic Engineering
First Edition, 2020

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 Senior
Senior High
High School
School

Earth and Life

Science
Quarter 2 - Module 11:
Genetic Engineering

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This page is intentionally blank
 Table of Contents

What This Module is About ................................................................................................................... i

What I Need to Know .............................................................................................................................. i
How to Learn from this Module ...........................................................................................................ii
Icons of this Module ...............................................................................................................................ii

What I Know ........................................................................................................................................... iii

Lesson 1:
Genetic Engineering ...........................................................................................................
What I Need to Know .................................................................................... 1
What’s New: Genetic Engineering: Processes! ........................................... 1-2
What’s More: Activity 1: You Fill Me Up! ...................................................... 2
What’s New: Types of Genetic Modification ................................................. 3
What’s More
Activity 2: “Bisayang Manok” vs. “Commercial Chicken” .................... 4
What is It: Advantages & Disadvantages. .................................................... 5
What I Have Learned: Activity 3: A Boon or Bane? .................................... 6
What I Can Do: An Imaginary Creature Activity ........................................... 7

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Assessment: (Post-Test)………………………………………………………………………..10
Key to Answers ................................................................................................................... 11
References .......................................................................................................................... 13
This page is intentionally blank
Module 11
Genetic Engineering & GMOs
What This Module is About

Genetic Engineering also called Genetic Modification is one of the many branches of
applied biology. It is the changing of an organism’s genome using biotechnology. This module
discusses the basic concepts on Genetic Engineering or GE and identifying some of the
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.

The history of Genetic Engineering can be traced back in 1953 when James Watson
discovered the structure of DNA, after which scientists were able to understand and changed
the structure. The idea of Genetic Engineering is something that we associate with the 20th
century. No one knew that genes were actually the mechanism of Heredity until the middle of
the 20th century. The direct modification of genes for some purpose did not even start until the
1970s. but it is worth noting that human beings have been, in some ways, influencing the
genetics of organisms for a very, very, very long time.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hs-
biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
As one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in science, this module
demonstrates an understanding of the concept of Genetic Engineering. This module focuses
on the simplest yet comprehensive lessons that will be tackled. You will appreciate the values
that one must uphold in this worthwhile scientific endeavor. Advantages/benefits and
disadvantages will also be given emphasis at the end of this module.

This module will also help you explore your own imagination and express your
creativity as you create your own imaginary - Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). This way,
one will come to appreciate the effort exerted by our scientists in producing only the best
organisms with desirable characteristics.

What I Need to Know

The following are the lessons contained in this module:

1. Definition of Genetic Engineering and its different types;
2. Description on the different processes;

3. Identification of some examples of existing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):

4. The advantages and disadvantages of GMOs.

i
How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Icons of this Module

What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that

Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
Knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.

ii
 What I Know

Pre-Assessment Test
Part I. Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the best answer from among the given choices.

1. Which of the following terms is not associated to genetic engineering?

A. modification C. destruction
B. manipulation D. biotechnology

2. Which of the following cites the disadvantage of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
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.

3. Which of following genetic engineering cannot modify?

A. Plants C. Animals
B. Microbes D. Rocks

4. Which of the following is not considered as 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 for the production of materials for diagnostics and research.

5. What genetic engineering process involves DNA strands are cut into fragments?
A. Recombinant DNA C. Recombinant DNA technology
B. Restriction DNA D. DNA sequencing

Part II. Give what is asked.

1. Direction: Give at least five (5) advantages and five (5) disadvantages of GMOs.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Advantages Disadvantages
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5

2. What do Bisayang Manok and a Commercial chicken have in common? How do

they differ?

iii
This page is intentionally blank
 Lesson GENETIC ENGINEERING
1 & GMOs

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Describe what is Genetic Engineering and its processes (MELC20_LR1&2);

2. Identify the different types of Genetic Engineering and give examples for each type.
(MELC20_LR3&4);
3. Give some uses of Genetically Modified Organisms (MELC21_LR1);

4. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages/risks of GMOs.

(MELC21_LR2&3);

5. Discuss moral issues that beset Genetic Engineering (MELC21_LR4).

What’s New

Genetic Engineering Processes

Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make

products or plants and animals that have desired traits. In order to carry on this technology, it
employs different processes such as:

• Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into fragments. It is
basically used to create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends that can join
with other DNA fragments.

• Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used to study DNA

fragments of various sizes.

• Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA fragment with the DNA
from another source also called exogenous DNA.

• Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA
molecules. It is used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be used in
genetically engineered organism.

1
 • DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant DNA
molecule to further study. It is 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.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific regions of sequenced

DNA. It is used to copy DNA for any scientific investigation including forensic analysis
and medical testing.

What’s More

Activity 1: You Fill Me Up!

Direction: Given the different Genetic Engineering tool or processes, give the
function and application of each.

GENETIC ENGINEERING

Tool/Processes Function Applications

Restriction
enzymes
Ex. EcoR

Gel Electrophoresis

Recombinant DNA
Technology

Gene cloning

DNA sequencing

Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR)

2
 What’s New

3 Types of Genetic Modification

Plant Genetic Modification

The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering ancestors
and until today, is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous population of plants
is inspected, and “superior” individuals - plants with the most desired traits, like improved
palatability and yield - are selected for continued propagation.
ex. Production of pest-resistant plants
ex. Increase of crop production

Animal Genetic Modification

Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a result of
breeding strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture include
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.
ex. Increase of milk production per cow
ex. Double production of eggs in chickens

Genetic Modification of Microbes

Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as primary and
secondary roles in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and they can 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 are
common examples of ancient foods, still popular, depend on microbial ingredients and
activities.
ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production
ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases

For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:
• https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-
biotechnology-48776975
• https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-
genetics/hs-biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering

3
 What’s More

Activity 2: “Bisayang Manok” vs. Commercial Chicken

Direction: It’s time to synthesize your learning. Table 2 below contains statements
that may or may not describe both “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”. Organize
them on the Venn diagram to show comparison and contrast between “Bisayang Manok” and
“Commercial Chicken”.

Higher protein Lower fat

Yellow-orange egg yolk Low-flying birds

Lesser muscle mass Higher muscle mass

Deep complex flavor Low protein

Less beneficial to health More beneficial for health

Higher fat Has feathers

Less complex flavor Has short pointed beak

Table 2. Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”

Venn Diagram

“Bisayang Commercial
Both
Manok” Chicken

4
 What Is It

Advantages/Benefits

One of the main reasons why scientists conduct Genetic Engineering (GE) is to provide
and sustain human. The modern practice of genetic engineering goes beyond cross-breeding
different species to create a new outcome. There are many advantages that genetic engineering
can bring the world today. One is that it makes agricultural practices much safer by reducing, if
not totally eliminating the use of pesticides. This will result in creating greater yields since farmers
will no longer spend extra money for pesticides. No use of pesticides would lead to improve
growth rate of crops and consequently create better food products. GE allows specific traits to be
developed for plants and animals.
It can improve resistance to diseases and even stop genetic diseases in humans. We
already have genetic testing in place to test for certain cancers. GE could be used DNA
manipulation to help treat or cure people who are born with genetic disorders. The different tools
of genetic engineering could produce novel medical treatments like vaccines, insulin, and even
hormone treatment. Through GE we can create more treatments that allow us to be proactive
more often against pathogens that can have life-threatening characteristics.

Disadvantages

There are also disadvantages that genetic engineering can bring like: amount of diversity
that is available is limited. The reason for this is the industry will focus on the product or organism
that performs well. Another disadvantage is, it’s prone to technological abuse. Currently, we have
laws and treaties in place to prevent genetic engineering abuse. However, that does not mean
that abuse on its use will not occur. The next disadvantage is the genetic engineering process
can only be copyrighted in the United States, a rule that GE DNA sequences can be patented.
That makes the rule more profitable for organizations to study DNA manipulation instead of
working for the good of humanity. Another disadvantage is, it can bring difficult legal liabilities with
unintended consequences. Seeds and crops can also be patented. This brings issues for farmers
who encounters GMOs on their land due to unintentional spread. GE does create a natural barrier
against disease and harsh environmental conditions. It also just extend the resilience of plants
and animals. The changes made are not permanent benefits. More modifications are required
over time because nature eventually adapts. Pathogens become stronger to affect the stronger
plants and animals. Our own experience with medicines that we take like antibiotics is an
evidence to this fact.

5
 What I Have Learned

Activity 3: A Boon or Bane?

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

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

8. 8.

9. 9.

10. 10.

Part B.
Direction:
Answer in 2-3 sentences.
Question:
In your own opinion, are GMOs considered as a boon or a bane? Support your answer.

6
 What I Can Do
Activity 4: An Imaginary Creature Activity
Direction: Let your imagination work! Consider yourself as one of the Genetic Engineers.
Using your drawing materials, illustrate a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) that you
would produce. Emphasize the unique features of this creature and the benefits it would give
to mankind.

Name of Creature

Description

Special Features

7
Rubrics for the Imaginary Creature Activity

RUBRICS

Category 4 3 2 1

The poster The poster The poster The poster

clearly clearly indirectly does not
Presentation communicates communicates communicates sufficiently
the main idea some of the the idea and communicate
and strongly important ideas hardly promotes any idea that
promotes and slightly awareness. can promote
awareness. promotes awareness.
awareness.
All of the Most of the The graphics The graphics
graphics used graphics used on were made by were not made
Creativity on the poster the poster reflect the student but by the student.
and reflect an student ingenuity were copied from
Originality exceptional in their creation. the designs or
degree of ideas of others.
student
ingenuity in their
creation.
All graphics in Most graphics in Some graphics The graphics in
Accuracy the poster are the poster are in the poster are the poster are
and accurate and accurate and accurate and neither
relevance related to the related to the related to the accurate nor
topic. topic. topic. related to the
topic.
The poster All required Few required Required
includes all elements are elements are elements are
Required required included. included. missing.
Element elements as well
as additional
information.

8
 Summary

Biotechnology – is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make

products or plants and animals that have desired traits.

DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid – is any of various nucleic acids that are usually the
molecular basis of heredity.

Exogenous DNA – is produced by growth from superficial tissue.

Gel Electrophoresis - separates DNA fragments by size.
Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA
molecules.

Genetic Engineering – is a technology that involves manipulating the DNA of one

organism in order to insert the DNA of another organism called
exogenous DNA

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – is an organism whose genomes has

been engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of
desired physiological traits or the reproduction of desired biological
products.

Genes – is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a

chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the
transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the
structure

9
 Assessment: (Post-Test)

Part I. Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given
choices.

1. Which of the following is not considered as 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 for the production of materials for diagnostics and research.

2. Which of following genetic engineering cannot modify?

A. Plants C. Animals
B. Microbes D. Rocks

3. Which of the following terms is not associated to genetic engineering?

A. modification C. destruction
B. 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

Part II. Give what is asked.

1. Cite five (5) advantages and five (5) disadvantages of GMOs.

2. Identify and describe the three types of Genetic Modification.

3. Give examples of GMO and non-GMO products (may be plant, animal or microbes).
Which is better? Support your answer.

10
 Key to Answers

Part I: Pre-Assessment:
1. B
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. C

Part II. Give what is asked.

1. Direction: Give at least five (5) advantages and five (5) disadvantages of GMOs.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Advantages Disadvantages
1. It allows for a faster growth rate. 1. the nutritional value of foods can be
reduced.
2. It can create an extended life. 2. it could create new pathogens.

3. specific traits can be developed.
4. new products can be created.
5. Greater yields can be produced
3. there can be negative effects that are
unexpected.
4. the amount of diversity developed can
be less favorable.
5. copyrighted genetic engineering can
have costly consequences.

Part III . Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”

Venn Diagram

“Bisayang Commercial
Both
Manok” Chicken

*Yellow-orange egg
*Higher protein yolk *Low protein
*Lower fat *Higher fat
*Deep complex *Low-flying birds *Lesser muscle
flavor mass
*Higher muscle *Has feathers * Less complex
mass flavor
*More beneficial *Has short-pointed *Less beneficial
for health beak to health

11
 Activity 2
Genetic Engineering
Tool/Processes Function Applications
Restriction enzymes Cut DNA strands into fragment Used to create DNA fragments with sticky
Ex. EcoR ends or blunt ends that can join with other
DNA fragments.

Gel Electrophoresis Separates DNA fragments by size Used to study DNA fragments of various
sizes.
Combines a DNA fragment with DNA Used to create recombinant DNA to be
Recombinant DNA from another source (exogenous used to study individual genes and
Technology DNA) genetically engineered organisms and in
the treatment of certain diseases.
Produces large numbers of identical Used to create large amounts of
Gene cloning recombinant DNA molecules recombinant DNA to be used in
genetically engineered organisms.
Identifies the DNA sequence of Used to identify errors in the DNA
cloned recombinant DNA molecule to sequences to predict the function of a
DNA sequencing further study particular gene and to compare to other
genes with similar sequences from
different organisms.
Makes copies of specific regions of Used to copy DNA for any scientific
Polymerase Chain sequenced DNA investigation including forensic analysis
Reaction (PCR) and medical testing.

Activity 3

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. It allows for a faster growth rate. 1. the nutritional value of foods can be reduced.

2. It can create an extended life. 2. it could create new pathogens.

3. specific traits can be developed. 3. there can be negative effects that are unexpected.

4. new products can be created. 4. the amount of diversity developed can be less favorable.

5. Greater yields can be produced 5. copyrighted genetic engineering can have costly consequences.

6. Risks to the water supply can be reduced. 6. it is a technology that can be easily abused.
7. it is a scientific practice that has been in 7. It is a process that can be copyrighted in the US.
place for a millennia.
8. it makes agricultural practices much safer 8. it creates difficult legal liabilities with unintended consequences.
9. it can improve disease resistance 9. it only prolongs the resilience effect.

10. it could stop genetic disease in humans 10. it may have negative consequences when interacting with other
species.
11. it could produce novel medical 11. it can lead to more birth defects.
treatments
12
References
For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:

• https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-
biotechnology-48776975
• https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-
genetics/hs-biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
• https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-
engineering

Other sources also include the links below:

• https://doku.pub/documents/lm-precal-grade11-sem-1-5lwon2y492qj
• https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8293_1997.html
• https://cejerl.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/8-math_lm-u3m9.pdf
• https://www.crystalinks.com/genetics.html
• https://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2012/04/13/epigenetics-does-not-mean
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-
genetics/hs-biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
• https://www.bnl.gov/physics/events/past.php\
• https://kapitolyohs.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/module-2-basic-science-
processes.pdf
• https://www.scribd.com/document/180854531/Modern-Biotechnology
• http://shawnareedbio.weebly.com/uploads/8/5/2/3/8523241/unit_7_8_genetics_r
einforcement_.doc
• https://quizlet.com/43572957/biology-genetics-flash-cards/
• https://quizlet.com/170726148/chapter-13-genetics-and-biotechnology-flash-
cards/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0953756209811489
• http://ielts-azerbaijan.com/types/reading/
• http://docshare.tips/8633_584f97bfb6d87ff3bd8b545d.html
• https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-disadvantages-genetic-engineering/
• https://academic.oup.com/ajae/article-abstract/97/1/239/2737520
• https://github.com/BarakOshri/TextualReconstructor/blob/master/data_process
ing/wiki/wiki_28
• https://tophybum.blogspot.com/2015/04/deped-grade-9-learners-module-
science.html
• https://www.slideshare.net/lhoralight/science-37094718
• https://mste.illinois.edu/courses/ci332fa03/folders/cohort3/michun/math%20uni
t/complete_lesson.htm
• https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book
%3A_General_Biology_(OpenStax)/3%3A_Genetics/17%3A_Biotechnology_and
_Genomics/3A_Biotechnology
• https://quizlet.com/94590237/lecture-910-technology-week-flash-cards/
• https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Genetically-Modified-Organisms-And-Its-
Impact-On-PKVKU63L84HW
• https://larryemarshall.wordpress.com/2014/08/
• https://mafiadoc.com/genetic engineering_5b7c422a097c476c518b46ca.html
• https://tlcbiotech2019.blogspot.com/2019/02/gmos-good-bad-ugly.html
• https://epdf.pub/principles-of-gene-manipulation-and-genomicsseventh-
edition.html
• https://vittana.org/13-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-engineering

13
For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

DepEd Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Fr. William F. Masterson Ave Upper Balulang Cagayan de Oro
Telefax: ((08822)855-0048
E-mail Address: cagayandeoro.city@deped.gov.ph