WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING SYSTEM

OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION

Science GRADE
General Biology 2 12
General

3
LEARNING QUARTER
MODULE WEEK 1-2

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 0

1
 MODULE IN
GENERAL BIOLOGY 2

QUARTER 3
WEEK 1-2

Recombinant DNA

Development Team

Writers: Keziah Faye M. Arellano Lenor M. Tunac

Macki A. Soneda
Editors/ Reviewers: Elizabeth H. Domingo Hamilton C. Remigio
Flenie A. Galicinao Lourdes B. Arucan

Lay-out Artist: John Ryan A. Cudal

Management Team: Vilma D. Eda, CESO V

Arnel S. Bandiola Lourdes B. Arucan

Juanito V. Labao Flenie A. Galicinao

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 1

 What I Need to Know

This module is about the processes involved in genetic engineering and the
applications of recombinant DNA technology. Genetic engineering means altering genes in a
living organism to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It alters the genetic
structure of an individual by either inserting or removing DNA. In addition, one benefit of
recombinant DNA technology is improving health conditions by developing new vaccines and
pharmaceuticals. After completing the lessons and activities, you are expected to become the
learner as expected and required by the following:

Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC):

1. Outline the processes involved in genetic engineering (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIa-b-6)
2. Discuss the applications of recombinant DNA (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIa-b-7)

Learning Objectives
1. Explain the meaning of genetic engineering;
2. Enumerate the steps in genetic engineering;
3. Discuss the processes of genetic engineering;
4. Describe some methods to introduce DNA into cells;
5. Describe steps in PCR to amplify and detect a gene of interest;
6. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using GMOs; and
7. Give examples of products from recombinant DNA technology;

This module contains lessons on:

Lesson 1 Recombinant DNA

Note: All the answers to the activities and assessments must be written on a separate sheet.

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 What I Know

Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. One advantage of genetic engineering in agriculture is ________.
A. clone plants B. increase yield
C. cure genetic diseases D. mass production of plants
2. Plasmids are used to _________.
A. join genes together B. make protein in bacterial cells
C. carry genes into bacterial cells D. cut genes out of chromosomes

3. What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

A. Hybrid organism
B. Plant with certain genes removed
C. An organism with an artificially altered genome
D. Any agricultural organism produced by breeding or biotechnology

4. Restriction fragments of DNA are typically separated from one another by which process?
A. Centrifugation B. Filtering
C. Gel electrophoresis D. PCR

5. Which of the following is an example of a genetically engineered organism?

A. A new plant variety created as a result of mutation
B. A plant that naturally possesses medicinal properties
C. Seedless fruits resulting from spraying the flowers with chemicals
D. A plant that received external DNA to produce natural insecticides

Lesson
Recombinant DNA
1
In order to survive, man has successfully domesticated selected plants and animals.
He has taken an active part in choosing desired traits of plants and animals. Traits that were
considered valuable (i.e., high fruit yield; high milk production, etc.) were sought out and
propagated. The processes involved may include classical breeding practices such as
controlled pollination of plants, and the mating of animals with desired traits. In today’s modern
science, molecular biology techniques are being employed in the insertion and expression of
proteins in different organisms for various purposes.

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 What’s In

Let us refresh your knowledge! The DNA contains the

genetic information of almost all living organisms and is
composed of nucleotides composed of five-carbon sugar
deoxyribose and a phosphate group (See Figure 1). A single
strand of DNA will serve as template to produce its
complementary strand in a process known as replication. Prior to
the production of proteins, the messenger ribonucleic acid
(mRNA) is first synthesized using the DNA as a template in the
process called transcription. The mRNA is finally used as a
template to produce the desired protein as dictated in the code
of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell through a process called
translation. The mRNA bases form a three-letter base
combination triplet called codons.
Furthermore, Johann Gregor Mendel set the framework
for genetics long before chromosomes or genes had been
identified. Mendel selected a simple biological system and
conducted methodical, quantitative analyses using large sample
sizes. Because of Mendel’s work, the fundamental principles of
heredity were revealed. We now know that genes, carried on
chromosomes, are the basic functional units of heredity with the Figure 1. The DNA. Taken from
https://www.genome.gov/sites/d
capability to be replicated, expressed, or mutated. Today, the efault/files/tg/en/illustration/pho
postulates put forth by Mendel form the basis of classical, or sphate_backbone.jpg
Mendelian genetics. Not all genes are transmitted from parents
to offspring according to Mendelian genetics, but Mendel’s experiments serve as an excellent
starting point for thinking about inheritance (BYJU 2021).

What’s New

The latter half of the twentieth century began with the discovery of the structure of
DNA, then progressed to the development of the basic tools used to study and manipulate
DNA. These advances, as well as advances in our understanding of and ability to manipulate
cells, have led some to refer to the twenty-first century as the biotechnology century. The rate
of discovery and of the development of new applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy
is expected to accelerate, bringing huge benefits to humankind and perhaps also significant
risks. Many of these developments are expected to raise significant ethical and social
questions that human societies have not yet had to consider (OpenStax, Nd). Genetic
engineering is a method that uses recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to alter
the genetic makeup of an organism. The modification of an organism’s DNA is being done to
achieve desirable traits. Traditionally, humans have manipulated genomes indirectly by
controlling breeding and selecting offspring with desired traits. Genetic engineering involves

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the direct manipulation of one or more genes. Most often, a gene from another species is
added to an organism's genome to give it a desired phenotype (NHGRI, nd). Based on the
central dogma, if transcription and translation of genes lead to some traits, then the insertion
of certain genes in a given organism may provide it with new traits. This is the basis for the
development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This lesson will further elaborate on
what are the processes and applications of genetic engineering.

What is It

PROCESS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

Biotechnology is a field of life science that uses living organisms and biological
systems to create modified or new organisms or useful products. A major component of
biotechnology is genetic engineering. Biotechnology would not be possible without genetic
engineering. In modern terms, this process manipulates cells’ genetic information using
laboratory techniques in order to change the traits of living organisms. Scientists may use
genetic engineering in order to change the way an organism looks, behaves, functions, or
interacts with specific materials or stimuli in its environment. Genetic engineering is possible
in all living cells; this includes micro-organisms such as bacteria and individual cells of
multicellular organisms, such as plants and animals (Rebecca E., 2019).

Classical breeding involves mating

two members of a species (plant, yeast, or
animal)—each of whom possesses one or
more different and desirable traits—to
create a hybrid individual possessing both
traits. Importantly, classical breeding does
not involve any direct manipulation of
genetic material; therefore, classically bred
organisms are classified as non-genetically
modified (non-GMO). Instead, classical
breeding only requires the ability to identify
traits of interest in an organism, successfully
mate individuals expressing said traits, and
then isolate hybrid offspring. In this way, the
ubiquitous use of classical breeding has
been used to create many of the things
familiar to life today: modern agriculture,
domesticated plants and animals, all cat and
dog breeds, and many of the existing
commonly used industrial yeast strains
Figure 2 Process for making insulin through genetic engineering
(Renaissance Yeast Inc, nd). (https://www.ck12.org/section/genetic-engineering /)

In addition, as stated by Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (n.d.), for centuries,
humans have used selective breeding techniques to modify the characteristics of both plants

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and animals. Typically, organisms with desired traits like a high grain count, specific petal color
or fragrance, consistent milk production or ability to herd livestock have been chosen to pass
those traits to the next generation. These breeding practices, while very successful, require a
large number of generations to yield the desired results. In addition, only traits that are
naturally expressed in a species can be selected. For example, traditional breeding methods
do not allow characteristics to be transferred from a plant to an animal. Research during the
last 100 years has identified the relationship that exists between physically observed traits and
the genetic information that codes for those traits. This understanding has been coupled with
modern molecular laboratory techniques to transfer certain traits expressed in one species
into a different (and maybe very distant) species. Scientists can modify the DNA of bacteria,
plants and animals to add genetic information (and the associated characteristics) from a
different organism. This process has historically been called genetic engineering but more
recently is referred to as recombinant DNA technology or genetic modification.

Genetic engineering involves the use of molecular techniques to modify the traits of a
target organism. The modification of traits may involve:
I. Introduction of new traits into an organism
II. Enhancement of a present trait by increasing the expression of the desired gene
III. Enhancement of a present trait by disrupting the inhibition of the desired genes’
expression.
Genetic engineering uses recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to alter the
genetic makeup of an organism. Recombinant DNA technology is a technique that alters the
phenotype of an entity (host) when a genetically modified vector is introduced and
incorporated into the genome of the host. Thus, the process entails introducing a foreign
fragment of DNA into the genome containing the desired gene. This gene that is introduced is
referred to as the recombinant gene and the technique is known as the recombinant DNA
technology. Embedding the gene of interest into the genome of the host is not as simple as it
sounds. Developing a recombinant DNA involves a series of sequential steps which are
discussed below.

Figure 3. Genetically Modified (GM) eggplant in the Philippines (source: https://geneticliteracy

project.org/2020/10/05/without-gm-insect-resistant-bt-eggplant-filipino-farmers-face-51-73-crop-losses-almost-daily-
pesticide-spraying/)

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Process of Recombinant DNA Technology (BYJU 2021)
Recombinant DNA technology involves the selection of the desired gene for administration into
the host followed by a selection of the perfect vector with which the gene has to be integrated and
hence the recombinant DNA is formed. This recombinant DNA, then has to be introduced into the
host. And at last, it has to be maintained in the host and carried forward to the offspring.

Figure 4. Recombinant DNA Technology Process (source: https://byjus.com/biology/recombinant-

dnatechnologyprocess/#:~:text=Recombinant%20DNA%20technology%20is%20a,genome%20con
taining%20the%20desired%20gene)

Isolation of DNA
Being a nucleic acid enclosed within the nucleus, isolation of DNA is not an easy task.
Isolation of DNA is an enzymatically controlled process where the plant or animal cells are
treated with certain enzymes. Enzymes such as cellulase (plant cells), lysozyme (bacteria)
and chitinase (fungi) are used to isolate pure DNA from the cells.

Fragmentation of DNA
The isolated and purified DNA is treated with restriction endonucleases which cut the
DNA into fragments. The restriction enzymes utilized in recombinant DNA technology are
significant to detect the location at which the desired gene is introduced into the vector
genome. The restriction endonucleases are sequence-specific, typically palindrome
sequences and snip the DNA at specific points. They inspect the length of DNA and trims it at
particular sites known as the restriction site. The desired genes and the vectors are snipped
by the same restriction enzymes to acquire the complementary sticky ends. This ensures the
task of ligases for binding the required gene to the vector is easier.

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Amplification of Gene of Interest
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process to amplify the gene once the proper
gene of interest has been cut using the restriction enzymes. Through this process, multiple
copies of the gene of interest can be produced. PCR proceeds in three stages, denaturation,
annealing and extension.

Figure 5. Amplification of the gene of interest (source: https://byjus.com/biology/recombinant-

dnatechnologyprocess/#:~:text=Recombinant%20DNA%20technology%20is%20a,genome%20containing%20the%20desired
%20gene)

Insertion of recombinant DNA into the host

The host is the final tool of rDNA technology, which consumes the vector engineered
with the desired DNA with the aid of the enzymes. Insertion of the desired recombinant DNA
into the host organism can be achieved in various ways. This includes– biolistic or the gene
gun, microinjection, alternate heating and cooling, usage of calcium ions, etc. The successfully
transformed cells or the entities pass the recombinant gene to the offspring.

Ways in which these plasmids may be introduced into host organisms.

• Biolistic. In this technique, a “gene gun” is used to fire DNA-coated pellets on plant
tissues. Cells that survive the bombardment, and are able to take up the expression
plasmid coated pellets and acquire the ability to express the designed protein.
• Plasmid insertion by Heat Shock Treatment. Heat Shock Treatment is a process
used to transfer plasmid DNA into bacteria. The target cells are pre-treated before the
procedure to increase the pore sizes of their plasma membranes. This pretreatment
(usually with CaCl2) is said to make the cells “competent” for accepting the plasmid
DNA. After the cells are made competent, they are incubated with the desired plasmid
at about 4°C for about 30min. The plasmids concentrate near the cells during this time.
Afterwards, a “Heat Shock” is done on the plasmid-cell solution by incubating it at 42°C
for 1 minute then back to 4°C for 2 minutes. The rapid rise and drop of temperature
are believed to increase and decrease the pore sizes in the membrane. The plasmid
DNA near the membrane surface is taken into the cells by this process. The cells that
took up the plasmids acquire new traits and are said to be “transformed”.
• Electroporation. This technique follows a similar methodology as Heat Shock
Treatment, but the expansion of the membrane pores is done through an electric
“shock”. This method is commonly used for insertion of genes into mammalian cells.

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 APPLICATIONS OF RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY
Different organisms have different traits based on their genes (DNA sequences). For
example, frogs have antimicrobial peptides on their skin. Some jellyfish have proteins that
allow them to glow in the dark. Mutations in hemoglobin genes lead to anemia. Based on the
central dogma, if transcription and translation of genes lead to some traits, then the insertion
of certain genes in a given organism may provide it with new traits. This is the basis for the
development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

PCR Amplification
Once a desired trait is chosen, information must be acquired for either its detection or
expression in a given organism.
1. Detection
Some researchers may be interested in determining if a given gene/trait is available in a
particular organism. If no previous research provides this information, researchers may
test the DNA of different organisms for the presence of these specific genes. A technique
that allows the detection of specific genes in target organisms is called PCR.

2. Cloning and Expression

Some genes provide economically, and industrially important products (e.g., insulin-
coding genes; genes for collagen degradation). In some cases, scientists would want to
put these genes into organisms for the expression of their products. One example would
be the insertion of an insulin coding gene from the human genome into bacteria. This
allows the “transformed” bacteria to now produce human insulin as a product.

The following table shows examples of modified traits using cloned genes and their
applications:

MODIFIED GENE RECIPIENT APPLICATION (FIELD)

TRAIT MODIFICATION ORGANISM
Insulin Insertion of Human Bacteria (Medicine) Production of Human
Production Insulin Gene Insulin in Bacteria
Pest Insertion of Bt-toxin Corn / Maize (Agriculture) Production of corn
Resistance gene plants with increased resistance to
corn boxer
Delayed Disruption of a gene Tomato Agriculture) Production of plants with
Ripening for a ripening plant fruits that have delayed ripening
enzyme (e.g., fruits. These fruits will survive longer
polygalacturonase) transport time, allowing their delivery
to further locations (i.e., export
deliveries)
Chymosin Insertion of a gene Bacteria (Industry) Enhance large scale
Production for chymosin production of chymosin. This
enzyme serves as a substitute for
rennet in the coagulation of milk.
Rennet has to be harvested from
calves. The large-scale production of
this enzyme in bacteria provides an
abundant supply of this important
component for the cheese
production industry.
Table 1. Examples of modified traits using cloned genes and their applications (adapted from SHS TG for
General Biology 2)

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 The three important applications of Recombinant DNA Technology are:
(1) Applications in Crop Improvement, (2) Applications in Medicines, and (3) Industrial
Applications.
IApplications in Crop Improvement:
Genetic engineering has several potential applications in crop improvement, such as
given below:
1. Distant Hybridization:
With the advancement of genetic engineering, it is now possible to transfer genes
between distantly related species. The barriers of gene transfer between species or even
genera have been overcome. The desirable genes can be transferred even from lower
organisms to higher organisms through recombinant DNA technology.

2. Development of Transgenic Plants:

Genetically transformed plants which contain foreign genes are called transgenic
plants. Resistance to diseases, insects and pests, herbicides, drought; metal toxicity
tolerance; induction of male sterility for plant breeding purpose; and improvement of quality
can be achieved through this recombinant DNA technology. Golden rice in the Philippines to
boost Vitamin A is an example.

Figure 6. Golden rice (right) has been genetically modified to

boost vitamin A
(source:https://www.newscientist.com/article/2228793-gm-
golden-rice-gets-landmark-safety-approval-in-the-
philippines/#ixzz6lD25e6OI

3. Development of Root Nodules in Cereal Crops:

Leguminous plants have root-nodules which contain
nitrogen fixing bacteria Rhizobium. These bacteria convert
the free atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates in the root
nodules. The bacterial genes responsible for this nitrogen
fixation can be transferred now to cereal crops like wheat,
Figure 7. Comparison of corn with
rice, maize, barley etc. through the techniques of genetic
disease (left) and Bt corn (right) (source:
engineering thus making these crops too capable of fixing https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article
atmospheric nitrogen. /90620/Business/Bt-corn-mainstreamed)

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4. Development of C4 Plants:
Improvement in yield can be achieved by improving the photosynthetic efficiency of
crop plants. The photosynthetic rate can be increased by conversion of C3 plants into
C4 plants, which can be achieved either through protoplasm fusion or recombinant DNA
technology C4 plants have higher potential rate of biomass production than C3 plants. Most
C4 plants (sorghum, sugarcane, maize, some grasses) are grown in tropical and subtropical
zones.

Applications in Medicines:
Biotechnology, especially genetic engineering plays an important role in the production of
antibiotics, hormones, vaccines and interferon in the field of medicines.

1. Production of Antibiotics:
Penicillium and Streptomyces fungi are used for mass production
of famous antibiotics penicillin and streptomycin. Genetically efficient Figure 8. Antibiotic capsule. Taken from
strains of these fungi have been developed to greatly increase the yield https://hips.hearstapps.com/netdoctor.
cdnds.net/15/51/1450185850-g-
of these antibiotics. antibiotics-496660071.jpg

2. Production of Hormone Insulin:

Insulin, a hormone, used by diabetics, is usually
extracted from pancreas of cows and pigs. This insulin is
slightly different in structure from human insulin. As a result, it
leads to allergic reactions in about 5% patients. Human gene
for insulin production has been incorporated into bacterial DNA
and such genetically engineered bacteria are used for large
scale production of insulin.
Figure 9. A bottle of insulin. Taken from
https://cdn.diabetesselfmanagement.com/2
016/12/Campbell120516.jpg

3. Production of Vaccines:
Vaccines are now produced by transfer of antigen
Figure
coding genes to disease causing bacteria. Such antibodies 10.https://images.theconversation.com/files/
provide protection against the infection by the same bacteria 353278/original/file-20200817-24-6fm2d4.jpg?ixl
or virus. ib=rb-1.1.0&rect=6%2C4%2C824%2C553&q=45&au
to=format&w=926&fit=clip
4. Production of Interferon:
Interferon’s are virus-induced proteins produced by virus-infected
cells. Interferon is antiviral in action and act as first line of defense
against viruses causing serious infections, including breast cancer
and lymph nodes malignancy. Natural interferon is produced in very
small quality from human blood cells. It is thus very costly also. It is
Figure 11 Interferon. (source:
now possible to produce interferon by recombinant DNA technology https://www.si.edu/object/intron-
at much cheaper rate. interferon-alfa-2b-recombinant-10-
million-iu%3Anmah_1000951)

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5. Production of Enzymes:
Some useful enzymes can also be produced by recombinant DNA technique. For
instance, enzyme urikinase, which is used to dissolve blood clots, has been produced by
genetically engineered microorganisms.

6. Gene Therapy:
Genetic engineering may one day enable the medical scientists to replace the
defective genes responsible for hereditary diseases (e.g., haemophilia, phenylketonuria,
alkaptonuria) with normal genes. This new system of therapy is called gene therapy.

Figure 12. The technique of somatic gene therapy. (source: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-

technology/science/biology/gene-therapy/content-section-3)

Figure 13. Gene therapy in treating cystic fibrosis. (source: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-

technology/science/biology/gene-therapy/content-section-3)

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7. Solution of Disputed Parentage:
Disputed cases of parentage can now be solved most accurately by recombinant
technology than by blood tests.

The following table shows some medically useful recombinant products and their applications:

Medically Useful Recombinant Applications

Products
Human insulin Treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes
Human growth hormone Replacement of missing hormone in short stature people
Calcitonin Treatment of rickets
Chronic gonadotropin Treatment of infertility
Blood clotting factor VII/IX Replacement of clotting factor missing in patients with
haemophilia
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Dissolving of blood clots after heart attacks and strokes
Erythropiotin Stimulation of the formation of erythrocytes (RCBs) for
patients suffering from anaemia during kidney dialysis or
side effects of AIDS patients treated by drugs.
Platelet derived growth factor Stimulation of wound healing
Interferon Treatment of pathogenic viral infections, cancer
Interleukins Enhancement of action of immune system
Vaccines Prevention of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B,
herpes, influenza, pertussis, meningitis, etc.

8. Diagnosis of Disease:
Recombinant DNA technology has provided a broad range of tools to help physicians
in the diagnosis of diseases. Most of these involve the construction of probes: short segments
of single stranded DNA attached to a radioactive or fluorescent marker. Such probes are now
used for identification of infectious agents, for instance, food poisoning Salmonella, Pus
forming Staphylococcus, hepatitis virus, HIV, etc. By testing the DNA of prospective genetic
disorder carrier parents, their genotype can be determined and their chances of producing an
afflicted child can be predicted.

9. Production of Transgenic Animals:

Animals which carry foreign genes are called

transgenic animals.

Examples:

Cow, sheep, goat – therapeutic; human proteins in their

milk. Fish like common carp, cat fish, salmon and gold
fish contain human growth hormone (hGH).
Figure 14. The photo shows the genetically
engineered salmon and farm salmon. (source:
https://www.soilassociation.org/blogs/2017/august/
theres-something-fishy-about-genetically-
engineered-salmon/

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Industrial Applications:
Figure 15. Genetically engineered bacteria in cleaning oil spills.
(source: https://www.slideshare.net/Damien512/genetic-
engineering-3964885)
In industries, recombinant DNA
technique will help in the production of
chemical compounds of commercial
importance, improvement of existing
fermentation processes and production
of proteins from wastes. This can be
achieved by developing more efficient
strains of microorganisms. Specially
developed microorganisms may be used
even to clean up the pollutants. Thus,
biotechnology, especially recombinant
DNA technology has many useful
applications in crop improvement,
medicines and industry.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
GMOs (Labmate Online, 2014)

Pros
• GMO practices can be used to produce “designer” crops, which have more nutrients,
grow quicker and produce more yield, are more resistant to pesticides and use less
fertilizer.
• Artificially implanting DNA from one species to another can save many, many years of
research. Waiting for the unpredictable nature of traditional breeding methods can take
decades to achieve the required equilibrium; such a goal can be reached
instantaneously with GMO.
• GMO experimentation can be used to manipulate animal (and, theoretically, human)
cells to be healthier or desirable. For example, the article, Scientists One Step Closer to
Male Contraceptive Pill, talks about how genetically-modified mice are helping to
research possible male contraception.
• GMOs have been around for almost 20 years, so health concerns related to them should
have become apparent by now.
• Change (and specifically, unnatural change) can be good. For example, cleaning and
cooking our food may not be natural but it is beneficial.

Cons
• Studies have shown that genetically modified corn and soy fed to rats led to a higher
risk of them developing liver and kidney problems. These health risks may not be
transferable to humans, but they illustrate the unpredictable nature of GMOs on living
things.
• GMOs are not always tested thoroughly. The shortest GMO testing times are a mere 90
days, which many fear is simply not enough time to ascertain all of the risks.
• Transgenic modification produces organism types which would never occur naturally,
making them highly unpredictable.
• GMOs could affect those with allergies in unpredictable ways.

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• Though GMOs were developed with a view to reducing the amount of pesticides used,
this is not always the case. As weeds and bacteria become resistant to the pesticide,
farmers actually use more, safe in the knowledge the crop will not be affected.
• Often GMO products are not clearly labelled, meaning people do not have the choice to
decide whether or not they wish to consume GMO products.
• GMO testing often involves performing experiments upon animals, which some people
feel is a breach of animal rights.

What’s More

Genetic engineering has given the world a promising future. Some benefits of genetic
engineering include increased crop yields in the field of agriculture, reduced costs for food or
drug production, and also medical benefits like production of vaccines.

Activity 1. Word Association

Directions: Write at least 5 word/s or phrases that are associated with Genetic Engineering.

What I Have Learned

1. Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s genome, which is the list
of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA.
2. Genetic engineering is accomplished in three basic steps. These are (1) The isolation of
DNA fragments from a donor organism; (2) The insertion of an isolated donor DNA
fragment into a vector genome and (3) The growth of a recombinant vector in an
appropriate host.
3. Genetic engineering has its advantages and disadvantages.

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4. Changing the genome enables engineers to give desirable properties to different
organisms.
5. Organisms created by genetic engineering are called genetically modified organisms
(GMOs).
6. Gene detection by PCR involves the design of primers that would only bind to sequences
that are specific to a target.
7. PCR may be used to detect the presence of a desired gene in an organism.
8. If the foreign DNA that is introduced comes from a different species, the host organism is
called transgenic.
9. Bacteria, plants, and animals have been genetically modified since the early 1970s for
academic, medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes.

What I Can Do

I. WRITTEN WORK - CLAIM-EVIDENCE-REASONING

STRUCTURED CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE TEST ITEM:
Directions: Read the article below and accomplish the given task.

Article:

A vaccine produced by genetic engineering? Why not!

(source: http://www.musee-afrappier.qc.ca/en/index.php?pageid=3115d&)

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by HBV (hepatitis B virus). The vaccine developed
to prevent infection by this virus consists of little bits of HBV that help the body defend itself
against the whole virus. Production of this vaccine consists of producing HBV fragments... a
case made to order for microorganisms! The first hepatitis B vaccine consisted of virus
fragments, isolated from sick individuals' blood, likely to be recognized by the body's defenses.
When administered to healthy people, these fragments allowed to the body to rapidly
recognize the entire virus and eliminate it before it could cause infection. But this vaccination
technique was not without its hazards. Despite purification procedures, a complete virus
sometimes contaminated the vaccine resulting in a healthy person contracting the very
disease the vaccine was meant to prevent! In addition, the use of infected individuals as the
source of the vaccine presented practical difficulties. The development of a microorganism-
based process to produce virus fragments was thus a welcome innovation.
Today, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used to produce hepatitis B vaccine.
The gene (a segment of DNA strand) which controls the production of small HBV fragments
is first inserted into the microorganism. The yeast then produces virus fragments which are
subsequently collected, purified and used as a vaccine. Use of HBV-derived DNA segments
eliminates the whole virus from the production process and reduces the risk of contamination
to zero.

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 LEARNING OBJECTIVE: (U)
Students are expected to . . .
Explain the process of genetic engineering.
INSTRUCTIONS: Read the given article. Then answer the question:
QUESTION: How is hepatitis B vaccine produced?
YOUR CLAIM: My answer to the question is…

Cite from the article two evidence that support your claim:
EVIDENCE 1: The statement in the article that supports my answer is ...

EVIDENCE 2: The statement in the article that supports my answer is...

Explain how your evidence supports your claim.

REASONING: The evidence I chose supports my answer because...

II. PERFORMANCE TASK

Learning Objective: Create an infographic material that promotes the applications of

biotechnology.
SITUATION: You are a biotechnologist in a school who is tasked to create an infographic
material using any readily available art materials showing the applications of biotechnology.
GOAL: To create an infographic material using any readily available art materials showing
the applications of biotechnology.
ROLE: You are a biotechnologist.
PRODUCT: Create an infographic material using any readily available art materials.
AUDIENCE: Your target audience are students and teachers.
STANDARDS: Your output will be evaluated in terms of content, written presentation,
research quality and visual appeal.

RUBRICS
Criteria 4 3 2 1 Rating
OUTSTANDING SATISFACTORY DEVELOPING BEGINNING
Content Demonstrates in- Demonstrates Demonstrates Lacks
depth understanding of little understanding
understanding of the topic and understanding of of topic and
topic and employs research topic and employs reports only
accurately utilizes information with research the basic
researched an adequate information with a parts of the
information in the degree of fair degree of information
infographic flyer accuracy accuracy
Written Well-organized Content is Content lacks Unorganized
Presentation content, attractive organized, format organization, content, hard
and well-designed is adequate, format is difficult to follow,
format, clear and message is to follow and not message
easily understood sufficiently organized, and difficult to

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 17

 message with understood with message is understand;
strong visual acceptable eye somewhat tendency to
appeal. appeal understood. wander or
ramble, and
handwritten or
computer
generated
with little
organization
or skill
Visual Shows excellent Creativity is Little creativity No creativity,
Appeal creativity, creates acceptable, some used, very little no originality,
original design, originality shown, originality shown, and graphics
and use of and use of and poor do not tie in
graphics make the graphics selection of with the
message “come adequately to graphics message
alive” present message

Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. One advantage of genetic engineering in agriculture is ________.
A. clone plants
B. increase yield
C. cure genetic diseases
D. mass production of plants
2. Plasmids are used to _________.
A. join genes together
B. make protein in bacterial cells
C. carry genes into bacterial cells
D. cut genes out of chromosomes
3. What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?
A. Hybrid organism
B. Plant with certain genes removed
C. An organism with an artificially altered genome
D. Any agricultural organism produced by breeding or biotechnology
4. Restriction fragments of DNA are typically separated from one another by which
process?
A. centrifugation
B. filtering
C. gel electrophoresis
D. PCR
5. Which of the following is an example of a genetically engineered organism?
A. A new plant variety created as a result of mutation
B. A plant that naturally possesses medicinal properties
C. Seedless fruits resulting from spraying the flowers with chemicals
D. A plant that received external DNA to produce natural insecticides

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 18

 Answer Key

Students answer may vary

What I Can Do

Students answer may vary

What’s More

5. D
4. C
3. C
2. C
1. B
What I Know/Posttest

References

Aryal, Sagar. Recombinant DNA Technology- Steps, Applications and Limitations.

September 2018. https://microbenotes.com/recombinant-dna-technology-steps-
applications-and-limitations/#steps-of-genetic-recombination-technology

Bascos, et al. 2016. Teaching Guide for Senior High School General Biology 2
Clipart.library.com
DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 2011. Johann Gregor Mendel (1822-
1884). dnaftb.org/1/bio.html

Easter, Carla (nd). Sex Linked. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Sex-

Linked#:~:text=These%20are%20traits%20that%20are,sex%2C%20or%20the%20se
x%20chromosomes.&text=And%20so%20some%20of%20the,and%20also%20Fragil
e%20X%20syndrome.

Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (nd). Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering.
https://hudsonalpha.org/recombinant-dna-and-
geneticengineering/#:~:text=For%20centuries
%2C%20humans%20have%20used,of%20both%20plants%20and%20animals.&text=
This%20process%20has%20historically%20been,DNA%20technology%20or%20gen
etic%20modification.

Kumar, Srinas. Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology: 3 Applications.

https://www.biologydiscussion.com/dna/recombinant-dna-technology/applications-of-
recombinant-dna-technology-3-applications/15650

Labmate Online. 2014. The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
https://www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/breaking-news/the-pros-and-
cons-of-genetically-modified-organisms-gmos/31400

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 19

National Human Genome Research Institute (nd). Sex
Linked. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-
glossary/SexLinked#:~:text=These%20are%20
traits%20that%20are,sex%2C%20or%20the%20sex%20chromosomes.&text=And%2
0so%20some%20of%20the,and%20also%20Fragile%20X%20syndrome.

Olivar and Ramos. 2016. Earth and Life Science.

Rebecca E. 2019. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering: An Overview.

https://sciencing.com/biotechnology-genetic-engineering-an-overview-13718445.html

Renaissance Yeast Inc. About Classical Breeding. nd.

https://renaissanceyeast.com/en/about/ classical-breeding

Rye, Connie , Robert Wise, Vladimir Jurukovski, Jean DeSaix, Jung Choi, and Yael Avissar.
“Mendel’s Experiments and Heredity.” In Biology. OpenStax: OpenStax, 2016.
https://openstax.org/books/biology/pages/1-introduction.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Laoag City

Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)
Brgy. 23 San Matias, Laoag City, 2900
Contact Number: (077)-771-3678
Email Address: laoag.city@deped.gov.ph

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module General Biology 2 20