Learner’s Activity Sheet

Earth & Life Science (Quarter II – Week 4-1)

Name: _____________________________________ Grade and Section: ________________
Teacher: ___________________________________ Date:______________________________
School:__________________________________________________________________________

Dear Learner,
Good day!
In this week, you will learn to describe the process of genetic engineering
(S11/12LT-IIej- 17) and evaluate the benefits and risks of using GMOs
(S11/12LT-IIej- 19)
Specifically, you will learn the following:
1. define genetic engineering;
2. differentiate the types of genetic engineering;
3. describe the different processes of genetic engineering;
4. identify some examples of existing genetically modified organisms
(GMOs);
5. understand the advantages and disadvantages of GMOs.
In this lesson, we integrated the beauty of Science in creating the
perfect species. A specie that does not just live on our planet but one that
makes it better for future generations.
Your Teacher

Genetic Engineering & GMOs

Activity 1
DNA, Genes, Proteins, Individual Trait
Instructions: Using the diagram and the grid, answer the questions
given below; (3 points each)

DNA

GENES

PROTEINS

TRAIT

BENT FINGER

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1. What are the roles of the DNA, genes and proteins in each trait?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. How would you relate the individual trait or characteristics to proteins,
genes and DNA? __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3. Would the manifestation of a trait be affected once the DNA nor the genes
are altered?_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Instructions: answer the questions. (2 points each)

1. What do you think are the objectives of scientists in genetic engineering?

_______________________________________________________________________
2. How are scientists able to realize their objectives in genetic engineering?
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Can you cite the techniques in genetic engineering scientists utilize in
creating outcomes? ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3
(copy this on your notebook)
Instructions: Please read comprehensively

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organisms’ genes

using biotechnology. It covers different kinds of technologies used to alter
the genomes that includes the insertion of genes from other individual
either the same or from different species that aims to produce or improve
products.
Since ancient times the practice of genetic engineering had begun.
Artificial selection is done to indirectly manipulate genes focusing on the
physical traits among organisms. Breeders choose which organism to
mate and produce offspring with desirable traits. They maintain this
procedure without control of what genes can be passed. Selective
breeding is a process when animals with desired characteristics are
mated to produce offspring with those desired traits such as Angus cows
are bred to increase more meat. Hybridizations are when two individuals
with unlike characteristics are crossed to produce the best in both
organisms like the disease resistant potato called the Burbank potato.

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Inbreeding is a technique of breeding organisms that are genetically
similar to maintain desired traits found in the pure dog breeds. As
defined genetic engineering is the process of changing the DNA in living
organisms to create something new. It involves artificial manipulation,
modification, and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules
to modify an organism or population of organisms.

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.
 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.

3 Types of Genetic Modification

1. Plant Genetic Modification

The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wand
wandering ancestors and until today, is simple selection. That is, genetically
heterogeneous population of plants is inspected, and “superior” individuals - plants

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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

2. 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

2. 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

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

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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.

Activity 4
Match me!
Instruction 1: Using the terms in the box, match the genetic techniques in
their descriptions. Write your answer in the space given. (8 points)

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS; GENE SPLICING CLONING; INBREEDING

HYBRIDIZATION; SELECTIVE BREEDING; ARTIFICIAL SELECTION; GENETIC
ENGINEERING

________________1. A science of changing the DNA in living organisms to

create something new.
________________2. Breeders choose which organism to mate to produce
offspring with desired traits.
________________3. Animals with desired characteristics are mated to
produce offspring with those desired traits.
________________4. Two individuals with unlike characteristics are crossed
to produce the best in both organisms.
________________5. Breeding of organism that genetically similar to
maintain desired traits.
________________6. Creating an organism that is an exact genetic copy of
Another.
________________7. DNA is cut out of one organism and put into another
Organism.
________________8. A technique used to compare DNA from two or more
organisms.

Genetic Engineering Techniques

Instruction 2: Distinguish the techniques in genetic engineering as based
on the situation and examples given. Write the letter of the choices.
(6 points)

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 A. Artificial selection B. Selective breeding C. Hybridization D. Inbreeding
E. Cloning F. Gene splicing G. Gel electrophoresis: analyzing DNA

____1. When animals with desired characteristics are mated to produce

offspring with those desired traits. Dachshund were once bred to
hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.
____ 2. Creating an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another.
They will have the same exact DNA as the parent.
____3. DNA is cut out of one organism and put into another organism. A
trait will be transferred from one organism to another.
____4. Luther Burbank created a disease resistant potato called the
Burbank potato. He crossed a disease resistant plant with
one that had a large food producing capacity.
____5. Breeding of organism that genetically similar to maintain
desired traits.
____6. A technique used to compare DNA from two or more
organisms. It keeps each breed unique from others.

Genetic Engineering Techniques

Instruction 3: Express your idea, whether you agree or disagree in the
following statements about the current technology in genetic engineering.
Write your answer on the space provided. Choose two from the three
techniques. (5 points each)

1. Monkeys have been Cloned, Paving the way for Human Cloning
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Bacteria as Living Microrobots to Fight Cancer

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Two genetic regions (variants in both ABO blood group locus and
cluster of genes in chromosome 3) Linked with Severe COVID-19
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Activity 5
Instructions: Encircle the letter of the best answer from
among the given choices. (5 points)

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

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

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 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

References:

K to 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies

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-genetiengineering
https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-
engineering
Basco-Tiamzon, M.E. Z, Avissar, Y.,Choi J.,Desaix, J., Jurukovski V., Wise,
R., Rye, C. “General Biology 2 Senior High School Textbook” Published 2016
Vibal Group, Inc.
Bayo-ang, R.B., Coronacion, M.L.G., Jorda, A.T., Restubog, A.J. “Earth and
Life Science for Senior High School” Published 2016 Educational Resources
Corporation ; Commission on Higher Educvation. Earth and Life Science for
Senior High School.C.P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City Philippines.
Commission on Higher Education, 2016

CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that my child has successfully done all the
activities included in the in this Learning Activity Sheet.

_________________________________________ ____________________
Name and Signature of the Parent Date

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