GENERAL BIOLOGY 2

Project DEAR Reading Material

February 1, 2024

Discovering Genetics

Objectives: At the end of the reading task, the learner should be able to:
A. emphasize that genetic variations contribute to diversity in abilities, appearances, and perspectives.
B. practice ethical responsibilities in safeguarding the genetic diversity of species and ecosystems.
C. encourage empathy by exploring the emotional and social aspects of living with genetic conditions

In 1856, an Augustinian monk named Gregor Mendel watched

for specific traits in pea plants. He noticed traits that appeared more often in the
Key Terms plants and called these traits dominant traits. Traits that did not occur as often
were named recessive traits.
His experiments with cross and self-pollinating pea plants showed how traits
• dominant trait passed from generation to generation. This discovery helped other scientists to
understand the study of genetics.
• recessive trait
Genetics is the passing of traits from parent to child. Scientists have made
• natural selection advances in medicine based on Mendel’s research.

• artificial selection In the early 20th century, an English geneticist named Reginald Punnett used a
• genetics four-square diagram to represent the different traits parents pass to their children.
The Punnet square diagram was an easy way to calculate the chance of
• genotype inheriting specific traits. The dominant trait is represented by a capital letter.
The recessive trait is represented by a lowercase letter. The combination of
• phenotype parental traits in each square is known as genotypes. The genotype will
determine if the phenotype, the physical trait (height, hair color, eye color,
etc.), is recessive or dominant.

Dogs are descendants
of wolves. Through
artificial selection, the
appearance of dogs has
changed over
thousands of years.
Understanding the basic rules of genetics has led to improvements today. Instead
of waiting for natural selection, adapting to one’s surroundings to survive,
scientists can speed up that process.
Fruits, vegetables, and animals with more
desirable traits undergo a controlled process
called artificial selection. It produces bigger
fruits and vegetables to eat. Like a
particular breed of dog? Artificial selection
helped with that.

1. Mendel was not recognized for his work until the 1930s, decades after his research
was presented.
2. Gregor Mendel is known as the “father of genetics.”
3. Mendel experimented with more than 29,000 pea plants over seven years.
PERFORMANCE TASKS:

The diagram below shows the process of genetic engineering.

human cell bacterial cell

DNA is isolated from the nucleus. The plasmid is isolated from the cell.

The gene that is needed is cut The plasmid is cut by enzymes.

from the DNA by enzymes.

The gene is inserted into the plasmid.

The plasmid (vector) is used to insert

the gene into the required cell.
Bacteria multiply
many times.

Genetic engineering is used to produce large quantities of human insulin to help treat diabetes.
1. Explain how scientists can transfer the gene for human insulin into a bacterial cell.

Advantages of Genetic Engineering Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering

GM crops have bigger yields and therefore
have increased food value. This may help us
to address an expanding population.
Genetically modified animals and plants can
grow faster.
We can mass produce human proteins.
GM crops can grow in dry, hot, cold or flooded parts
of the world. This may help us to manage the
effects of global warming on agriculture.
GM crops can produce their own pesticide,
can be resistant to herbicides or can contain
specific nutrients.
Models of human diseases can help us to
develop treatments.
Nobody can be sure of the long-term
effects of eating GM food on human health.
Pesticide-producing crops may result in
insects developing resistance to pesticides.
Genes from GM crops or animals could
spread to species in the wild.
People worry that this may lead to the
manipulation of human genes to make
‘designer’ children.
GM crops could reduce biodiversity if they
affect the food chain, for example, by
resistance to certain pests.

APPLICATION IN REAL LIFE SITUATION:

Genetics is an integral part of our lives, influencing various aspects of health, family planning,
agriculture, and technology. A basic understanding of genetics empowers individuals to make informed
decisions and actively participate in discussions on the ethical, social, and scientific implications of
genetic advancements.

VALUES FORMATION:
Genetics helps us to develop a well-rounded perspective on the ethical, social, and personal aspects of
genetics. This approach not only enhances scientific understanding but also promotes responsible and
empathetic decision-making in various aspects of life.
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 Genetic Engineering
When writing an evaluation, you should give at least two advantages and two disadvantages.
You should finish with a conclusion where you give your opinion. Remember to link it to the
advantages and disadvantages you gave.

1. Evaluate the use of genetic engineering in producing GM crops.

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