3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size.
PCR can be used to amplify small amounts of DNA.
DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA.
Genetic modification is carried out by gene transfer between species.
Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms, derived from a single original parent cell.
Many plant species and some animal species have natural methods of cloning.
Animals can be cloned at the embryo stage by breaking up the embryo into more than one group of cells.
experiment actually being carried out by students.
Methods have been developed for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells.

Applications and skills:

Application: Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.
Application: Gene transfer to bacteria using plasmids makes use of restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase.
Application: Assessment of the potential risks and benefits associated with genetic modification of crops.
Application: Production of cloned embryos produced by somatic-cell nuclear transfer.
Skill: Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem-cuttings.
Skill: Analysis of examples of DNA profiles.
Skill: Analysis of data on risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.

Outline what gel electrophoresis is used for. (Include mention of proteins and DNA fragments.)
Outline the role of PCR.
Explain how DNA profiling is used.
Outline what is meant by ‘genetic modification’.
Define ‘clone’.
Outline the natural methods of cloning used by plants and animals.
Explain how animals can be cloned at the embryo stage.
Outline a method for cloning adult animals using differentiated cells.
Outline the use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.
Outline ‘gene transfer’ using the following terms: bacteria, plasmid, restriction endonucleases, DNA ligase
Discuss and assess the potential risks and benefits associated with the genetic modification of crops.
Explain the production of cloned embryos produced by somatic-cell nuclear transfer. (Dolly can be used as the example)
Outline the variables involved in an experimental example to assess one factor that affects the rooting of stem-cuttings. (Plants that form roots readily in water or a solid medium should be chosen.)
Explain how you could analyze DNA profiles in paternity tests. (i.e. determining who the father is based on gel electrophoresis results)
Explain how you could analyze DNA profiles from crime scene investigations.
Outline the risks to monarch butterflies of Bt crops.