In this Grade 7 Life Science lesson from Chapter 5: DNA and Modern Genetics, students explore how DNA technology allows scientists to alter organisms through selective breeding and genetic engineering, including the process of isolating and inserting DNA sequences across species to create transgenic organisms. Students also learn key concepts such as genomes, cloning, and real-world applications like pest-resistant crops. The lesson builds on prior knowledge of mutations and genetic disorders to examine both the possibilities and ethical issues surrounding modern DNA technology.
Section 1
Scientists Engineer DNA to Create New Organisms
Genetic engineering allows scientists to isolate DNA from one species and insert it into another, creating genetically modified organisms with new traits like pest resistance or salt tolerance.
Section 2
Humans Develop Animals and Plants Through Selective Breeding
For thousands of years, humans have selected and bred organisms with desirable traits, making horses faster and corn sweeter by increasing the frequency of beneficial alleles in populations.
Section 3
DNA Technology Solves Crimes Through Unique Profiles
Scientists create DNA fingerprints by analyzing regions that vary between individuals. When DNA from crime scenes matches a suspect's profile, it provides strong evidence of their presence.
Section 4
Researchers Map Genomes to Understand Genetic Code
The Human Genome Project sequenced 3 billion nucleotide pairs in human chromosomes, helping scientists identify approximately 30,000 genes and compare DNA across different species.
Section 5
Society Weighs Benefits and Risks of DNA Technology
While genetic engineering creates insect-resistant crops and medical treatments like insulin, concerns exist about unintended consequences for human health, wild populations, and ethical implications of cloning.
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Section 1
Scientists Engineer DNA to Create New Organisms
Genetic engineering allows scientists to isolate DNA from one species and insert it into another, creating genetically modified organisms with new traits like pest resistance or salt tolerance.
Section 2
Humans Develop Animals and Plants Through Selective Breeding
For thousands of years, humans have selected and bred organisms with desirable traits, making horses faster and corn sweeter by increasing the frequency of beneficial alleles in populations.
Section 3
DNA Technology Solves Crimes Through Unique Profiles
Scientists create DNA fingerprints by analyzing regions that vary between individuals. When DNA from crime scenes matches a suspect's profile, it provides strong evidence of their presence.
Section 4
Researchers Map Genomes to Understand Genetic Code
The Human Genome Project sequenced 3 billion nucleotide pairs in human chromosomes, helping scientists identify approximately 30,000 genes and compare DNA across different species.
Section 5
Society Weighs Benefits and Risks of DNA Technology
While genetic engineering creates insect-resistant crops and medical treatments like insulin, concerns exist about unintended consequences for human health, wild populations, and ethical implications of cloning.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter