genetically modified organism
Select an article about a genetically modified organism and write a summary of the article′s content in response to a set of questions. By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria: SHOW LESS Competency 3: Describe basic concepts of genetics. Describe the purpose of a gene that encodes for a specific protein. Competency 4: Explain the tools and applications of biotechnology. Evaluate the pros and cons of a genetically modified organism. Explain how microorganisms that normally affect the immune system can be used beneficially as tools in biotechnology. Competency 5: Evaluate the objectivity and legitimacy of biology information found in articles and online. Explain the main points presented in an article. Evaluate the scientific credibility of an article. Competency 7: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats. Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics. Immunity We are exposed to health threats on a regular basis. Our bodies have complex mechanisms to ward off infections. The defense mechanisms include a barrier of skin and mucous membranes; a nonspecific response to the attack of microbes, should they penetrate the first barrier; and a specific immune response for significant infections. SHOW LESS Nonspecific immune reactions try to eliminate all types of microbes that enter the body, and there is an adaptive immune response to significant infections. Both types of immune responses involve white blood cells, free proteins, and other chemicals. Humans can suffer from pathologic conditions that constitute a breakdown in the control of immune response. Asthma and allergies are malfunctions of the nonspecific immune reactions, while autoimmune disease and AIDS are malfunctions of the specific immune response. Biotechnology and DNA Recombinant DNA technology is an area of much possibility, speculation, and controversy. The techniques used to cut out a piece of DNA from one organism and splice it into the DNA of another organism are rather simple now that scientists have discovered the tools to do it. There are several things to keep in mind about biotechnology and recombinant DNA. One is to appreciate that for the process to work at all, there must be a common DNA language across species. Another is that the tools used for this process are, by and large, ones that already exist in nature. The human role in this is to use the various tools (enzymes) to cut and paste the fragments of DNA. You are invited to think about the possibilities that the technology opens up, and to understand why the field generates controversy. To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community. SHOW LESS Re-emerging Disease For the following questions, you are encouraged to refer to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases article, ″Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases,″ the CDC′s ″Infectious Disease Information: Emerging Infectious Diseases″ article, and the World Health Organization′s ″Emerging Diseases″ article, listed in the Resources. What is an example of an emerging or reemerging disease? What are the symptoms of this disease? What is the cause of the disease? How is it spread? What treatments are available for the disease you selected? Genetically Modified Organisms For the following questions, you are encouraged to refer to the Chapters 23 and 24 from the Ahluwalia e-book, and Wohlers′ article, ″Labeling of Genetically Modified Food,″ listed in the Resources. What is an example of a genetically modified organism? How is the technology being used? What is the gene of interest, and the organism into which it is inserted? What is the intended result of the modification? How are microorganisms that normally affect the immune system, such as bacteria and viruses, used beneficially in biotechnology? What are the possible benefits and negative effects of the technology? Do you think that individuals should object to or support this bioengineered plant, animal, or bacterium? Do you think governments should outlaw bioengineered organisms? Under what circumstances? Should the genetically