Biology and Technology in the Real World Instructions Written Assignment: Biolog
ID: 68239 • Letter: B
Question
Biology and Technology in the Real World Instructions Written Assignment: Biology and Technology in the Real World Addresses course outcomes 1-4: recognize and explain how the scientific method is used to solve problems make observations and discriminate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations weigh evidence and make decisions based on strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific method use knowledge of biological principles, the scientific method, and appropriate technologies to ask relevant questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, interpret results, and draw conclusions
1. Select one of the topics listed below.
2. Write a 750-1500 word paper, excluding references and title page.
3. Topics (select one) a) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). What is the purpose genetic engineering of crop plants and domestic animals? Briefly explain how GMOs are created. What foods in your supermarket contain GMOs? Are foods that contain GMOs safe for human consumption? What types of regulations exist for these foods? Clearly explain your reasoning for each answer. The following website from FDA regarding GMO regulation may be helpful: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm352067.htm b) Stem cells. Your friend had a spinal cord injury after a bad car accident. The medical team has decided that he is a good candidate for a clinical trial using stem cell therapy. Your friend has not had a biology course since high school, so you decide to write him a letter sharing your knowledge of stem cells. Include in your letter a description of the biology of stem cells and how these cells are unique from other cells. Contrast the different types of stem cells, including pros and cons of each. Explain how stems cells are can be used to treat diseases and injury, with special focus on spinal cord injuries. Conclude with your own opinion. The following website from NIH regarding stem cell research will be very helpful: http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp. c) Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) and tar sands (oil sands). With society's dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels, the oil & gas industry is turning to the use of hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands to extract natural gas and oil respectively. A friend asks you "What's all this controversy in the news about fracking and tar sands?" Briefly explain to your friend how hydraulic fracturing and tar (oil) sands are used to obtain these fossil fuels. Then, in more detail, describe the environmental problems that may result from these processes and why they are controversial. Issues that may be addressed involves, but are not limited to, water, air and soil pollution, effects on human health, effects on other species and natural ecosystems. Finally, give your opinions on possible solutions to these environmental problems, with your reasoning backed by the references that you studied. The following websites from EPA may be helpful: http://www2.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing
Explanation / Answer
Plants and animals produced through incorporation of modified genes are termed as genetically modified plants and animals respectively. The genomes of crop plants and livestock are modified in the laboratory through genetic engineering techniques, at the molecular level. The aim is to incorporate desired traits into them.
Methods- Cloning, tissue culture and recombinant DNA technologies are the methods through which GMOs are created.
Cloning involves the extraction of nucleus from a cell of the organism to be cloned which is then incorporated into the enucleated cytoplasm of the egg of a host. The resulting offspring is similar genetacally to the donor organism.
In recombinanat DNA technology, one or more foreign genes are incorporated into the DNA of another organism.
Following are the examples of ingredients used from genetically engineered plants-
Based on evidences, genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption.
FDA, alongwith US department of agriculture and Environment Protection Agency, regulates the genetically modified foods. Only safe food with desired level of pesticides are allowed to be marketed.
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