Unit 5: Biotechnology

Which area of biotechnology would most likely create ethical issues within human society?

• insulin production by bacteria

• organ cloning for use in transplants

• genetic engineering to improve agricultural yields

• DNA and forensic testing of crime scene evidence

Which is most important when investigating ethical issues in biotechnology?

• cost of the technology

• advantage of the technology

• public opinion of the technology

• benefits of the technology outweighing the harm

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Personal medical records become more available and more detailed because of biotechnological research. Based on this information, which is a major concern to the public?

• transmission of more diseases

• an increase in under qualified doctors

• inappropriate use of medical information

• overdiagnosis of certain medical conditions

Farmers use GMOs so their crops are resistant to cold temperatures and/or disease. Which is a negative consequence of using GMOs?

• GMOs increase the extinction rate

• GMOs decrease the genetic variation

• GMOs increase the carrying capacity

• GMOs decrease the population size

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What is an ethical issue about genetic testing on humans?

• Genetic testing could cause harmful mutations.

• Genetic testing could cause ecosystem damage by accelerating evolution. 

• Genetic testing could improve the diagnosis of disease.

• Genetic testing could cause discrimination by future employer by revealing health risks. 

The DNA of GM plants is altered by artificial means.  Genetic modification is not just used in agriculture, but also in the production of medicine.  Which statement represents a health concern regarding the use of medical GM plants?

• The cost of growing GM plants is too high.

• The GM plant might not be able to grow in the areas where the need is highest.

• The GM plants will have an increase in nutrient content.

• Patients may develop allergies to the medicine made from the GM plants.

In what way is biotechnology useful to law enforcement agencies such as the police or FBI?

• It can help identify who was present at the scene of a crime.

• It can help undercover officers disguise themselves.

• It might help determine who might be the victime of a future crime.

• It can help determine who is most likely to become a criminal in the future.

How can agricultural biotechnology have a positive impact on the environment?

• By developing crops that are pest resistant requiring fewer pesticides to be used. 

• planting crops in shaded areas.

• Harvesting crops that have thick stems and leaves.

• water crops with a recycled irrigation system.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Scientists implant a gene into a species of tomato plant that makes them ripen faster and stay firm as they are transported to stores. What is the benefit of this technology?

• Increased toxins in the food.

• Increase shelf life and availablity.

• Decreased size of tomatoes.

• Increased seed production

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3