Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION V
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF MASBATE PROVINCE
CATAINGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
POBLACION, CATAINGAN, MASBATE

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

QUARTER 2 - WEEK 4

EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

Name of Student: ___________________________________
Learning Area - Grade 11: ___________________________________
Subject-teacher: ___________________________________
Date: ___________________________________

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

Genetic Engineering also called Genetic Modification is one of the many branches of applied
biology. It is the changing of an organism’s genome using biotechnology. This module discusses the basic
concepts on Genetic Engineering or GE and identifying some of the Genetically Modified Organisms or
GMOs.

The history of Genetic Engineering can be traced back in 1953 when James Watson discovered the
structure of DNA, after which scientists were able to understand and changed the structure. The idea of
Genetic Engineering is something that we associate with the 20th century. No one knew that genes were
actually the mechanism of Heredity until the middle of the 20th century. The direct modification of genes for
some purpose did not even start until the 1970s. but it is worth noting that human beings have been, in some
ways, influencing the genetics of organisms for a very, very, very long time.
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hs-
biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering

As one of the greatest technological breakthroughs in science, this module demonstrates an

understanding of the concept of Genetic Engineering. This module focuses on the simplest yet
comprehensive lessons that will be tackled. You will appreciate the values that one must uphold in this
worthwhile scientific endeavor. Advantages/benefits and disadvantages will also be given emphasis at the
end of this module.

This LAS will also help you explore your own imagination and express your creativity as you create
your own imaginary - Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). This way, one will come to appreciate the effort
exerted by our scientists in producing only the best organisms with desirable characteristics.
Genetic Engineering Processes

Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make products or
plants and animals that have desired traits. In order to carry on this technology, it employs different processes
such as:

• Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into fragments. It is basically used to
create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends that can join with other DNA fragments.

• Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used to study DNA fragments of various
sizes.

• Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA fragment with the DNA from another
source also called exogenous DNA.

• Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA molecules. It is
used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be used in genetically engineered organism.

• DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant DNA molecule to
further study. It is used to identify errors in the DNA sequences to predict the function of a particular
gene and to compare to other genes with similar sequences from different organisms.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific regions of sequenced DNA. It is used
to copy DNA for any scientific investigation including forensic analysis and medical testing.

3 Types of Genetic Modification

Plant Genetic Modification

The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering ancestors and until today,
is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous population of plants is inspected, and “superior”
individuals - plants with the most desired traits, like improved palatability and yield - are selected for
continued propagation.

ex. Production of pest-resistant plants

ex. Increase of crop production

Animal Genetic Modification

Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a result of breeding
strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture include assisted reproductive
technologies; use of naturally occurring hormones, such as recombinants, and biotechnologies to
enhance reproductive efficiency without affecting the genome; and biotechnologies to enhance
expression of desirable genes. ex. Increase of milk production
per cow

ex. Double production of eggs in chickens

Genetic Modification of Microbes

Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as primary and secondary roles
in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and they can produce enzymes or other metabolites used in
food production and processing. Humans have used and genetically modified microbes for centuries to
produce food, wine, bread, and cheese are common examples of ancient foods, still popular, depend on
microbial ingredients and activities.

ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production

ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases

For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:

• https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-biotechnology-
48776975
• https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hs-
biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering

II. LEARNING SKILLS

At the end of the activity sheet, you should be able to:

1. Define Genetic Engineering and its different types;

2. Description on the different processes;

3. Identification of some examples of existing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):

4. The advantages and disadvantages of GMOs.

III. ACTIVITIES

Activity 1 : “Bisayang Manok” vs. Commercial Chicken

Direction: It’s time to synthesize your learning. Table 2 below contains statements that may or may
not describe both “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”. Organize them on the Venn diagram to
show comparison and contrast between “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”.

Table 2. Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”

Higher protein Lower fat

Yellow-orange egg yolk Low-flying birds

Lesser muscle mass Higher muscle mass

Deep complex flavor Low protein

Less beneficial to health More beneficial for health

Higher fat Has feathers

Less complex flavor Has short pointed beak

Venn Diagram

“Bisayang Commercial
Manok” Chicken

Both
Activity 2 : A Boon or Bane?

Advantages/Benefits
One of the main reasons why scientists conduct Genetic Engineering (GE) is to provide and sustain
human. The modern practice of genetic engineering goes beyond cross-breeding different species to create
a new outcome. There are many advantages that genetic engineering can bring the world today. One is that
it makes agricultural practices much safer by reducing, if not totally eliminating the use of pesticides. This will
result in creating greater yields since farmers will no longer spend extra money for pesticides. No use of
pesticides would lead to improve growth rate of crops and consequently create better food products. GE
allows specific traits to be developed for plants and animals.

It can improve resistance to diseases and even stop genetic diseases in humans. We already have
genetic testing in place to test for certain cancers. GE could be used DNA manipulation to help treat or cure
people who are born with genetic disorders. The different tools of genetic engineering could produce novel
medical treatments like vaccines, insulin, and even hormone treatment. Through GE we can create more
treatments that allow us to be proactive more often against pathogens that can have life-threatening
characteristics.

Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages that genetic engineering can bring like: amount of diversity that is
available is limited. The reason for this is the industry will focus on the product or organism that performs
well. Another disadvantage is, it’s prone to technological abuse. Currently, we have laws and treaties in place
to prevent genetic engineering abuse. However, that does not mean that abuse on its use will not occur. The
next disadvantage is the genetic engineering process can only be copyrighted in the United States, a rule
that GE DNA sequences can be patented. That makes the rule more profitable for organizations to study
DNA manipulation instead of working for the good of humanity. Another disadvantage is, it can bring difficult
legal liabilities with unintended consequences. Seeds and crops can also be patented. This brings issues for
farmers who encounters GMOs on their land due to unintentional spread. GE does create a natural barrier
against disease and harsh environmental conditions. It also just extend the resilience of plants and animals.
The changes made are not permanent benefits. More modifications are required over time because nature
eventually adapts. Pathogens become stronger to affect the stronger plants and animals. Our own experience
with medicines that we take like antibiotics is an evidence to this fact.

This area is intentionally blank

Direction:
Make a table and cite at least ten (10) advantages and ten (10) disadvantages
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

8. 8.

9. 9.

10. 10.
Activity 3 : An Imaginary Creature Activity
Direction: Let your imagination work! Consider yourself as one of the Genetic Engineers. Using your drawing
materials, illustrate a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) that you would produce. Emphasize the unique
features of this creature and the benefits it would give to mankind.

Name of Creature

Description

Special Features
 Rubrics for the Imaginary Creature Activity

RUBRICS

Category 4 3 2 1

The poster The poster clearly The poster The poster does
clearly communicates indirectly not sufficiently
Presentation communicates some of the communicates communicate
the main idea important ideas the idea and any idea that
and strongly and slightly hardly promotes can promote
promotes promotes awareness. awareness.
awareness. awareness.
All of the Most of the The graphics The graphics
graphics used graphics used on were made by the were not made
Creativity on the poster the poster reflect student but were by the student.
and reflect an student ingenuity copied from the
Originality exceptional in their creation. designs or ideas
degree of of others.
student ingenuity
in their creation.
All graphics in Most graphics in Some graphics in The graphics in
Accuracy the poster are the poster are the poster are the poster are
and accurate and accurate and accurate and neither accurate
relevance related to the related to the related to the nor related to
topic. topic. topic. the topic.
The poster All required Few required Required
includes all elements are elements are elements are
Required required included. included. missing.
Element elements as well
as additional
information.

IV. ANSWER KEY

Biotechnology – is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make products or plants and
animals that have desired traits.

DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid – is any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity.
Exogenous DNA – is produced by growth from superficial tissue.
Gel Electrophoresis - separates DNA fragments by size.
Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA molecules.

Genetic Engineering – is a technology that involves manipulating the DNA of one organism in order to insert the
DNA of another organism called exogenous DNA
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – is an organism whose genomes has been engineered in the laboratory in
order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the reproduction of desired biological products.
Genes – is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the
functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the
structure
Activity 1: Description of “Bisayang Manok” and “Commercial Chicken”

Venn Diagram

“Bisayang Both Commercial

Chicken
Manok”
*Yellow-orange egg
*Higher protein yolk *Low protein
*Higher fat
*Lower fat
*Low-flying birds *Lesser muscle
*Deep complex mass
flavor
* Less complex
*Higher muscle *Has feathers flavor
mass
*Less beneficial
*More beneficial to health
Actrivity 2:
for health *Has short-pointed
beak

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. It allows for a faster growth rate. 1. the nutritional value of foods can be reduced.

2. It can create an extended life. 2. it could create new pathogens.

3. specific traits can be developed. 3. there can be negative effects that are unexpected.

4. new products can be created. 4. the amount of diversity developed can be less favorable.

5. Greater yields can be produced 5. copyrighted genetic engineering can have costly consequences.

6. Risks to the water supply can be reduced. 6. it is a technology that can be easily abused.
7. it is a scientific practice that has been in 7. It is a process that can be copyrighted in the US.
place for a millennia.
8. it makes agricultural practices much safer 8. it creates difficult legal liabilities with unintended consequences.
9. it can improve disease resistance 9. it only prolongs the resilience effect.

10. it could stop genetic disease in humans 10. it may have negative consequences when interacting with other
species.
11. it could produce novel medical 11. it can lead to more birth defects.
treatments
V. REFERENCES

Earth and Life Science modules week 4 from ADM or from the region.

For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:

• https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-biotechnology-
48776975
• https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hs-
biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
• https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-engineering

Prepared by

SERAFIN E. GRAJO, JR.

SHS T-II