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Biotechnology
Quarter 4 - Module 1:
Transgenic Organisms
In Research
(Organisms Containing Genes
From Another Species)

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Biotechnoloy – Grade 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 1: Week 1-2- TRANSGENIC ORGANISM IN RESEARCH
(organisms containing genes from another species)

First Edition 2021

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: RIZA B. ABAD
Editor: RIZA B. ABAD
Grammarian: ANGIE D. CORDOVA
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Management Team: RONALD G. GUTAY,
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ADM Coordinator: RYAN B. REDOBLADO

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Office Address: Department of Education – Carcar City Division

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Poblacion III, Carcar City,Cebu
____________________________________________
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 8

Biotechnology
Quarter 4 - Module 1:
Transgenic Organisms
In Research
(Organisms Containing Genes
From Another Species)

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Introductory Message

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions,
directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to
understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each

SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if
you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how
they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and
tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.

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 What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

• explain why and how scientists make transgenic organisms (i.e., organisms
that contain genes from another species).

Specifically, after going through this module, you will be able to:

1.1 identify the methods of creating transgenic organism;

1.2 enumerate examples of transgenic animals with their applications; and
1.3 cite the advantages and disadvantages of transgenic organism.

What I Know

Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.

1. Which of the following is not an example of transgenic animals?

A. Beefalo
B. Dolly sheep
C. Transgenic mice
D. Silk producing goats
2. What are the significance of transgenic animals? They are
used_______________________.
A. as model organisms
B. to study of gene regulation
C. to study of role genes in the development of certain disease
D. All of these
3. The process by which the gene of interest is transferred into the target gene with
the help of bacteria is called:
A. Bactofection
B. Physical transfection
C. Chemical transfectio
D. All of these
4. Particle bombardment, ultrasound and electroporation are methods of
_____________.
A. Physical transfection
B. Chemical transfection
C. Gene transfer
D. Bactofection

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5. The transgenic animals are created by _______________.
A. Gene transfers
B. Viral Vectors
C. Bactofection
D. All of these

What’s In

What are Transgenic Animals?

Transgenic animals are the animals with the modified genome. A foreign gene is
inserted into the genome of the animal to alter its DNA. This method is done to
improve the genetic traits of the target animal.

Initially, the improvement of genetic traits was done by selective breeding methods.
In this, the animals with desired genetic characteristics were mated to produce an
individual with improved genetic characteristics. Since this technique was time-
consuming and expensive, it was later replaced by recombinant DNA technology.

Transgenesis is the phenomenon in which a foreign gene with desired characteristics

is introduced into the genome of the target animal. The foreign gene that is
introduced is known as the transgene, and the animal whose genome is altered is
known as transgenic. These genes are passed on to the successive generations.
The transgenic animals are genetically engineered and are also known as genetically
modified organisms. The first genetically modified organism was engineered in the
year 1980.

Let us have a detailed look at the process, importance and applications of transgenic
animals.

Methods for Creating Transgenic Animals

The transgenic animals are created by the following methods:

Physical Transfection
In this method, the gene of interest is directly injected into the pronucleus of a
fertilized ovum. It is the very first method that proved to be effective in mammals.
This method was applicable to a wide variety of species. Other methods of physical
transfection include particle bombardment, ultrasound and electroporation.

Chemical Transfection
One of the chemical methods of gene transfection includes transformation. In this
method, the target DNA is taken up in the presence of calcium phosphate. The DNA
and calcium phosphate co-precipitates, which facilitates DNA uptake. The
mammalian cells possess the ability to take up foreign DNA from the culture medium.

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Retrovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer
To increase the chances of expression, the gene is transferred by means of a vector.
Since retroviruses have the ability to infect the host cell, they are used as vectors to
transfect the gene of interest into the target genome.

Viral Vectors
Viruses are used to transfect rDNA into the animal cell. The viruses possess the
ability to infect the host cell, express well and replicate efficiently.

Bactofection
It is the process by which the gene of interest is transferred into the target gene with
the help of bacteria.

Examples of Transgenic Animals

Following are the examples of transgenic animals:

Dolly Sheep
Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. In this, the
udder cells from a 6-year-old Finn Dorset white sheep were injected into an
unfertilized egg from a Scottish Blackface ewe, which had its nucleus removed. The
cell was made to fuse by electrical pulses. After the fusion of the nucleus of the cell
with the egg, the resultant embryo was cultured for six to seven days. It was then
implanted into another Scottish Blackface ewe which gave birth to the transgenic
sheep, Dolly.

Transgenic Mice
Transgenic mice are developed by injecting DNA into the oocytes or 1-2 celled
embryos taken from female mice. After injecting the DNA, the embryo is implanted
into the uterus of receptive females.

Applications Of Transgenic Animals

The transgenic animals are created because of the benefits they provide to the man.
Let us discuss a few of them here.

Normal Physiology and Development

In transgenic animals, a foreign gene is introduced due to which the growth factor is
altered. Hence, these animals facilitate the study of gene regulation and their effect
on the everyday functions of the body.

Study of Diseases
Transgenic animals are specially designed to study the role of genes in the
development of certain diseases. Moreover, in order to devise a cure for these
diseases, the transgenic animals are used as model organisms. These transgenic
models are used in research for the development of medicines. For example, we
have transgenic models for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.

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Biological Products
A number of biological products such as medicines and nutritional supplements are
obtained from transgenic animals. Research for the manufacture of medicines to
treat diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and hereditary emphysema is going
on. The first transgenic cow, Rosie (1997), produced milk containing human protein
(2.4 grams per litre). This milk contains the human gene alpha-lactalbumin and could
be given to babies as an alternative to natural cow milk.

Vaccine Safety
Transgenic animals are used as model organisms for testing the safety of vaccines
before they are injected into humans. This was conventionally done on monkeys.

Practical Uses of Transgenic Organisms

Transgenic organisms have many applications in agriculture, science, industry, and
medicine. For example, transgenic plants have been produced that are insect-
resistant to increase yield and reduce the use of pesticides (e.g., Bt corn); bacteria
have been engineered for use in biomedical research and to produce biofuels; and
transgenic animals have been used to manufacture medicines—such as human
proteins—and to create models of human disease. Scientists leverage the power of
transgenic plants, bacteria, and animals to research gene expression, create desired
gene products, or promote valuable traits.

https://bit.ly/3dJnB5J
A transgenic organism occurs when an organism is modified by inserting DNA from
an organism of another species.

Organisms may be genetically modified for any number of reasons. Genetic

modification may be performed to make organisms more vigorous, to add resistance
to specific threats, or for the goal of expressing a particular trait. It can be used for
everything from adding nutrition to staple crops for the benefit of people in the
developing world to making fish glow so that they can be sold as novelty pets.

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 https://bit.ly/3ussg1H
Transgenic organisms are often developed for agricultural purposes.

While species cannot interbreed, as a general rule, DNA from one species can
express in another. This is because DNA codes for the same thing no matter where it
is, so if a researcher can determine which part of an organism's genome codes for a
particular trait and the trait is compatible with the organism being modified, the DNA
can be successfully inserted to cause the trait to be expressed in a different species.

https://bit.ly/3pTD5Gq
Kiwis, oranges and other fruits have been genetically modified to be resistant to
certain diseases.

One of the most common reasons to develop a transgenic organism is in agriculture,

where the development of genetically modified crops has led to a number of
advances in the way in which agriculture is practiced. This organism may grow in
areas where other members of the species cannot, may be easier to harvest and
handle, may be hardier, may contain more nutrition, and so forth. In some cases, the
organisms are rendered sterile so they cannot interbreed, for the purpose of

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protecting patents and to prevent transgenic organisms from cross-breeding with wild
relatives.

Another area in which some transgenic organisms are used is in scientific research.
Transgenic mice, for example, are used for a variety of studies in which researchers
want to be able to study traits from one species in a more convenient setting. Mice
can be modified with human DNA for the purpose of testing medical treatments and
seeing how they might behave in a human.

There is some controversy over the practice of genetic modification. Some advocates
are concerned that interbreeding between transgenic and wild organisms could have
unforeseen consequences, and others worry that consuming things like transgenic
organisms could be dangerous.

https://bit.ly/2O12yAt
A transgenic organism is an organism which has been modified by inserting the DNA
of another species into it as an embryo.

What’s New

Producing a transgenic plant

The most common method for producing transgenic plants is Agrobacterium-
mediated transformation (Figure 8.8.18.8.1). Agrobacterium tumifaciens is a soil
bacterium that, as part of its natural pathogenesis, injects its own tumor-inducing (Ti)
plasmid into cells of a host plant. The natural Ti plasmid encodes growth-promoting
genes that cause a gall (i.e. tumor) to form on the plant, which also provides an
environment for the pathogen to proliferate. Molecular biologists have engineered the
Ti plasmid by removing the tumor-inducing genes and adding restriction sites that
make it convenient to insert any DNA of interest. This engineered version is called
a T-DNA (transfer-DNA) plasmid; the bacterium transfers a linear fragment of this
plasmid that includes the conserved “left-border (LB)”, and right-border (RB)” DNA
sequences, and anything in between them (up to about 10 kb). The linear T-DNA
fragment is transported into the nucleus, where it recombines with the host-DNA,
probably wherever random breakages occur in the host’s chromosomes.

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 Figure1: https://bit.ly/3pNqSTH

Production of a transgenic plant using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The

bacterium has been transformed with a T-DNA plasmid that contains the transgene
and a selectable marker that confers resistance to a herbicide or antibiotic. A
bacterial culture and plant tissue (e.g. a leaf punch) are co-cultured on growth
medium in a Petri dish. Some of the plant cells will become infected by the bacterium,
which will transfer the T-DNA into the plant cytoplasm. In some cases the transgene
will become integrated into the chromosomal DNA of a plant cell. In the presence of
certain combinations of hormones, the plant cells will dedifferentiate into a mass of
cells called callus. The presence of a selective agent (e.g. herbicide or antibiotic) in
the growth medium prevents untransformed cells from dividing. Therefore, each
callus ideally consists only of transgenic plant cells.

The resistant calli are transferred to media with other combinations of hormones that
promote organogenesis, i.e. differentiation of callus cells into shoots and then roots.
The regenerated transgenic plants are transferred to soil. Their seeds can be
harvested and tested to ensure that the transgene is stably inherited. (Original-
Deyholos-CC:AN)

In Arabidopsis and a few other species, flowers can simply be dipped in a

suspension of Agrobacterium, and ~1% of the resulting seeds will be transformed. In
most other plant species, cells are induced by hormones to form a mass of
undifferentiated tissues called a callus. The Agrobacterium is applied to a callus and
a few cells are transformed, which can then be induced by other hormones to
regenerate whole plants (Figure 8.8.28.8.2). Some plant species are resistant (i.e.
“recalcitrant”) to transformation by Agrobacterium. In these situations, other
techniques must be used such as particle bombardment, whereby DNA is non-

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covalently attached to small metallic particles, which are accelerated by compressed
air into callus tissue, from which complete transgenic plants can sometimes be
regenerated. In all transformation methods, the presence of a selectable marker (e.g.
a gene that confers antibiotic resistance or herbicide resistance) is useful for
distinguishing transgenic cells from non-transgenic cells at an early stage of the
transformation process.

Producing a transgenic mouse

In a commonly used method for producing a transgenic mouse, stem cells are
removed from a mouse embryo, and a transgenic DNA construct is transferred into
the stem cells using electroporation, and some of this transgenic DNA enters the
nucleus, where it may undergo homologous recombination (Figure 8.8.38.8.3). The
transgenic DNA construct contains DNA homologous to either side of a locus that is
to be targeted for replacement. If the objective of the experiment is simply to delete
(“knock-out”) the targeted locus, the host’s DNA can simply be replaced by
selectable marker, as shown. It is also possible to replace the host’s DNA at this
locus with a different version of the same gene, or a completely different gene,
depending on how the transgenic construct is made. Cells that have been transfected
and express the selectable marker (i.e. resistance to the antibiotic neomycin
resistance, neoR, in this example) are distinguished from unsuccessfully transfected
cells by their ability to survive in the presence of the selective agent (e.g. an
antibiotic). Transfected cells are then injected into early stage embryos, and then are
transferred to a foster mother. The resulting pups are chimeras, meaning that only
some of their cells are transgenic. Some of the chimeras will produce gametes that
are transgenic, which when mated with a wild-type gamete, will produce mice that
are hemizygous for the transgene. Unlike the chimeras, these hemizygotes carry the
transgene in all of their cells. Through further breeding, mice that are homozygous for
the transgene can be obtained.

https://bit.ly/2ZKY6Zz
Organogenesis of flax shoots from calli.

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 Figure2. https://bit.ly/2O2wrQX
Production of a transgenic mouse. Stem cells are removed from an embryo and are
transfected (using electroporation) with a transgenic construct that bears a neomycin
resistance gene (neor) flanked by two segments of DNA homologous to a gene of
interest. In the nucleus of a transgenic cell, some of the foreign DNA will recombine
with the targeted gene, disrupting the targeted gene and introducing the selectable
marker. Only cells in which neor has been incorporated will survive selection. These
neomycin resistant cells are then transplanted into another embryo, which will grow
into a chimera within a foster mother.

Watch Video on transgenic ORGANISM: https://bit.ly/3dKDHfq

What is transgenic organism? _____________________________

How is it done? _________________________________________

What example of organism is being cited in the video? ______________

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 What is It

Examples of transgenic animals

There are a history of animal cloning studies that have been conducted on different
animals. These animals and methods include:
Frogs: in 1952 cloning of frogs through nuclear transfer.

https://bit.ly/37KGd17

Dolly the sheep: 1994, first mammal cloned from a somatic cell nuclear transfer.

https://bit.ly/3qS3plV

Cows, Noto and Kaga: were cloned in Japan in order to provide for better meat and
milk production.

https://bit.ly/3uu8seq

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Mira the goat: cloned in 1998, Mira was the precursor of engineering cattle that were
created in such a way to be able to ‘‘produce’’ drugs useful to the human body.

https://bit.ly/3dIRzqk

CC the cloned cat: in 2001, the company Genetic Savings & Clone, cloned a
domestic cat for commercial purposes.

https://bit.ly/37KFRrj
Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua the monkeys: these two were the first primates to be
cloned with the same techniques used for Dolly in the year 2017.

https://bit.ly/3pQrY15

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 Transgenic animals: advantages and disadvantages
Currently, transgenesis is a very controversial issue for several reasons. The
positive and negatives of cloning vary on the country where it is taking place, the
laws within that country and how the animal welfare is regulated and taken into
consideration.
The advantages and disadvantages of animal cloning may include:
Advantages
• Improvement for research, from the point of view of genome.
• Benefits for animal production and health.
• Advances in studies of animal and human diseases, such as cancer.
• Drug production.
• Organ and tissue donation.
• Creation of genetic banks to prevent the extinction of the species.

Disadvantages
• By modifying existing species, we can put indigenous species at risk.
• The introduction of new proteins when they previously did not exist can cause the
appearance of allergies.
• The place where the new gene is placed in the genome may be, in some cases,
indeterminate. Therefore, expected results may be incorrect.
• Live animals are used, so it is essential to do an ethical examination and
determine how novel and important the results of the experiment could be.

What’s More

Transgenic Organisms:
Arrange the following steps in creating a transgenic organism in order by
numbering the steps from 1-5.
____ Put the DNA back into Organism
____ Insert the DNA into the DNA of Organism 2 (mix them)
____ Take the desired gene from Organism 1
____ Organism 2 has a new trait
____ Organism 2 undergoes mitosis

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 What I Have Learned

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS SUBSTANTIALLY.

1. Based on some of the concerns on “Transgenic Organisms” How do you feel
about them?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. What is the top concern that you find most alarming?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do

List two (2) organisms from the five (5) given choices you would like to modify,
give the genes you would want to add to your organisms, why have you
chosen these genes, and what is the use of the organism for?
ORAGNISM NAME KEY GENE GM USE
1. Phyllomedusa bicolor DRS B1 Properties of To prevent blight and
Giant Leaf Frog gene product bacterial diseases in
B1dermaseptin protein potato crops.
kills bacteria and fungi.

2. Bosprimigenius Cattle Chymosin is a protease GM bacteria produce the

enzyme that curdles milk. enzyme which is purified
and used to make
cheese. Previously
chymosin was extracted
from the stomachs of
calves so cheese made in
this way was not
acceptable to
vegetarians. 80-90% of
the cheese sold in Britain
is made with GM bovine
chymosin.

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3. Aequorea Victoria GFP -Green Fluorescent The gene is extensively
Jellyfish Protein glows under UV used as a marker to
light. reveal which organisms
have taken up a foreign
gene and in which tissues
the gene is switched on.
Spin-offs include Glo-Fish
and NeonMice sold as
pets in the USA.
4. Androctonus australis AaHIT1 -Properties of To kill insects on GM
hector Scorpion gene products Toxic to cotton crops.
insects but not harmful to
mammals.
5. Hepatitis B virus HBsAg - Surface antigen GM potatoes eaten raw in
of virus stimulates an small quantities boost
immune response in immunity to hepatitis B.
humans if injected or given Cheap way of delivering
orally vaccines in developing
world.

Creature 1:
ORGANISM NAME: ___________________________________
GENE: ______________________________________
GM USE: ______________________________________
REASON: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Creature 2:
ORGANISM NAME: ___________________________________
GENE: ______________________________________
GM USE: ______________________________________
REASON: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

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 Assessment

Directions: Choose the best letter of your answer.

1.Transgenic organisms are also known as _____.

A. genetically morphed organisms
B. genetically modified organisms
C. nuclear injected organisms
D.stem cells
2. Several procedures involved in the creation of a transgenic organism are listed.
1. A specific gene is identified in DNA.
2. The DNA fragment is placed in a plasmid.
3. The DNA fragment of interest is isolated.
4. The plasmid is transferred to a bacterial cell.
5. A plasmid is cut by a restriction enzyme.
Which selection represents the correct order of events in creating a transgenic
organism?
A. 1, 3, 2, 4, 5 B. 3, 5, 2, 4, 1 C. 1, 3, 5, 2, 4 D. 4. 3, 1, 4, 2, 5
3. Why are bacteria useful for creating transgenic organisms?
A. They grow rapidly
B. They can be grown under controlled conditions
C.They reproduce rapidly
D.All are correct
4. What has been an advantage of producing transgenic plants
A. Increasing the food supply
B. Using more pesticides
C. Producing clones
D. Studying human genes
5. In order to insert a human gene into plasmid, both must
A. code for the same gene product.
B. be cut by the same restriction enzyme.
C. originate from the same type of cell.
D. have identical sequences.
6. Glowing cats that contain jellyfish bioluminescence genes inserted into their DNA
are an example of?
A. Neon dye
B. Transgenic
C. Cloning
D. Gene therapy
7. An organism in which foreign genes have been incorporated is called a:
A. Recombinant organism
B. Transgene recombinant
C. Polymorphism
D. Transgenic organism

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8. Scientists have produced plants that are resistant to herbicides. Which application
of biotechnology is most likely being used?
A. Genetic cloning
B. Electrophoresis
C. DNA fingerprinting
D. Genetic engineering
9. Which would be the benefit of a transgenic crop?
A. Decreased drought tolerance
B. Decreased disease resistance
C. Increased resistance to pests
D. Increased demands for nutrients
10. Maggie is a transgenic goat. How does being transgenic make Maggie different
from non-transgenic goats?
A. Maggie has DNA from both of her parents.
B. Maggie has DNA that winds around proteins.
C. Maggie has DNA implanted from another organism
D. Maggie has DNA that uses a different coding system.

Additional Activities

Draw or make a poster of any creature mentioned from “ WHAT I CAN DO”
part of the module on a short bond paper. Choose at least one (1) creature.
RUBRICS:
Modification – what genetic change was made to the food - 5 points
Drawing or sketch of transgenic organism with caption - 5 points
Benefits of the transgenic organism - 2 points
Risks of the transgenic organism - 2 points
Overall Poster and Presentation Appeal - 6 points
TOTAL: 20 points

TRANSGENIC ORGANISM

POSTER

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 Answer Key

What I Know
1. A
2. D
3. A
4. A
5. D

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ( answers vary)

WHAT I CAN DO ( Answers vary)
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY- rubric based
Assessment
1. B 6. B
2. C 7. D
3. D 8.D
4. A 9.C
5. B 10.C

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References

ONLINE SOURCES:
RETRIEVED FROM:
https://bit.ly/3bE7TGk
https://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-transgenic-organisms.htm
https://www.jove.com/science-education/10809/transgenic-organisms

1 Genetic Transformation Of Mouse Embryos By Microinjection Of Purified DNA.

Yale University, Department of Biology and Department of Human Genetics.

2 Embryo-Derived Stem Cells: Of Mice and Men. University of Edinburgh, Centre of

Genome Research.

3 Use of Transgenic Animals in Biotechnology: Prospects and Problems. Acta

Nature. NCBI.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Carcar City Division (Learning Resources

Management Section)

P. Nellas St., Poblacion III, Carcar City , Cebu, Philippines 6019

Tel. No. 4878495

Email Address : carcarcitydivision@yahoo.com

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