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Learning Activity Sheet

in

General Biology 2
Quarter 3 - Week 4
Outline the processes involved in Genetic Engineering
General Biology 2 – Grade 11
Learning Activity Sheet
Quarter 3 – Week 4: Outline the processes involved in Genetic Engineering
First Edition, 2022

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ROWENA T. QUIAMBAO, CESE
CECILIA E. VALDERAMA, PhD

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 Welcome! You are about to begin your journey in learning about Genetic
engineering.

The activities in this Learning Activity Sheet are used to facilitate your
learning and acquisition of the desired competency in General Biology 2.
After going through with this lesson, you are expected to:

1. explain the different stage involved in genetic engineering.

2. know the different uses of genetically modified organisms.
3. evaluate the benefits and risks of using genetically modified products.
4. design a genetically modified plant and animal that can address the
current problems of the country on the pandemic, environmental
pollution, and shortages in food and clean water.

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology states that DNA contains

instructions for making a protein, which are copied by RNA. RNA then uses
the instructions to make a protein. In short, it can be summarized DNA to RNA
to Protein.
Proteins are the final products in the Central Dogma of Molecular
Biology. They are called the building blocks of life because they have diverse
functions in the body. Proteins are composed of numerous of amino acid chain
known as polypeptide chain.

CSI: IN SEARCH OF THE ARSONIST

An arsonist mutant razed the science laboratory and burned it to the
ground. The school was in chaos, and everybody demanded to know who the
culprit is. You are the police investigator assigned to solve this case of arson.
You must find that arsonist immediately. In your investigation, you
discovered a small quantity of blood and a sample of skin on a piece of
broken glass from the window where the thief entered. To get the DNA of the
culprit, you need to arrange the following sequence involved in Central
Dogma in its proper order.

1. DNA Replication
G - DNA helicase will unzip the DNA into two single strands.
C - DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments and the template together.
T - DNA polymerase halts when it reaches the end of the template strand.
A - DNA polymerase will bring complementary Okazaki fragments.
T - Replication fork is formed which will be the template for
replication. G - Two DNA molecules are formed.
SEQUENCE:
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 2. DNA Transcription
T - Different nucleotides are added to the growing RNA
chain. C - DNA information will first be transcribed to mRNA.
T - One single strand of DNA will be used as a template.
A - RNA polymerase binds to DNA to separate it into 2 strands.
G - RNA polymerase reaches the terminator site ending the transcription.
C - mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm.
SEQUENCE:

3. RNA Translation
A - mRNA attaches to a ribosome when it enters the cytoplasm.
G - Polypeptide chain is gradually formed.
C - ribosome encounters a stop codon which terminates translation.
T - ribosome move through the mRNA codons and succeeding tRNAs will
carry anticodons and amino acids.
A - The completed protein is then released in the cytoplasm.
C - The presence of the start codon (AUG) initiates translation.
G - tRNA will bring anticodons complementary to the mRNA codons.
C - tRNA will locate and bind at the start codon of mRNA.
C - protein is ready for use.
SEQUENCE:

DNA OF THE CULPRIT:

GENETIC ENGINEERING DEFINED

Genetic Engineering deals with the techniques of identifying,

manipulating, and transferring specific portions of the genes from one
organism to another to produce characteristics faster and more precisely
than normal breeding process (Mañ osa & Talaue, 2007). It is done through
Biotechnology, the use of organisms to perform certain tasks to benefit
humankind.
A key tool in genetic engineering is recombinant DNA technology.
Recombinant DNA refers to the DNA that has been altered by the
recombination of genes from a different organism and species. It allows genes
from different sources, even different species, to be combined into a single DNA
molecule.
Plants and animals that express the DNA that has been modified are
called Transgenic or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Transgenic
organisms are organisms to which the DNA from another species has been
inserted. On the other hand, a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an
organism that has been produced through the technique of genetic
engineering.

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STAGES INVOLVED IN RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

1. ISOLATION STAGE - DNA recombination starts with the identification

of a gene of interest from a donor cell and isolation of a plasmid from
a bacterial cell. Plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule carrying
several genes and can replicate itself. It is used by biologists to move the
DNA-containing genes into bacteria.

Figure 1. Isolation stage

2. CUTTING STAGE - The gene of interest is cut from its parent DNA
molecule using restriction enzymes, leaving the single stranded DNA
hanging off the ends of the fragments. Both ends of the gene of interest
are called “sticky ends”. The portion of the vector plasmid to which the
gene of interest will be inserted is also cut using the restriction enzymes.

Figure 2. Cutting stage

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3. INSERTION AND LIGATION STAGE - The gene of interest will be
inserted to the vector plasmid. Both “sticky ends” of the gene of interest
and vector plasmid will be combined using DNA ligase. It is an enzyme
that will connect the complementary sticky ends of the two DNA
fragments together.

Figure 3. Insertion and Ligation stage

4. TRANSFORMATION STAGE - The modified plasmid containing the

gene of interest is now called the recombinant plasmid. The
recombinant plasmid will be put back into a bacterial cell. The cell now
has the directions contained in the recombinant plasmid to manifest
the genes.

Figure 4. Transformation stage

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 5. EXPRESSION STAGE - Expression is getting the organism with the
recombinant DNA to reproduce, making many copies of the organism
having the desired genes. The bacterial cell with the recombinant
plasmid will replicate. This procedure is called gene cloning.

Figure 5. Expression stage

METHODS USED IN RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

 Gel electrophoresis is used in Forensic science to compare DNA

fragments from cells recovered from the crime scene to the DNA of the
suspect. The suspect with the nearest number of base pairs to the
recovered DNA will be considered as the most probable suspect.
 DNA sequencing is a method used to provide the order of nucleotides
in a DNA strand.
 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a method of cloning a gene for
further studies. It is important in detecting diseases or infectious
agents.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO)

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an organism that has been
transformed by the insertion of a foreign gene(s) obtained from another
organism.
The issue of GMOs as they relate to food supply is an ongoing highly
debatable issue. Some claims that GMO crops are helping to solve issues
concerning hunger, environmental sustainability and an increasing global
population, while others believe they’re doing more harm than good. There are
two principal scientific objections in the use of GMOs:
(1) they may be hazardous to human health.
(2) They may be hazardous to the environment.
These are only some of the issues that must be resolved with the advances
in the field of genetic engineering.

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SOME GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS WITH THE
PECULIAR TRAITS THEY POSSESS

 Bt corn with insecticidal gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. Bt corn

eliminates corn borers, the number one insect pest of corn in Asia.
Though Bt corn showed resistance to insect pests, it also killed 30% of
the beneficial insects like the bees in the test field.
 Venomous cabbage. A gene from a scorpion tail is inserted into a
cabbage. The cabbage now produces the chemical that kills insects
who are damaging the crops. The toxin is modified so it isn’t harmful to
humans.
 Bacteria with human insulin gene. Humulin was produced by
genetically modified bacteria. Diabetic patients were able to use this
product instead of insulin extracted from cattle, pigs, or pancreas of
human cadavers which are much more expensive.
 Bacteria with somatostatin gene. Somatostatin is a hormone
naturally produced by the brain. In the past, it took half a million sheep
brains to produce 5 mg of somatostatin. Today, it takes only a few
litters of bacteria with somatostatin gene to produce the needed
amount of hormone to treat a child with gigantism.
 Transgenic pigs. Pigs were genetically modified using human genes to
increase the success rate of using pig organs to replace damaged
human organs. However, there are issues with virus transmission from
one species to another.
 Sheep with human clotting gene produces clotting factor in their
milk. This is beneficial in treating people suffering from haemophilia.
 Genetically modified yeast cells produce vaccine against the
hepatitis B virus has been a major success story.
 Bacterium with cow gene that controls production of growth
hormone. The transgenic bacteria can produce the growth hormone in
commercial quantities which can be injected into cows to increase
body weight and milk production.
 Tomato with Antarctic fish antifreeze gene. The antifreeze gene
prevents the synthesis of ethylene, the fruit ripening hormone in
plants. Thus, ripening of the fruits of these tomatoes are delayed,
preventing food spoilage during transport.
 Super salmons with growth genes from larger fish species.
Transgenic salmon grows up to eight times larger than the normal
salmon. Some ended up with very large heads, died due to poor
eyesight, difficulty in breathing, and improper feeding habits.

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Directions: Identify which stage involved in the process of recombinant DNA
technology does the following situations belong. Choose your answer from the
choices below.

A. ISOLATION STAGE
B. CUTTING STAGE
C. INSERTION AND LIGATION STAGE
D. TRANSFORMATION STAGE
E. EXPRESSION STAGE

1. Connecting the sticky ends of the gene of interest and vector plasmid.
2. Cutting the gene of interest from its parent DNA molecule.
3. Formation of a recombinant plasmid.
4. Identifying the gene of interest.
5. Inserting the gene of interest in the plasmid.
6. Isolation of a vector plasmid from a bacterial cell.
7. Organism with the recombinant DNA will reproduce.
8. Putting the recombinant plasmid in a bacterial cell.
9. The genetically modified bacteria will replicate.
10 Using restriction enzyme to cut a portion of the vector plasmid.

Directions: Using the clues below, complete the crossword puzzle with the
appropriate words.

1 8
6
2 9

7
3 10

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 HORIZONTAL VERTICAL

1. An enzyme used as cutting 6. The use of organisms to

tools to remove a gene from perform certain tasks to
one DNA molecule into benefit humankind.
another. 7. A DNA-associated enzyme that
2. This happens when a gene connects the complementary
from one organism is sticky ends of the two DNA
transferred to a different fragments.
organism. 8. A stage in the process of
3. Refers to the DNA that has genetic engineering which
been altered by the involves the identification of a
recombination of genes from a gene of interest from a donor.
different organism and 9. A stage where the gene of
species. interest is combined with the
4. This stage involves removing vector plasmid.
the gene of interest from its 10. This stage involves re-joining
parent DNA molecule. cut fragments of DNA to form
5. A stage where bacterial cell the recombinant plasmid.
with the recombinant plasmid
replicates, making many
copies of the desired genes.

Answer the following questions about recombinant DNA technology and

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Cite your references. (10 points
each).

SCORING RUBRIC
Logic and consistency 4 points
Valid and consistent scientific concepts to support
4 points
the answer
Grammatical correctness 2 points
Total 10 Points

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 CRITICAL THINKING

1. One important factor to be considered in organ transplant is the

compatibility of the donor and the recipient. To test for compatibility,
the proteins of the donor are studied if they match the proteins of the
recipient. If the proteins do not match, the immune system of the
recipient may reject the transplanted organ. To solve this problem,
doctors have learned to develop a strain of transgenic pigs that can
provide donor hearts to humans. How can cloning be helpful in
providing donor hearts for human recipients?

2. Do you have any ethical concerns about the use and consumption of
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)? Do you think genetic
engineers play God when they manipulate the genes of organisms?
Why or why not?

3. Express your views about Genetically Modified products.

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 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
(DATA SHEET)

Analyze the given genetically modified organisms and classify these

organisms by putting a check mark (✓) on what you perceive as good or bad
GMOs. State the reason behind your perception. Note: what you consider as
good GMO may be bad for another.

A. Fill in the table below.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

GMO TABLE GOOD BAD REASON
GMO GMO
Bt corn with
insecticidal gene

Venomous cabbage

Bacteria with human

insulin gene

Bacteria with
somatostatin gene

Transgenic pigs

Sheep with human

clotting gene

Transgenic yeast
producing hepa
vaccine
Bacterium with cow gene
that produce growth
hormones.
Tomato with Antarctic fish
antifreeze gene

salmons with growth

genes from larger fish

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 ON TO BEING A GENETIC ENGINEER
Given the current problems of the country on the pandemic, environmental
pollution, and shortages in food and clean water, assume that you are a
geneticist who can address these problems. Do the following below.
1. For animals
a. Design and draw an animal that you have genetically modified to
address a certain disease or absence or presence of a trait that
can make it an effective source of food.
b. Discuss in detail the organism that you modified.

Cartographic sketch Description

2. For plants
a. Design and draw a crop that you have genetically modified to
address a certain disease, vulnerability, or absence or presence
of a trait that can make it an effective source of food.
b. Discuss in detail the organism that you modified.

Cartographic sketch Description

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Directions: Multiple Choice. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Manufacturing recombinant DNA molecules involves cutting a gene

from its normal location. Which of the following is used to cut the gene
from its normal location?
a. Plasmid c. restriction enzyme
b. vector d. DNA ligase

2. What does the term DNA cloning refer to?

a. Ligating a DNA fragment of interest into a vector, such as the
plasmid
b. Cutting DNA molecules using restriction enzymes
c. The act of making identical copies of a DNA molecule
d. Putting a foreign gene into a cell

3. What word is used to refer the use of living organisms, life processes, or
their products to modify human life and its environment?
a. Genetic engineering c. Recombinant DNA technology
b. Biotechnology d. DNA technology

4. Which of the following is used to connect the “sticky ends” of the gene
of interest and vector plasmid?
a. Restriction enzyme c. DNA ligase
b. Plasmid d. Transformation

5. Arrange the following process involved in genetic engineering in its

proper order.
I. The recombinant plasmid is put back into a bacterial cell,
where it can replicate, making many copies of a desired
genes.
II. A plasmid is removed from a bacterial cell.
III. The desired gene from any kind of cell is inserted into the
plasmid.
IV. The desired gene is identified.

a. II-IV-III-I c. IV-II-III-I
b. I-II-III-IV d. IV-III-II-I

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6. Arrange the following process involved in genetic engineering in its
proper order.
I. Identification of a gene of interest
II. The bacterial cell with the recombinant plasmid will
replicate.
III. the gene of interest and vector plasmid will be combined
or connected.
IV. The gene of interest is cut from its parent DNA molecule
using restriction enzymes.
V. The recombinant plasmid will be put back into a bacterial
cell.

a. I-IV-III-V-II c. I-III-IV-II-V
b. I-II-III-IV-V d. IV-I-III-V-II

7. When does transformation happen?

a. When both “sticky ends” of the gene of interest and vector plasmid
is combined or connected.
b. When a gene from one organism is transferred to a different
organism.
c. When an organism with the recombinant DNA to produce the
desired genes.
d. When the bacterial cell with the recombinant plasmid replicates,
making many copies of the desired gene.

8. A fire breathing mutant razed the science laboratory to the ground. The
school was in chaos. A fresh DNA sample was obtained from the crime
scene, believed to have been left by the mutant arsonist. Which of the
following methods can be used to compare the DNA fragments found on
the crime scene to that of the suspect?
a. Polymerase Chain Reaction c. Gene cloning
b. Gel electrophoresis d. Finger printing

9. In 1989, a test for detecting Huntington’s allele in individuals was

developed. Which of the following methods used in Recombinant DNA
Technology could have been used to detect the Huntington’s disease
on individuals?
a. DNA sequencing c. Gel electrophoresis
b. Gene cloning d. Polymerase Chain Reaction

10. Assume that you are a scientist working for the Department of Health
(DOH) and you are tasked to clone the genes of coronavirus for further
studies. Which of the following methods can you use?
a. Polymerase Chain Reaction
b. DNA sequencing
c. Gene cloning
d. Gel electrophoresis

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11. Which of the following is used to provide the order of nucleotides in a
DNA strand?
a. DNA sequencing c. Gel electrophoresis
b. Gene cloning d. Polymerase Chain Reaction

12. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about Genetically Modified

Organisms (GMO)?
a. It is an organism that has been transformed by the insertion of a
foreign gene(s) obtained from another organism.
b. It possesses enhanced traits or qualities.
c. All GMOs are hazardous to human health and to the environment.
d. None of the above.

13. All of the following are benefits of GMOs EXCEPT:

a. A gene from a scorpion tail is inserted into a cabbage. The
cabbage now produces that chemical, killing insects who are
damaging the crops.
b. Humulin was produced by genetically modified bacteria. Diabetic
patients were able to use this product instead of insulin extracted
from cattle, pigs, or pancreas of human cadavers which are much
more expensive.
c. Pigs were genetically modified using human genes to increase
the success rate of using pig organs to replace damaged human
organs. However, there are issues with virus transmission from
one species to another.
d. Sheep with human clotting gene produces clotting factor in their
milk which is beneficial in treating Hemophiliacs.

14. Which is true about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

a. It may be hazardous to Human Health
b. It may be hazardous to the environment.
c. It is produced through the technique of genetic engineering.
d. All of the above.

15. ALL BUT ONE of the following are controversies on the use of GMOs.
Which one?
a. Though Bt corn showed resistance to insect pests, it also killed
30% of the beneficial insects like the bees in the test field
b. Transgenic salmon grows up to eight times larger than the
normal salmon. Some ended up with very large heads, died due
to poor eyesight, difficulty in breathing, and improper feeding
habits.
c. Tomato with Antarctic fish antifreeze gene gives tomato a longer
shelf life.
d. The use of transgenic pigs in organ transplant poses threat of
virus transmission.

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos Bulacan
E-mail Address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph

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