Directions: One of the major controversies in genetics is the use of biotechnology techniques to genetically alter organisms.  Proponents argue that we now have the technology to do great things to advance human understanding and health, while opponents argue that there may be an ethical and social cost of this research that is too high.  Read the articles and answer the questions below about the biology and the controversies surrounding biotechnologies.  You will need to answer some factual questions, as well as questions that look at the ethical implications of the controversies.  Read the articles and answer the questions that follow.  The questions related to specific articles follow directly after the articles themselves.

Animal Cloning

1. Stem Cell Basics (NIH)
2. Animal Cloning (genome.wellcome.ac.uk)
3. Primer on Human Cloning (actionbioscience.org)

Animal Cloning Questions

1. Outline a technique for cloning using differentiated animal cells.
2. Discuss the ethical issues of therapeutic cloning in humans.

Golden Rice

1. GM “golden rice” boosts vitamin A (BBC)
2. Pro Golden Rice (goldenrice.org)
3. Anti Golden Rice (banGMfood.org)

Golden Rice Questions

1. Outline the controversy surrounding golden rice.  Make sure to include pros and cons for both sides.
2. Discuss your opinion of golden rice.  Is it a good thing?  A bad thing?  Why?

Other Examples of Genetic Engineering (no articles linked)

1. Salt Tolerant Tomatoes
2. Herbicide-resistant Crop Plants
3. Factor IX in Sheep Milk

Other Examples of Genetic Engineering Questions

1. Pick one of the examples listed above and find an article explaining what the engineered organism is, what it does, and what, if any, controversy there is surrounding that organism.
2. Outline the controversy surrounding the organism that you chose, making sure to include the pros and cons of both sides.