Definitions
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DNAIn every living thing all the information about how that organism will look and function is carried in a material called deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. In a human body, for instance, DNA tells the body what colour the eyes should be and how big the feet will grow. Each different piece of information is carried on a specific segment of the DNA. These segments are called genes.
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GeneticsGenetics, study of heredity in general and of genes in particular. Genetics forms one of the central pillars of biology and overlaps with many other areas, such as agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.
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HeredityHeredity, the sum of all biological processes by which particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring.
Genetic Engineering
Ethical Issues in Genetics WHO
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World Health Organisation. (2020). Genetic testing. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/genomics/elsi/gentesting/en/
Genetic tests provide an individual's genetic predisposition to disease, and for couples to be aware of the possible genetic characteristics of their unborn children. Stemming from the informative potential of genetic testing some critical ethical, legal and social issues come to the forefront.
Genetic Engineering Guide
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Genetic Engineering GuideThis guide includes a collection of online resources on genetic engineering.
Introduction
Research into DNA’s role in heredity began in the 1940s. By 1944 scientists had discovered that DNA is the basic genetic material of cells. In 1953 James Watson of the United States and Francis Crick of England discovered the structure of DNA. Their research led to an understanding of how genes reproduce and how the genetic material instructs the body’s cells to make the proteins that allow the body to function. Scientists eventually learned to pinpoint, change, copy, remove and insert specific genes. Such practices are called genetic engineering.
The principles of genetics have been used widely to develop new kinds of grains, vegetables, fruit, flowers, cattle, pigs and poultry. Medical scientists have also been able to breed special kinds of experimental animals. This has been of great help in finding cures for human diseases. The knowledge of genetics and how to use it has also made it possible to increase greatly the production of penicillin and other life-saving antibiotics. (Britannica, 2020)
Inheritance
TWIG. (n.d.). Inheritance: part 1 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www-twig-world-com.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/film/inheritance-part-1-1056/
NB: Video requires Google Chrome or Safari to view.
Gene Therapy
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"Genetic engineering." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 8 Feb. 2020. school-eb-com-au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/middle/article/genetic-engineering/274518#256541.toc. Accessed 10 Aug. 2020.
https://school-eb-com-au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/middle/article/genetic-engineering/274518#256541.toc -
BBC. (n.d.) Genetic Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr_gateway/living_growing/newgenesrev2.shtml
Genetic engineering has some potential advantages, such as being able to produce organisms with desired features quickly. On the other hand, it has some potential risks, for example, the inserted genes may have unexpected harmful effects.
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Australian Academy of Science. (2020). What is genetic modification? Retrieved from https://www.science.org.au/curious/chemistry
It’s powerful technology. Scientists can use a range of modern molecular technologies to make crops more productive or more nutritious and better for gut health. Farmers can grow crops that can better withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as drought or salty (saline) soils, or reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides.
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Finkel, E. (2019). CHASING THE MIRACLE: The revolutionary promise of gene therapy. Monthly: Australian Politics, Society & Culture, (153), 44–53. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=azh&AN=135723667&
GENE THERAPY - The article offers information on the advantages of gene therapy for various genetic illness. Topics discussed include use of gene therapy for treating child with severe combined immunodeficiency; approval of first gene therapy for a leukaemia treatment; and use of adeno-associated virus by the gene therapists for gene therapy. It also mention about use of genetic engineering to introduce the gene of interest during gene therapy.
Genetic Modification
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Carman, J., & Parletta, N. (2017). Is Genetically Modified Food Safe for Us and the Environment? Nutridate, 28(2), 3–8. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=azh&AN=123398480&site=ehost-live
GENETIC MODIFICATION - The article presents an overview of how the crops are genetically modified (GM), the potential benefits and risks of these crops, the considerations for assessing food safety and how the GM foods are currently regulated and labelled. Topics include the genes and the technology of genetic engineering, concerns over the potential production of new toxic proteins in GM plants and the gold standard for testing substance for toxicology through thorough animal testing.