Instructions: Step 1: Read letter 1 Step 2: Open data set 1 Step 3: Pick out two traits that you think will be best in extreme environments. Step 4: Write a letter back to the professor Step 5: Read letter 2 Step 6: Open data set 2, pick out 2 traits that would make you most successful Step 7: Answer reflection questions Step 8: Read article about advantages and disadvantages about bioengineering and selective breeding, answer questions Step 9: Watch bioengineering TedTalk and answer questions
Dear Students,
The Xtitute is a research organization comprised of the greatest geneticists and researchers in the world. We are developing a cutting edge process of genetic engineering capable of revolutionizing what it means to be human. We are currently working on a series of genetic modifications in order to make humans more capable of exploring other worlds and dangerous landscapes. We need your help in developing a process through which we can select the most beneficial genotypes to use in our parent gametes.
After these cells become fertilized, we can use the stem cells produced to modify existing cells with great new abilities. Your job is to tell us what two genotypes we should use in our two parent gametes. Our scientists have discovered 3 specific genes, capable of producing a variety of traits, such as enhanced strength, toxic resistance, and photosynthetic skin. You need to make your decision based on what you feel would be the most helpful traits for someone exploring new planets or dangerous environments.
After you have made your decision, please write back to us and explain your selection. Be sure to list the full array of possible offspring from your selection. This may be easier if you simply draw out a Punnett Square for each of your selected genes. Then, explain why you feel your selection would be the best choice for developing an explorer for dangerous environments. Lastly, please write out the step by step process that you used to come to your decision.
Our geneticists are hard at work looking for more hidden capabilities inside the human genome, and elsewhere! We want to be sure that if we discover anything new, we can use the same process to select our next parent cells.
Our team, ____________________________________________, has selected the two genotypes that we suggest for each of the parent gametes:
Parent 1: ______ and ______
Parent 2: ______ and ______
The Punnett Squares for the possible combinations are shown here:
The reason that we selected these genotypes is:
The process that we used to come up with these selections is as follows:
Sincerely, _____________________
Letter 2 Dear Students, We are happy to inform you that our first series of tests has gone smoothly! We have since discovered another gene that we would like you to investigate. Using some genetic coding from various reptiles, we have developed a gene that can greatly enhance the ability of the human body to heal. Unfortunately, we have also discovered that there are a few drawbacks of which we were not initially aware. These are likely a result of the genetic combination from creatures not closely related to humans. We have indicated the known drawbacks on your data table.
Given your contributions to our research, we would like to offer you the chance to be our next test subjects. However, you must still reach a decision as a group using a modified version of your previous process. We can only develop two pair of genes, so we cannot yet individually cater to your desires. This decision should now be made as to what two pairs of genes would give you the greatest chance to succeed in your life. Discuss with your colleagues what that means to you, and then write us back to let us know which two gene sets you would like us to fuse to your DNA. Again, please write out the Punnett Squares and explain your decision making process so that we may use it again in the future.
We will contact you one week after receiving your letter to make arrangements for your procedure. A team from our agency will pick you up and bring you in once we have you scheduled. The process takes about 1 week to complete. I look forward to meeting the “new you” once we are finished!
Regards, Professor C. Xavier Head Scientist The Xtitute
What phenotypes do you think will help make you successful?
What does being successful mean to you?
Are the drawbacks too much for it to be worth it?
What about the chance of success?
Now that you have picked out some traits that you think will be most advantageous for extreme environments, read this article. On the same paper as your letter, write down 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages to bioengineering. After that, read the article before the pros and cons about selective breeding. In your own words, write a paragraph summarizing selective breeding.
Video Questions:
1. List 5 of the animals that were experimented on and what was done.
2. Which experiment was the most interesting?
3. Describe what happened with the monkey and the robotic arm.
4. If you could mix two animals, what would they be and why?
5. What are some of the ethics that are discussed here?