Science
LO: explore selective breeding and genetic engineering
Before half term, we saw how variation drives natural selection over a long period of time: organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive long enough to reproduce and pass on their genes. For thousands of years, humans have tried to speed up this process by deliberately breeding organisms with a desirable trait. This is called selective breeding.
TASK ONE
For each scenario, choose the cow and the bull most likely to produce a calf that will make the farmer the most money. You do not need to write this down.
Now that humans have an understanding of DNA and genetics, we can make the process even faster through genetic engineering.
TASK TWO
Watch the video: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/clips/zydvcdm
Read this pdf.
Copy and complete the table using the information in the pdf. You can do this on paper or in a new word document.
| example | why it was created |
| BT corn | |
| Golden rice | |
| Superspuds | |
| Venomous cabbage | |
| Flavr Savr tomatoes | |
| Banana vaccines | |
| Glofish | |
| Spider-goat | |
| AquAdvantage salmon |
TASK THREE
Genetic engineering can be controversial. List 5 ways in which genetic engineering helps and 5 concerns that people have.
EXTENSION (optional)
Research how genetic engineering is being used to create a COVID-19 vaccine.