SHS

General Biology 2
Quarter 3: Week 1 - Module 1
Genetic Engineering
STEM - General Biology 2
Grade 12 Quarter 3: Week 1 - Module 1: Genetic Engineering
First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Melanie B. Bernaldez , T-III

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

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Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

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Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

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Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D, EPS in Charge of Science
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 General Biology 2
Quarter 1: Week 1 - Module 1:
Genetic Engineering
 Target

The central Dogma of molecular biology explains the flow of genetic

information and the molecular mechanism in understanding how genotype translate
to phenotype, it became apparent then that changing an organismal trait is possible
by altering its genetic make-up known as genetic engineering.
You have learned already from your grade 8 Biological science about the
Central Dogma of Molecular Biology which covers the lesson on nucleic acid and its
types- DNA and RNA and their structures and the flow of genetic information from
genes to proteins through the process of DNA replication, transcription, translation
in order to make an enormous variations of proteins. You have learned also about
heredity and variation wherein traits are being inherited by the off springs from their
parents and that desirable and undesirable traits of an off springs including diseases
can be inherited from their parents. But the possibility to enhance a good trait will
be possible now through the process of genetic engineering.
This module will make you understand more about genetic engineering
including the processes and techniques used and the different applications of genetic
engineering.

After going through this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Outline the processes involved in genetic engineering (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIa-b-6)

2. Discuss the applications of recombinant DNA. (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIa-b-7)

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 LM
1 Genetic Engineering

Many people are unaware that humans have been practicing genetic engineering
since the ancient times. Selective breeding or classical breeding in agricultural crops
and livestock has actually altered the genetic make-up of these organisms over the
centuries in such a way that they no longer resemble their non-domesticated
relatives. This practice has been common long before genes were discovered.

Jumpstart

Do the activity below to know about desirable and enhanced

traits and traits modification in both plants and animals.
Good luck!

Activity 1: Am I Good Enough?

Directions: Below are example of plants and animals that are common and available
in our locality. Identify at least one desirable or enhanced trait that each of them
has. The first one will be given as an example

Example of plants/animals Desirable or enhanced trait

1. Grapes Seedless fruit
2. Guapple
3. Corn
4. Rice
5. Coconut
6. Banana
7. Bittermelon
8. Cow
9.Chicken
10. Pig

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 Discover

Genetic engineering involves the use of molecular techniques to modify the traits of
a target organism. The modification of traits may involve; 1. Introduction of new traits
into an organism as to enhancement of present traits by increasing the expression
of the desired gene or by disrupting the inhibition of the desired genes’ expression.

Genetic engineering includes classical breeding which is considered as the traditional

way of genetic engineering which practices the mating of organisms with desirable
qualities and Recombinant DNA technology (rDNA), a modern technique of genetic
engineering. Recombinant DNA technology is the joining together of DNA molecules
from two different species. The recombined DNA molecule is inserted into a host
organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine,
agriculture, and industry

The general outline of

recombinant DNA are as
follows;

I. Cutting or cleavage of DNA by

restriction enzymes (REs) as
shown on steps 2 on the
diagram. Restriction enzymes
are called ‘molecular scissors’
cutting the DNA at specific
target sequences leaving a
single-stranded overhang at the
site of the cleavage (step 2).
These overhangs of the donor
DNA (gene of interest) will be
paired with other overhangs
(vector DNA).
II. Selection of an appropriate vector or vehicle which would propagate the
recombinant DNA (shown on step 1). The most commonly used as vectors are
plasmids (circular DNA molecules that originated from bacteria, viruses and yeast
cells). Plasmids are not part of the main cellular genome, but they carry genes that
provide the host cell with useful properties such as drug resistance, mating ability,
and toxins production. They are small enough to be conveniently manipulated
experimentally and furthermore, they will carry extra DNA that is spliced to them.
III. Ligation (join together) of the gene of interest (eg. from animal) with the vector
(cut bacterial plasmid) as shown on step 3 of the above diagram. The resulting
molecule is called recombinant DNA. It is recombinant in the sense that it is
composed of DNA from two different sources.

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 IV. Transfer of the recombinant
plasmid into a host cell (that would
carry out replication to make huge
copies of the recombined plasmid).
In the above diagram as shown in
steps 4, the host cell is a bacterium
known also as recombinant
bacterium which will undergo
cloning or replication of
recombinant DNA

V. Selection process to screen

which cells actually contain the
gene of interest. The next step after
cloning, therefore, is to find and
isolate that clone among other
members of the library. If the
library encompasses the whole
genome of an organism, then somewhere within that library will be the desired clone.

VI. Sequencing of the gene to find out the primary structure of the protein. Once
a segment of DNA has been cloned, its nucleotide sequence can be determined. The
nucleotide sequence is the most fundamental level of knowledge of a gene or
genome. It is the blueprint that contains the instructions for building an organism,
and no understanding of genetic function or evolution could be complete without
obtaining this information.

After the process of recombinant DNA, these plasmids or gene copies will now be
introduced to its host organisms to confer upon them the desired trait. A gene for
pest resistance for example, as shown from the image above, may be isolated, cloned
and inserted into plant cell. Alternatively, bacterial cells may express the inserted
gene in order to produce protein products. Some important human proteins like
hormones and enzymes are produced by this technique.

These are some ways in which these plasmids may be introduced into host
organisms;

1. Biolistic. In this technique, a “gene gun” is used to fire DNA-coated pellets on plant
tissues. Cells that survive the ‘bombardment’, and are able to take up the expression
plasmid coated pellets and acquire the ability to express the designed protein.

2. Plasmid insertion by Heat Shock Treatment. Heat Shock Treatment is a process

used to transfer plasmid DNA into bacteria. The target cells are pre-treated before
the procedure to increase the pore sizes of their plasma membranes. This
pretreatment (usually with CaCl2) is said to make the cells “competent” for accepting
the plasmid DNA. After the cells are made competent, they are incubated with the
desired plasmid at about 4°C for about 30min. The plasmids concentrate near the
cells during this time. Afterwards, a “Heat Shock” is done on the plasmid-cell solution
by incubating it at 42°C for 1 minute then back to 4°C for 2 minutes. The rapid

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rise and drop of temperature is believed to increase and decrease the pore sizes in
the membrane. The plasmid DNA near the membrane surface are taken into the cells
by this process. The cells that took up the plasmids acquire new traits and are said
to be “transformed”.

3. Electroporation. This technique follows a similar methodology as Heat Shock

Treatment, but, the expansion of the membrane pores is done through an electric
“shock”. This method is commonly used for insertion of genes into mammalian cells.

Explore

Recombinant DNA technology has been widely used not only in

agriculture but in making human proteins also. In your next activity,
you are going to enrich further your knowledge on the process of
recombinant DNA technology. Have fun while learning!

Enrichment Activity 1: This activity will assess your understanding on the steps of
recombinant DNA technology. Choose the best answer from the four options. See
the image/diagram for your reference.

1. Based from the rDNA technology

diagram, what does it mean by the
labelled number 1?

A. Isolation of gene of interest

B. Transformation

C. Identification of donor gene

D. Selection of donor gene

2. It is double-stranded, self-
replicating, circular DNA molecule
present in bacteria which is widely
used as a gene cloning vector. The
structure is labelled 2 in the diagram.

A. Cosmid B. Plasmid

C. Phagemid D. Genome
Source: https://iopscience.iop.org/book/978-0-7503-1299-8/chapter/bk978-0-7503-1299-
8ch3#:~:text=Introduction

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3. These enzymes are called molecular scissors which is essential in making
internal cuts in a DNA molecule or vector at specific sites. (labelled 3 and 4)

A. Restriction enzymes B. Restriction proteins

C. Polymerase D. All of these

4. In the figure labelled 6, the DNA strand is the _______.

A. Gene of interest B. Recombinant DNA

C. Chimeric DNA D. None of these

5. The vector (plasmid) with foreign gene inserted is called (labelled 8) __________.

A. Gene of interest B. Recombinant DNA

C. Chimeric DNA D. None of these

6. In the figure 10a and 10b are processes that led to the formation of protein
product encoded by the gene of interest. 10a and 10b are called ____________.

A. Replication and transcription B. Transcription and translation

C. Transcription and transformation D. Replication and transformation

The table below shows examples of modified traits using cloned genes and their
application. There are many different traits that can be introduced to organisms to
change their properties.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been produced through the rDNA
technology technique. Genetically modified plants are produced by integrating a gene
of interest into the Ti-plasmid before inserting the plasmid into the plant cells. These
now possess gene that would confer traits such as resistance to certain bacterial or
fungal pests. For example, genetically engineered corn also called as ‘Bt corn’
expresses a gene from the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, making

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them resistant to the corn borer disease. The ‘golden rice’ is a transgenic variety of
rice that is engineered to produce beta-carotene and prevent Vitamin-A deficiency.
Rice and potato have been modified to produce harmless proteins derive from cholera
to serve as a natural vaccine. Soybean has been engineered to have resistance
against herbicides.

Genetic modification is not only for plants. Recombinant bacterial cells with human
genes can be used in order to produce human proteins like insulin to be used by
people with type I diabetes, human growth hormones which is taken to cure stunted
growth, and tissue plasminogen activator which dissolves blood clots among patients
who had heart attack. If larger quantities of these protein is required, an option is to
insert the gene in animals. For example, transgenic pigs to produce human
hemoglobin, transgenic goat for human clotting factor and other transgenic animals
that is used to synthesize pharmaceutical products referred as ‘pharm animal’.

For the next activity, you are going to understand deeper recombinant DNA
technology and its application. You are going to make a hypothetically genetically
modified organism (GMO)

Enrichment Activity 2: Designer Genes

1. Hypothetically, you are given the chance to enhance/modify a trait of certain

plant/crop. These are the things that you will consider to make a genetically modified
organism (GMO)

a. Identify special trait.

b. Identify a source organism

c. Identify a target organism

d. Identify the modified/ added trait

e. What benefit/s would the recombinant organism provide to society?

2. Refer from the table below for this activity. See example below.

Special trait Source Target Modified trait/ Application

(gene of interest) organism organism added trait
1. Large-sized Jackfruit aratilis Lanka-sized Bigger size of fruits
fruit / Lanka aratiles can supply greater
food demand
2.

3.

4.

5.

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 Deepen

At this point, you have now a clearer understanding about genetic engineering. The
steps or process of recombinant DNA technology technique and its application.
Recombinant DNA technology has been widely used not only in agriculture but in
making human proteins also that are very useful in the field of medicine. The ability
of humans to make modifications in the genome provides unlimited possibilities. The
Philippines is one of the countries that was open to large-scale introduction, research
and commercialization of GM crops. Today almost one million hectares has been
planting Bt corn. The ‘Bt talong’ which was developed by the Institute of Plant
Breeding at UP Los Banos, is a variant of the eggplant that is resistant to shoot and
fruit borer disease. In 2015, however, the Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a
ruling to ban further field testing of the Bt talong amid fear of potential problems.
Nevertheless, expert academics both in the Philippines and worldwide maintain that
GM crops that have been approved are safe, having underwent through lab and field
testing. These also provide an alternative to the use of toxic and harmful pesticides.

The next activity is hypothetical wherein you will be acting as a biotechnologist in

your locality who was able to create a genetically modified organism of a certain
agricultural product that is present in your locality and was given a chance to
introduce the enhanced trait of your GMO into a biotech fair in your province this
coming year.

What you need:

Recyclable materials, art materials, glue, scissors

What you have to do:

1. Create a 3D model of your GMO using the available materials (recyclable)

at home.

2. Write a short description of your product which contains the following;

a. Name of your GMO (combination of the source organism and the

target organism)

b. Benefits that your GMO could provide in your locality and to the
society as well.

3. Your output will be graded using the rubrics below.

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Rubrics for your GMO model

Criteria Excellent (10- Good (7-6) Fair (5-4) Poor (3-1)

8)

Feasibility The proposed The proposed The proposed The proposed

and trait is 90- trait is 70-80 trait is 70-80 trait not
application 100% possible % possible to % possible to possible to the
of the to the target the target the target target organism
chosen GMO organism and organism organism and and the GMO is
the GMO is and the GMO the GMO is not not so practical
practical is practical so practical in in the province
the province

Creativity 3D model is 3D model is 3D model is 3D model lacks

and very creative, creative, and slightly creativity and
Aesthetic constructed uses creative and resourcefulness
appeal using recyclable or uses recyclable
recyclable or indigenous or indigenous
indigenous materials items.
items.

Durability Extremely Durable Slightly The model is

durable durable sloppy or
messy

Gauge

Directions: Read and understand each question. Choose the letter of your best
answer. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
1. It is a double-stranded, self-replicating, circular DNA molecule present in
bacteria which is widely used as a gene cloning vector.
A. Cosmid B. Plasmid C. Phagemid D. Genome

2. These enzymes are called molecular scissors which is essential in making

internal cuts in a DNA molecule or vector at specific sites.
A. Restriction enzymes B. Restriction proteins
C. Polymerase D. All of these

3. What do we call the new molecule after the process of ligation wherein the vector
plasmid joined with the gene of interest?
A. Gene of interest B. Recombinant DNA
C. Chimeric DNA D. All of these

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4. During transfer of the recombinant plasmid into a host cell which is commonly a
bacterium, the recombinant bacterium will undergo cloning. Which of the
following is involve in gene cloning?
A. Replication B. Transcription
C. Translation D. Duplication
5. Bacterial cells as host organisms may express the gene to make protein products
such as insulin and growth hormones. Which of the following processes are
involved?
A. Replication and transcription B. Transcription and translation
C. Transcription and transformation D. Replication and transformation
6. In plant genetic engineering, which of the following acts as vector?
A. Agrobacterium tumefaciens B. Gene of interest
C. Recipient plant cell D. Ti-plasmid

7. Which of the following describes recombinant DNA technology?

A. Mating of organisms with desirable qualities
B. Insertion of genes into cells that makes the cells into “factories” to make
products
C. Enhancing or disrupting the traits of a target organism either mating or
molecular technique
D. All of the above

8. Which of the following illustrates classical breeding?

A. A farmer choose a breed of cow of greater milk production
B. The use of bacteria in order to produce human insulin
C. The insertion of cloned genes to plant cells
D. All of the above
9. Which of the following is/are example of genetic engineering?
A. A farmer choose a breed of cow for of greater milk production
B. The use of bacteria in order to produce human insulin
C. The insertion of cloned genes to plant cells
D. Cross pollination of squash flowers
10. Which of the following is an example of genetically modified plant?
A. Seedless grapes B. Guapple (larged-sized guava)
C. Rice with beta-carotene D. All of these
11. Being pest resistance is one of the traits that are being introduced to plants like
corn and eggplant with the insertion of Bt-toxin gene to plant cell. What method
is use when a gene is inserted to plants?
A. Biolistic
B. Electroporation
C. Plasmid insertion by heat shock treatment
D. All of these
12. Why recombinant DNA is very useful in improving our health condition?
A. Human insulin can be reproduced by bacteria
B. Vaccine can be reproduced by fungi or bacteria
C. Human growth hormones can be obtained from E.coli
D. All of the above

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13. A biotechnologist wants to enhance the size of duhat fruit because research
shows that it can lower blood sugar but is very expensive in the market. What
could be the possible source organism which contains the gene that is responsible
for the development of large fruits?
A. Lanka B. Chico C. Strawberry D. Mango

14. Mario wants a hybrid or mestizo breed of pigs to raise that’s why he chooses to
mate his native pig (pure breed black) to a white pig (pure breed white). What type
of genetic engineering is shown in the situation?
A. Classical breeding B. Artificial selection
C. Recombinant DNA D. All of these

15. Why genetic engineering is beneficial to the society?

A. It improves crop varieties to meet the demand of increasing human population
B. production of human proteins using bacteria is a great leap in the field of
medicine
C. Transgenic plants and transgenic animals play a great role in our economic
D. All of the above

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Answer Key

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References
Printed Materials:

Department of Education. Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR). (2017) First

Edition. Unit II: Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. General Biology 2(pp.69-79),
Pasig City, Philippines.

The Commission on Higher Education. (2016). K-12 Basic Education Curriculum.

Teaching Guide for Senior High School. Genetic Engineering. General Biology
2(pp.30-39), Quezon City, Philippines

Website:

Genetic Engineering. iopscience. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from

https://iopscience.iop.org/book/978-0-7503-1299-8/chapter/bk978-0-7503-
1299-8ch3#:~:text=Introduction

Recombinant DNA Technology. Britannica.com. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from

https://www.britannica.com/science/recombinant-DNA-technology

Steps in Recombinant DNA Technology. Quizbiology.com. Retrieved December 27,

2020 from https://www.quizbiology.com/2015/07/diagram-quiz-on-steps-in-
recombinant.html#.X-yBE1UzbIU

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