Earth and Life Science

Quarter 2 – Module 25:

Benefits of Genetically Modified
Organisms

CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25

Earth and Life Science – Senior High School
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 25: Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms
First Edition, 2020

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Earth and Life Science
Quarter 2 – Module 25:
Benefits of Genetically Modified
Organisms
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of Earth and Life Science. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module has one lesson:

• Lesson 1 – Benefits of Genetic Engineering

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. classify the situation given whether as a benefit or a risk in using GMO
2. express one’s perception in the use of GMO

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. What do you call the technique where there is the transfer of genes from one
species to a different species?
A. cloning C. inbreeding
B. genetic engineering D. selective breeding
2. What is the other term for genetically modified organism?
A. genetically spliced organism C. both a and b
B. transgenic organism D. none of a and b
3. What do you call the process of genetic engineering that is aimed at improving
health conditions such as in the production of vaccines?
A. cloning C. recombinant DNA technology
B. gene splicing D. selective breeding
4. What is the term used for the ethical implications and applications of genetic
engineering?
A. bioethics C. biogenesis
B. biogenetics D. biosynthesis
5. What do you call the hybrid of tiger and lion?
A. gerlion C. lioner
B. liger D. tilion

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 6. What do you call the transgenic organism that is injected with scorpion venom
aimed to kill caterpillars?
A. venomous cabbage C. venomous cotton
B. venomous corn D. venomous soy
7. What do you call the transgenic organism that contained human protein per
litre of milk and found to be more nutritionally balanced?
A. transgenic cow C. transgenic spider
B. transgenic goat D. transgenic scorpion
8. What transgenic organism can produce a fluorescent protein in its fur?
A. luminous cat C. luminous goat
B. luminous cow D. luminous spider
For numbers 9-15, refer to the following choices.

A. Statement I is correct
B. Statement II is correct
C. Statements I and II are correct
D. Statements I and II are incorrect
______9. I. Genetically modified plants have created resistance to harmful
agents, enhanced product yield, and shown increased adaptability
for better survival
II. Recombinant DNA technology has applications in various areas
like medicine, focusing on the discoveries of medicine to cure and
improve human health and nutrition
_____10. I. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are products of
recombinant DNA technology
II. Translated organism is another term for genetically modified
organisms
______11. I. Corn Resistance to insect pests, specifically the European corn
borer, through expression of the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab
from Bacillus thuringiensis
II. Vaccines in Maize Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)
produced in transgenic maize induces immune response when
injected into mice.
______12. I. Synthesis of synthetic human hemoglobin and erythropoietin by
genetically modified bacteria
II. Human growth hormone which cure blood clotting among
arteries

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
______13. I. Human clotting factors have also been produced in the milk of
transgenic cows
II. “Pharm” animals were produced to synthesize pharmaceutical
products
______14. I. Crops like potato, tomato, soybean and rice are currently being
genetically engineered to obtain new strains with better nutritional
qualities and increased yield.
II. Angus cow give enhanced milk that can produce silk stronger than
steel
______15. I. Escherichia coli has injected human gene to produce hormone
insulin.
II. Liger is hybrid of tiger and lion.

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 Lesson
Benefits of Genetic
1 Engineering

As defined, Genetic Engineering is the processes of changing the DNA in living

organisms to create something new. It involves artificial manipulation, modification,
and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules in order to modify an
organism or population of organisms.
Recombinant DNA technology has applications in various areas like medicine,
focusing on the discoveries of medicine to cure and improve human health and
nutrition aimed to produce good quality and high quantity crops.

What’s In

Activity 1: Guess Me!

Direction. Answer the puzzle by writing your answers in the grid.

1 2 3

2
3

4
4

DOWN ACROSS
1. Enzymes that help cut and 1. Technology used to remove and insert
synthesize DNA nucleotide genetic sequences from and into other
sequences.

2. Process to produce identical 2. Organisms where the recombinant

organism without using gametes DNA is introduced; usually bacteria.

3. Practiced to indirectly manipulate 3. Breeding of organisms that are

genes focusing on the physical traits genetically similar to maintain desired
among organisms. traits.

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 4. DNA is cut out of one organism and 4. Technique used to compare DNA from
put into another organism two or more organisms.

Notes to the Teacher

This module will help you to understand the concepts about the process of
benefits of genetic engineering. All parts are consisting of activities. Be
guided with the instruction on how you will answer each. Expectedly you
will meet the target at the end of the module.

What’s New

Activity 2: Transgenic (GM) Organisms

Direction. Name the transgenic organism based from the description given by
filling up the missing letters.
1. __ __ A __ __ __ E taste of grapes but looks like apple

contained human protein per litre of

2. __ __ A __ __ __E __I __ __O__ milk and found to be more nutritionally
balance

3. __E __O__OU___ injected with scorpion venom aimed to

__A__ __ AG ___ kill caterpillars

4. B__N__N__ V__CC___N___ can produce virus proteins against

hepatitis and cholera

5. E___ ___ ___E__I __ __IA insulin gene is injected to bacteria to

___O___I produce hormone insulin

6. SP__D__R G___ ___T spider enhanced milk that can produce

silk stronger than steel

7. L__M__N__ __S C___T produce a fluorescent protein in its fur

8. L__G___R hybrid of tiger and lion

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 What is It

The aim of planting genetically modified organisms and its commercial use is
to help improve farming methods efficiently and productively. Some of the most
common genetically modified crops are soybean, maize, cotton, canola, alfalfa,
papaya, eggplant, potato, apple, safflower, pineapple, and sugarcane.
Genetically modified plants have created resistance to harmful agents,
enhanced product yield, and shown increased adaptability for better
survival. Recombinant technology has been widely used in improving crop varieties.
Several transgenic or genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been produced.
Genetically Modified Organism are also called transgenic organism; since genes are
transferred from one organism to another. Recombinant DNA technology is playing
a vital role in improving health conditions by developing new vaccines and
pharmaceuticals. The treatment strategies are also improved by developing
diagnostic kits, monitoring devices, and new therapeutic approaches. Synthesis of
synthetic human insulin and erythropoietin by genetically modified bacteria; human
growth hormones which cure stunted growth; tissues plasminogen activator which
dissolves blood clots among patients who had heart attack; transgenic pigs used to
produced human hemoglobin; human clotting factors have also been produced in
the milk of transgenic goats; production of “pharm” animals to synthesize such as
pharmaceutical products and production of new types of experimental mutant
mice for research purposes.

Production of human insulin in bacteria

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 The transfer of human gene to bacteria Escherichia coli aims to have a mass
production of human insulin to cure diabetes mellitus. Insulin gene is extracted from
a human cell and spliced into a plasmid vector before inserted into a bacterial cell.
The transgenic bacteria are selected and cultured to be able to increase its number
carrying human insulin gene. The bacteria are harvested, purified and packed for
human use.
List of genetically modified organisms

Purpose Plant Descriptions

Herbicide Soybean Glyphosate herbicide (Roundup) tolerance conferred by

tolerance expression of a glyphosate-tolerant form of the
plant enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate
synthase (EPSPS) isolated from the soil
bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, strain CP4
Insect Corn Resistance to insect pests, specifically the European
resistance corn borer, through expression of the
insecticidal protein Cry1Ab from Bacillus thuringiensis
Altered fatty Canola High laurate levels achieved by inserting the gene for
acid ACP thioesterase from the California bay
composition tree Umbellularia californica
Virus resistance Plum Resistance to plum pox virus conferred by insertion of a
coat protein (CP) gene from the virus

Vitamin Rice Three genes for the manufacture of beta-carotene, a

enrichment precursor to vitamin A, in the endosperm of the rice
prevent its removal (from husks) during milling
Vaccines Tobacco Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) produced in
transgenic tobacco induces immune response when
injected into mice
Oral vaccines Maize Fusion protein (F) from Newcastle disease virus (NDV)
expressed in corn seeds induces an immune response
when fed to chickens
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-
crops-and-732/

Activity 3: Uses of Transgenic (GM) Organisms

Direction. Match the following genetically modified organism to its application by
writing on the space given.
______1. Cotton A. Medicine/ Health Proposes
______2. Soy oil B. Energy sources
______3. Corn for livestock feeds C. Manufacturing products
______4. Large quantities of tomatoes D. Good yield/ Food supply
______5. Biodiesel and ethanol from corn E. High Quality Crops
______6. Drugs and genes

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 What’s More

Bioethics is the study of controversial ethics brought about by advances in

biology and medicine. Bioethics are multidisciplinary. It blends philosophy, theology,
history, and law with medicine, nursing, health policy, and the medical humanities.
It is concerned with all the ethical questions that arise in the relationships among
life sciences and the cited fields. Bioethics is commonly understood that refers to the
ethical implications and application of the health-related life sciences including
biotechnology, such as cloning, gene therapy, life extension, human genetic
engineering. It promotes critic reflection about ethical conflicts, which are caused by
progressing in life science and medicine.

Activity 4: Benefits and Risks of GMO

Direction. Write letter B if the statement given is a benefit and the letter R if it is a
risk from use of genetically modified organisms.
________1. Crops like potato, tomato, soybean and rice are currently being genetically
engineered to obtain new strains with better nutritional qualities and increased yield.
________2. Genetic engineering in food can be used to produce totally the same or
identical substances such as proteins and other food nutrients.
________3. Positive genetic engineering deals with enhancing the positive traits in an
individual like increasing longevity or human capacity while negative genetic
engineering deals with the suppression of negative traits in human beings like certain
genetic diseases.
________4. Genetic engineering in food involves the alteration of genes in crops which
may have adverse health effects to consumers.
________5. While increasing the immunity to diseases in plants, the resistance genes
may get transferred to the harmful pathogens.
________6. Genetic engineering can hamper the diversity in organisms.
________7. The genetic modification of food can be used to increase their medicinal
value, thus making edible vaccines available.

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 What I Have Learned

1. Genetic Engineering is the process of changing the DNA in living organisms

to create something new.
2. Genetically modified organism is also called transgenic organism because
there was a transfer of genes from one organism to another.
3. Planting GMO and its commercial use improve farming methods efficiently
and effectively.
4. Recombinant DNA technology is playing a vital role in improving health
conditions by developing new vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
5. Bioethics is the ethical implication and application of the health-related life
sciences biotechnology such as cloning, gene therapy, life extension, human
genetic engineering.

What I Can Do

Activity 5: What is your stand?

Direction. Below are some of the arguments about the use of transgenic organisms.
From your own perspective, explain your answer in the questions in not more than
5 sentences.
1. Among the cited examples of GMO, which do you think is the most
beneficial?
2. If you are a farmer would you take the chance of growing crops that are
pest resistant? Why or why not?
3. Considering the knowledge gained in genetic engineering, would you try to
patronize GMO fruits and vegetables? Why or why not?
4. Is creating or altering genes of an organism a form of Blasphemy to the
creator (God)? Why?
5. Is genetic engineering morally permissible or not?

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. What do you call the process of manipulating genes to alter an organism’s

genetic make-up?
A. artificial selection C. genetic engineering
B. cloning D. selective breeding
2. Which among the choices is the other term for genetically modified
organisms?
A. artificially selected organism C. selected organism
B. cloned organism D. transgenic organism
3. Which among the choices below is used for improving human health
condition by producing vaccines and pharmaceuticals?
A. cloning C. recombinant DNA technology
B. gene splicing D. selective breeding
4. Which is referred to as the ethical implications and applications of the
process of genetic engineering?
A. bioethics C. biogenesis
B. biosystematics D. biogenetics
5. What do you call the transgenic organism that has the taste of grapes but
looks like an apple?
A. Aplgrapes C. grapple
B. Aplres D. legrapes
6. What is the transgenic organism where insulin gene is injected to produce the
hormone insulin?
A. Amoeba proteus C. both and b
B. Escherichia coli D. none of a and b
7. What plant is used to produce virus proteins against hepatitis B?
A. alfalfa C. soy beans
B. corn D. tobacco
8. What animal is used to enhance milk to produce silk stronger than steel?
A. cow C. scorpion
B. lion D. spider
For numbers 9-15, refer to the following choices.

A. Statement I is correct
B. Statement II is correct
C. Statements I and II are correct
D. Statement I and II are incorrect
______9. I. Genetically modified plants have created resistance to harmful
agents, enhanced product yield, and shown increased adaptability
for better survival
II. Recombinant DNA technology has applications in various areas
like medicine, focusing on the discoveries of medicine to cure and
improve human health and nutrition

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
 _____10. I. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are products of
recombinant DNA technology
II. Translated organism is another term for genetically modified
organisms

______11. I. Corn Resistance to insect pests, specifically the European corn

borer, through expression of the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab
from Bacillus thuringiensis
II. Vaccines in Maize Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)
______12. I. produced of
Synthesis in synthetic
transgenic maizehemoglobin
human induces immune response when
and erythropoietin by
injected into mice.
genetically modified bacteria
II. Human growth hormone cures blood clotting among arteries

______13. I. Human clotting factors have also been produced in the milk of
transgenic cows
II. “Pharm” animals were produced to synthesize pharmaceutical
products
______14. I. Crops like potato, tomato, soybean and rice are currently being
genetically engineered to obtain new strains with better nutritional
qualities and increased yield.
III. Angus cow give enhanced milk that can produce silk stronger than
steel
______15. I. Escherichia coli has injected human gene to produce hormone
insulin.
II. Liger is hybrid of tiger and lion.

Additional Activities

1. Watch the video in the website:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KonUXpTv0SI
2. Show your learnings in the module by choosing from any of the platforms
suggested below to be uploaded in our Google Drive folder named as ELS1stQ
• an info graphics
• a one- page essay with maximum 300 words

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
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What’s More What’s New What I Know
Activity 4
1. B 5. R Activity 2 1.B 9. C
2. B 6. R 1. grapple 2.B 10. A
3. B 7. B 2. transgenic cow 3.C 11. A
4. R 3. venomous cabbage 4.A 12. D
Assessment 4. banana vaccine 5.B 13. B
1.C 9. C 5. Escherichia coli 6.A 14. A
2.D 10. A 6. spider goat 7.A 15. C
3.C 11. A 7. luminous cat 8.A
4.A 12. D 8. liger What’s In
5.C 13. B Down
6.B 14. A Activity 3 1. restriction
7.D 15. C 1. C 2. cloning
8.C 2. C 3. artificial
3. C 4. gene splicing
4. D Across
5. B 1. recombinant DNA
6. A 2. host
3. inbreeding
4. gel electrophoresis
Answer Key
References
Basco-Tiamzon, M.E. Z, Avissar, Y.,Choi J.,Desaix, J., Jurukovski V., Wise, R., Rye,
C. “General Biology 2 Senior High School Textbook” Published 2016 Vibal
Group, Inc.

Bayo-ang, R.B., Coronacion, M.L.G., Jorda, A.T., Restubog, A.J. “Earth and Life
Science for Senior High School” Published 2016 Educational Resources
Corporation

Commission on Higher Educvation. Earth and Life Science for Senior High School.
C.P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City Philippines. Commission on Higher
Education, 2016

Phillips, T. “Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Transgenic crops and

recombinant DNA technology. Nature Education 1(1):213” Published 2008
Accessed June 6, 2020
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically- modified-
organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732/

What is Bioethics? Accessed June 4, 2020 https://www.bioethics.msu.edu/what-is-

bioethics

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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25
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CO_Q2_Earth and Life Science (SHS)_ Module 25