Senior High School Region I

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE

SAN CARLOS CITY, PANGASINAN

Core
Earth & Life Science

Quarter: 2 | Module: 4 | Lesson: 4&5

Genetic Engineering
And GMOs
Earth & Life Science – SHS
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 4 – Lesson 4&5: Genetic Engineering and GMOs
First Edition, 2020

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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
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over them.

Published by SDO San Carlos City

Schools Division Superintendent: Lourdes D. Servito, CESO VI
Asst. Schools Division Superintendent: Diosdado I. Cayabyab, CESO VI

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Rochel B. Cedillo

Editors: Dennis Donald L. Doria
Reviewers: Carmelita I.Magleo
Jesusa V. Macam
Layout Artists: Resnard S. Resngit Marco C. Reyes
Management Team: Lourdes D. Servito Diosdado I. Cayabyab
Editha R. Pridas Arlene B. Casipit

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Schools Division Office of San Carlos City

Office Address: Roxas Blvd., San Carlos City, Pangasinan

Telefax: (075) 632-3293 (OSDS)
Trunk Line Nos. (075) 633-5691 to 93
Email Address: sdosancarloscity@gmail.com or sancarlos.city1@deped.gov.ph
 SHS

Earth & Life

Science
Quarter 2 – Module 4 –
Lesson4&5:
Genetic Engineering and GMOs
INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE

For the facilitator:

Welcome to Earth & Life Science Module!

This module was conscientiously developed by the writer and collaboratively

designed and reviewed by the MoDe Project Development Team of DepEd San Carlos
City to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards
set by the K to 12 Curriculum. This is in adherence to our advocacy to promote
quality education amidst this difficult time. This learning resource hopes to engage
the learners into guided and independent learning activities at their own pace and
time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century
skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to Earth & Life Science Module!

Learning is tantamount to savoring the sweetness of freshly peeled San

Carlenian mango coupled with the use of a pen likened to a pliant bamboo. Using
this module, teachers also peel back the learners’ personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling to provide opportunities for self-development. The mighty
bamboo pen entices learners to scribble their thoughts as they go through the
process of fun learning. This module was collaboratively designed, developed and
reviewed by educators from San Carlos City Division to assist you, dear learner, to
meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum. It hopes to engage you into guided
and independent learning activities to increase your active learning and improve your
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to This will give you an idea of the skills or

Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to

What I Know check what you already know about the lesson
to take. If you get all the answers correct
(100%), you may decide to skip this module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

What’s New introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

This section provides a brief discussion of the

What is It lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
What’s More skills of the topic. You may check the answers
to the exercises using the Answer Key at the
end of the module.

What I Have This includes question or blank

Learned sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

This section provides an activity which will

What I Can Do help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your level

Assessment of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Answer This contains answers to all activities in the

Key module.

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At the end of this module you will also find:
References This is a list of all sources used in
developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. Good luck! You can do
it!

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 What I Need to Know

Genetic Engineering also called Genetic Modification is one of the many

branches of applied biology. It is the changing of an organism’s genome using
biotechnology. This module discusses the basic concepts on Genetic Engineering or
GE and identifying some of the Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.

Going through this module can be a meaningful learning experience. All you
need to do is make use of your time and resources efficiently. To do this, here are
some tips for you:
1. Take the pretest before reading the rest of the module.
2. Take time in reading and understanding the lesson. Follow instructions
carefully. Do all activities diligently. This module is designed for
independent or self-paced study. It is better to be slow but sure than to
hurry and miss the concepts you are supposed to learn.

What I Know

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

1. Which of the following cites the disadvantage of Genetically Modified Organism

(GMO)?
A. It makes agricultural practices much safer.
B. It can create an extended life.
C. It can lead to more birth defects.
D. It reduces the risks of depleted water supply.
2. Which of the following is not considered as a use of biotechnology?
A. use of plastic wrappers to make chairs, tables and other furniture.
B. use of living cells to make products such as pharmaceuticals, food and
beverages
C. use of organisms such as bacteria to protect the environment
D. use of DNA science for the production of materials for diagnostics and
research.

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3. What genetic engineering process involves DNA strands are cut into fragments?
A. Recombinant DNA C. Recombinant DNA technology
B. Restriction DNA D. DNA sequencing
4. Which of the following terms is not associated to genetic engineering?

A. modification C. destruction

B. manipulation D. biotechnology
5. Which of following genetic engineering cannot modify?
A. Plants C. Animals
B. Microbes D. Rocks
6. What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?
a. a plant with certain genes removed
b. an organism with an artificially altered genome
c. a hybrid organism
d. any agricultural organism produced by breeding or biotechnology
7. In gel electrophoresis of DNA, the different bands in the final gel form because
the DNA molecules ________.
a. are from different organisms
b. have different lengths
c. have different nucleotide compositions
d. have different genes
8. Which of the following is NOT an argument in favor of GMOs?
a. Controlled production of insulin
b. Disease resistant crops
c. Food with extra nutrients
d. Reduced biodiversity
9. Genetic engineering involves
a. cutting out a DNA sequence.
b. changing a DNA sequence.
c. reinserting DNA into living organisms.
d. all of the above
10. To produce transgenic bacteria that make insulin, which of the following steps
did scientists have to take first?
a. Insert the human insulin gene into a plasmid.
b. Extract the insulin from the bacterial culture.
c. Use a restriction enzyme to cut out the insulin gene from human DNA.
d. Transform bacteria with the recombinant plasmid.

Answer Key on page 14

How did you find the pretest? What was your score? If you got 10 items
correctly, you may skip the module. But if your score is 9 and below, you must
proceed with the module.

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 Lesson
Genetic Engineering &
1 GMOs

What’s In

Let’s have a short review about the key terms. Complete the sentence below.

Recombinant DNA t_c_nol_g_ or genetic engineering is a method that allows the

combi_ _ _ _ _ _ of genes in a test tube to form a hybrid DNA. It allows the
trans_ __r of specific gene(s) [from the same or another organism] to produce a new
trait(s) in an organism.

Modern biotech_ _ _ _ _ _ includes the application of in vitro nucleic _ _ _ _

techniques, including recombinant DNA technology, that overcome natural
physiological reproductive or recombinant barriers (definition from the Cartagena
Biosafety Protocol)

In this lesson, we are going to dig deeper on the processes involved in genetic
engineering and its application to health, agriculture and others.

What’s New

Genetic Engineering Processes

Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms
to make products or plants and animals that have desired traits. In order to carry on
this technology, it employs different processes such as
 Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into fragments.
It is basically used to create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends
that can join with other DNA fragments.
 Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used to study DNA
fragments of various sizes.

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  Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA fragment with
the DNA from another source also called exogenous DNA.
 Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant
DNA molecules. It is used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be
used in genetically engineered organism.
 DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant
DNA molecule to further study. It is used to identify errors in the DNA
sequences to predict the function of a particular gene and to compare to other
genes with similar sequences from different organisms.
 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific regions of
sequenced DNA. It is used to copy DNA for any scientific investigation
including forensic analysis and medical testing.

What is It

Genetic engineering:
- refers to specific gene transfer from the same or related or unrelated species
resulting in the gene fragment modification and recombination to produce
new trait(s) in an organism.

STEPS IN GENETIC ENGINEERING:

1. DNA Isolation (isolating plasmid and gene of interest)
The primary step in creating a pest-resistant
plant is isolating the plasmid of a bacteria.
Example is the Agrobacterium and pest-
resistant gene from a bacteria, Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt).
What is Agrobacterium tumefaciens? It is a
gram-negative soil bacteria that causes crown
gall disease in plants. On the other hand, its
tumor-inducing plasmid is commonly used in
genetic engineering because of its capability to
combine its DNA into a plant’s genome.
The resistant gene is found in the DNA of Bacillus thuringiensis. This
bacterium forms a protein known as Cry1Ab toxin that causes death to the
larval stage of lepidopterans which belongs to moth family.

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2. Ligation (gene insertion to the plasmid)
When the resistant gene is inserted into the isolated
plasmid, they are cleaved using the identical restriction
enzyme before they’re combined using DNA ligases. The
other term for restriction enzymes are restriction
endonucleases.
When they recognize a specific nucleotide sequence,
they split the strands.

3. Transformation (plasmid is placed back into bacterial

cell)
The recombinant plasmid would then be placed back to
the bacterium during a process called transformation.

4. Selection (identification of the clone)

The nutrient media with X-gal (special galactose sugar) are used to select the
altered bacteria with the recombinant plasmid with the desired gene.
The chosen bacteria would then infect the cell of corn and integrate the gene
into the plant’s DNA. When the plant cell divides, each daughter cell receives the
transgene. The transformed corn plant is now pest-resistant. The inserted gene
producing the toxin within the genetically modified crop is simply lethal to
specific target pests

3 Types of Genetic Modification

1. Plant Genetic Modification

The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering
ancestors and until today, is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous
population of plants is inspected, and “superior” individuals - plants with the most
desired traits, like improved palatability and yield - are selected for continued
propagation.
ex. Production of pest-resistant plants
ex. Increase of crop production
2. Animal Genetic Modification
Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a
result of breeding strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal
agriculture include assisted reproductive technologies; use of naturally occurring
hormones, such as recombinants, and biotechnologies to enhance reproductive
efficiency without affecting the genome; and biotechnologies to enhance
expression of desirable genes.

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 ex. Increase of milk production per cow
ex. Double production of eggs in chickens

3. Genetic Modification of Microbes

Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as
primary and secondary roles in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and
they can produce enzymes or other metabolites used in food production and
processing. Humans have used and genetically modified microbes for
centuries to produce food, wine, bread, and cheese are common examples of
ancient foods, still popular, depend on microbial ingredients and activities.
ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production
ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases

Advantages/Benefits
One of the main reasons why scientists conduct Genetic Engineering (GE) is
to provide and sustain human. The modern practice of genetic engineering goes
beyond cross-breeding different species to create a new outcome. There are many
advantages that genetic engineering can bring the world today. One is that it makes
agricultural practices much safer by reducing, if not totally eliminating the use of
pesticides. This will result in creating greater yields since farmers will no longer
spend extra money for pesticides. No use of pesticides would lead to improve growth
rate of crops and consequently create better food products. GE allows specific traits
to be developed for plants and animals.
It can improve resistance to diseases and even stop genetic diseases in
humans. We already have genetic testing in place to test for certain cancers. GE
could be used DNA manipulation to help treat or cure people who are born with
genetic disorders. The different tools of genetic engineering could produce novel
medical treatments like vaccines, insulin, and even hormone treatment. Through GE
we can create more treatments that allow us to be proactive more often against
pathogens that can have life-threatening characteristics.

Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages that genetic engineering can bring like: amount
of diversity that is available is limited. The reason for this is the industry will focus
on the product or organism that performs well. Another disadvantage is, it’s prone
to technological abuse. Currently, we have laws and treaties in place to prevent
genetic engineering abuse. However, that does not mean that abuse on its use will
not occur. The next disadvantage is the genetic engineering process can only be
copyrighted in the United States, a rule that GE DNA sequences can be patented.
That makes the rule more profitable for organizations to study DNA manipulation
instead of working for the good of humanity.

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 Another disadvantage is, it can bring difficult legal liabilities with unintended
consequences. Seeds and crops can also be patented. This brings issues for farmers
who encounters GMOs on their land due to unintentional spread. GE does create a
natural barrier against disease and harsh environmental conditions. It also just
extend the resilience of plants and animals. The changes made are not permanent
benefits. More modifications are required over time because nature eventually
adapts. Pathogens become stronger to affect the stronger plants and animals. Our
own experience with medicines that we take like antibiotics is an evidence to this
fact.

What’s More

Activity 1: You Fill Me Up!

Direction: Given the different Genetic Engineering tool or processes, give the
function and application of each.

GENETIC ENGINEERING

Tool/Processes Function Applications

Restriction
enzymes
Ex. EcoR

Gel
Electrophoresis

Recombinant
DNA
Technology

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Gene cloning

DNA
sequencing

Polymerase
Chain Reaction
(PCR)

Higher protein Lower fat

Yellow-orange egg yolk Low-flying birds

Lesser muscle mass Higher muscle mass

Deep complex flavor Low protein

Less beneficial to health More beneficial for health

Higher fat Has feathers

Less complex flavor Has short pointed beak

Activity 2: “Native Chicken” vs. Commercial Chicken

Direction: It’s time to synthesize your learning. Table 2 below contains statements
that may or may not describe both “native chicken” and “Commercial Chicken”.
Organize them on the Venn diagram to show comparison and contrast between the
two kinds of chicken.

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 Table 2. Description of “Native Chicken” and “Commercial Chicken”

Native Chicken Commercial Chicken

Both

What I Have Learned

Activity 3: An Advantage or Disadvantage?

Direction: Make a table and cite at least 5 advantages and 5 disadvantages of
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.

ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

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 What I Can Do

Activity 4: An Imaginary Creature Activity

Direction: Let your imagination work! Consider yourself as one of the Genetic
Engineers. Using your drawing materials, illustrate a Genetically Modified Organism
(GMO) that you would produce. Emphasize the unique features of this creature and
the benefits it would give to mankind.

Name of Creature

Description

Special Features

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 RUBRICS FOR THE IMAGINARY CREATURE ACTIVITY

Category 4 3 2 1

The poster The poster The poster The poster

clearly clearly indirectly does not
communicates communicates communicates sufficiently
Presentation the main idea some of the the idea and communicate
and strongly important hardly any idea that
promotes ideas and promotes can promote
awareness. slightly awareness. awareness.
promotes
awareness.
All of the Most of the The graphics The graphics
graphics used graphics used were made by were not
on the poster on the poster the student made by the
Creativity reflect an reflect student but were student.
and exceptional ingenuity in copied from
Originality degree of their creation. the designs or
student ideas of
ingenuity in others.
their creation.
All graphics in Most graphics Some The graphics
the poster are in the poster graphics in in the poster
Accuracy
accurate and are accurate the poster are are neither
and
related to the and related to accurate and accurate nor
relevance
topic. the topic. related to the related to the
topic. topic.
The poster All required Few required Required
includes all elements are elements are elements are
required included. included. missing.
Required elements as
Element well as
additional
information.

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 Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

1. Which of the following cites the disadvantage of Genetically Modified Organism

(GMO)?
A. It makes agricultural practices much safer.
B. It can create an extended life.
C. It can lead to more birth defects.
D. It reduces the risks of depleted water supply.

2. Which of the following is not considered as a use of biotechnology?

A. use of plastic wrappers to make chairs, tables and other furniture.
B. use of living cells to make products such as pharmaceuticals, food and
beverages
C. use of organisms such as bacteria to protect the environment
D. use of DNA science for the production of materials for diagnostics and
research.

3. What genetic engineering process involves DNA strands are cut into fragments?
A. Recombinant DNA C. Recombinant DNA technology
B. Restriction DNA D. DNA sequencing

4. Which of the following terms is not associated to genetic engineering?

A. modification C. destruction
B. manipulation D. biotechnology

5.Which of following genetic engineering cannot modify?

A. Plants C. Animals
B. Microbes D. Rocks

6. What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

A. a plant with certain genes removed
B. an organism with an artificially altered genome
C. a hybrid organism
D. any agricultural organism produced by breeding or biotechnology

7. In gel electrophoresis of DNA, the different bands in the final gel form because
the DNA molecules ________.
A. are from different organisms
B. have different lengths
C. have different nucleotide compositions
D. have different genes

12
8. Which of the following is NOT an argument in favor of GMOs?
A. Controlled production of insulin
B. Disease resistant crops
C. Food with extra nutrients
D. Reduced biodiversity

9. Genetic engineering involves

A. cutting out a DNA sequence.
B. changing a DNA sequence.
C. reinserting DNA into living organisms.
D. all of the above

10. To produce transgenic bacteria that make insulin, which of the following steps
did scientists have to take first?
A. Insert the human insulin gene into a plasmid.
B. Extract the insulin from the bacterial culture.
C. Use a restriction enzyme to cut out the insulin gene from human DNA.
D. Transform bacteria with the recombinant plasmid.

Answer Key on page 15

13
References

Acosta, H., L. Alvarez, D. Angeles, R. Arre, MP. Carmona, A. Gatpo, et al. Science –
Grade 10 Learner’s Material. Pasig City, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc. and
Department of Education, 2015 Acosta, H., L. Alvarez, D. Angeles, R. Arre,
MP.
Carmona, A. Gatpo, et al. Science – Grade 10 Teacher’s Guide. Pasig City,
Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc. and Department of Education, 2015 Valdoz,
Melissa, Marites Aquino, Jonna Biong, and Mylene Andaya. Science Links 10.
Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc., 2017.

Department of Education. “K to 12 Curriculum Guide Science (Grade 3 to 10)”

Accessed October 2019
“https://www.deped.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2019/01/Science-
CG_with-tagged-sciequipment_revised.pdf” LRMDS Portal. Science Modules.
December 29, 2014. Accessed October 13, 2019.
http://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/6838

 https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-
and-biotechnology-48776975
 https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
 https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-
genetics/hs-biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering
 https://brandongaille.com/21-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-genetic-
engineering

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office of San Carlos City

Roxas Blvd., San Carlos City, Pangasinan 2420
Tel. No./Fax No. (075) 632-3293 (OSDS)
Trunk Line Nos. (075) 633-5691 to 93
Email Address: sdosancarloscity@gmail.com;
sancarlos.city1@deped.gov.ph