General Science 12 U

Introduction

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that takes the very small unit of genetic information, DNA, to be used in various sectors, such as in medicine, food. The human genetic information has been catalogued by the Human Genome project in the late 20th century, in the intent of sequencing of base pairs to support research on genetic diseases.

 

 

However, the availability of genetic and often personal data has been questioned on its ethics, as shown by the awareness sharing of cells from Henrietta Lacks in the 1950s without consent and compensation from the family.

 

 

Because biotechnology is relatively new compared to other science such as Newtonian physics, or molecular chemistry, there are many misconceptions, especially in biotechnology's influence on the agricultural and medical industry. For example, Altieri (2000) describes a myth biotechnology will support farmers.  Instead, trends in biotechnology supports a capitalist market, encouraging crops to be mass produced and accelerating the closure of small farms. In addition, intellectual rights are established on seed production, limiting farmers to return to the rights owner for additional seeds, instead of independently replanting within the farm.

 

For example, Altieri (2000) describes a myth biotechnology will support farmers.  Instead, trends in biotechnology supports a capitalist market, encouraging crops to be mass produced and accelerating the closure of small farms. In addition, intellectual rights are established on seed production, limiting farmers to return to the rights owner for additional seeds, instead of independently replanting within the farm. This issue can be integrated to the nutritional science unit.

 

Another myth of biotechnology is it is safe when genetically modified crops are resistant to specific pests. Altieri contrasts this with the concern that there are risks that pests will soon become resistant to pathogens that are coupled with these crop production. This issue can be connected to the pathogens unit.

 

Overall Expectations

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

F1. Analyse a variety of social, ethical issues related to applications of biotechnology in the health, agricultural, or environmental sector

F2. Investigate various techniques used in food industry and the health and agricultural sectors

F3. demonstrate an understanding of biological techniques related to biotechnology and of applications of biotechnology in the health, agricultural, and environmental sectors.

 

A presentation of an overview of the unit in one hour, which was done in class. Several technologies and activities are introduced.

 

This unit portal is developed by Patrick Sin, unless specified.

 

DNA-o-lantern: Lenore Edman. 2006. DNA-o-lantern. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lenore-m/285224656