Senior High School

General Biology 2
Third Quarter- Week 1:
Recombinant DNA
 12

General Biology 2
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Recombinant DNA
 MODULE
RECOMBINANT DNA

Here are some reminders to guide as you go through this module:

1. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
2. Answer the pre- test to determine how much you already know about the lessons in
this module before proceeding to the activity.
3. Perform all the activities diligently to help you understand the topic.
4. Take down notes and record points for clarification.
5. Always aim to get at least 80% of the total number of items given.
6. Be sure to answer the post test at the end of the module to measure how much you
have gained from the lesson.
7. Check your answers against the given answer key at the end of this module.

Have you eaten “super rice” or “super corn”? These varieties are far superior to
ordinary rice and corn. These plants can survive in extreme conditions and are resistant to
pests. How about the “super cow” and the “super chicken”? Have you tasted their more
nutritious meat? Have you seen a tomato that does not easily rot? All of these are products of
biotechnology.
Biotechnology refers to technology in which biological processes are involved. It
includes the manufacture of more complicated medical products such as hormones,
antibiotics, and vaccines. This aspect of biotechnology involves the manipulation of organisms
like bacteria, plants, and animals, and their products to perform important functions or provide
useful products. It involves the technique of manipulating the DNA of an organism. This is
called genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology. This manipulated DNA is
introduced into a DNA of another organism, making it a transgenic organism. You will
understand these concepts better as you go along this lesson.
Nowadays, several useful products are produced through biotechnology.
Biotechnology has done a lot for biological research, medicine, agriculture, and even crime-
solving procedures.
In this module, you will learn the meaning and processes of biotechnology and its
practical applications. You will also learn about cloning and its social, moral, and legal
implications.
Directions: Read each statement and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What of the following is NOT involved in genetic engineering?
A. DNA analysis
B. Pedigree analysis
C. Testing for all possible defects
D. Counseling to help a person make difficult choices
2. Which term describes a technique for making million of copies of a DNA fragment?
A. Cloning C. DNA fingerprinting
B. Restriction enzymes D. Polymerase Chain Reaction
3. What term describes DNA that contains genes from more than one organism?
A. Clone C. Recombinant DNA
B. Plasmid D. Restriction site
4. A researcher inserts a gene from a drought-resistant species of plant into another
species of plant. This procedure is an example of ______.
A. A vector C. Bioinformatics
B. Polymerase chain reaction D. Transgenics
5. How does the number of DNA copies change with each PCR?
A. It triples. C. It increases by 1000 copies.
B. It doubles. D. It stays the same.

➢ Outline the processes involved in genetic engineering (STEM_BIO11/12-IIIa-b-6); and

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

• Identify the steps involved in genetic engineering.

• Cite the present applications of these processes in agriculture, industry,
and medicine.

PROCEDURE/ LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Before you start studying this module, answer the following questions to find out how
well you know the topics to be discussed. Write your answers on the space provided.

1. What is biotechnology?
 2. What is genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology?

3. Give one important general application of biotechnology.

4. What are transgenic organisms?

5. What is cloning?

BIOTECHNOLOGY

The term biotechnology refers to the A genetically modified organism

use of natural biological systems to create a (GMO) is one whose genome has been
product or achieve some other end desired by modified in some way, usually by using
humans. Today, genetic engineering allows recombinant DNA technology. A transgenic
scientists to modify the genomes of a variety organism is an example of a GMO that has
of organisms, from bacteria to plants and had a gene from another species inserted into
animals, to either improve the characteristics its genome. We will take a closer look at some
of the organism or make biotechnology of the DNA techniques that are used in
products. Such modification is possible biotechnology.
because decades of research on how DNA
and RNA function in cells has allowed for the
development of new techniques. These
techniques allow scientists not only to clone
genes, but also to directly edit the genome of
an organism.
 RECOMBINANT DNA
TECHNOLOGY
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) contains genes
from two or more different sources (Fig 2.1.1). To
make rDNA, a researcher needs a vector, a piece of
DNA that acts as a carrier for the foreign DNA. One
common vector is a plasmid, which is a small
accessory ring of DNA found in bacterial cells.

Two enzymes are needed to introduce foreign

DNA into plasmid DNA: (1) restriction enzymes that
can cleave, or cut, DNA at specific places (for example,
the restriction enzyme EcoRI (eco R one) always cuts
DNA at the base sequence GA ATTC) and (2) DNA
ligase, which can seal the foreign DNA into an opening
in a cut plasmid.

If a plasmid is cut with EcoRI, this creates a

gap into which a piece of foreign DNA can be placed if
that piece ends in bases complementary to those
exposed by the restriction enzyme. To ensure that the
bases are complementary, it is necessary to cleave the
foreign DNA with the same restriction enzyme. The
overhanging bases at the ends of the two DNA
molecules are called “sticky ends,” because they can
bind a piece of foreign DNA by complementary base
pairing. Sticky ends facilitate the insertion of foreign
DNA into vector DNA, a process very similar to the way
puzzle pieces fit together.

DNA ligase, the enzyme that functions in DNA ▲Figure 2.1.1 Recombinant DNA technology.
replication to repair breaks in a double-stranded helix,
seals the foreign piece of DNA into the plasmid. The production of insulin is one example of how
Molecular biologists often give the rDNA to bacterial recombinant DNA technology can benefit humans.
cells, which readily take up recombinant plasmids if the In this process, human and plasmid DNA are
spliced together and inserted into a bacterial host
cells have been treated to make them more
cell. As the cell undergoes cell division, the
permeable. Thereafter, as the bacteria replicate the plasmid is replicated. This replication makes
plasmid, the gene is cloned. Cloned genes have many multiple copies, or clones, of the gene. The gene
uses. A scientist may allow the genetically modified may be isolated for use in additional experiments
bacterial cells to express the cloned gene and retrieve or left in the bacterial host cell to produce human
the protein. Or copies of the cloned gene may be insulin protein.
removed from the bacterial cells and then introduced
into another organism, such as corn plant, to produce
a transgenic organism.
 A. Directions: Label the diagram involved in the process of genetic engineering below. Use
these choices:
recombinant DNA cell division DNA fragment DNA ligase
plasmid-containing bacterium clone bacterial cell (host) plasmid (vector)

DNA SEQUENCING

Another application of genetic engineering is to provide pure DNA for use in determining
the sequence or correct order of the DNA bases. This information can allow scientists to identify
mutations.

In DNA sequencing, millions of copies of a double-stranded DNA fragment are cloned

using PCR. Then, the strands are separated from each other. The single-stranded fragments
are placed in four different test tubes, one for each DNA base. Each tube contains four normal
nucleotides (A, C, G, T) and an enzyme that can catalyze the synthesis of a complementary
strand. One nucleotide in each tube is tagged with a different fluorescent color. The reactions
produce complementary strands of varying lengths. These strands are separated according to
size by gel electrophoresis, producing a pattern of fluorescent bands in the gel. The bands are
visualized using a laser scanner or UV light. How do the DNA fragments separate from each
other in the gel? See Figure 2.1.2 on the next page to find out.
 Figure 2.1.2 Gel Electrophoresis

Restriction enzymes are the perfect tools for

cutting DNA. However, once the DNA is cut, a
scientist needs to determine exactly what
fragments have been separated on a gel, many
other techniques, such as DNA sequencing, can
be used to specifically identify a DNA fragment.
 POLYMERASE CHAIN
REACTION
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can create billions of copies of a segment
of DNA in a test tube in a matter of hours. PCR is very specific- it amplifies (makes copies
of) a targeted DNA sequence, usually a few hundred bases in length. PCR requires the use
of DNA polymerase, the enzyme that carries out DNA replication, and a supply of
nucleotides for the new DNA strands. PCR involves three basic steps (Fig. 2.1.3), which
occur repeatedly, usually for about 35 to 40 cycles:

• A denaturation step at 95°C, where DNA is heated so that it becomes single-

stranded;
• An annealing step at a temperature usually between 50°C and 60°C, where a
nucleotide primer hybridizes (or binds) to each of the single DNA strands; and
• An extension step at 72°C, where a DNA polymerase adds complementary bases to
each of the single DNA strands, creating double-stranded DNA.

PCR is a chain reaction because the targeted DNA is repeatedly replicated, much in
the same way natural DNA replication occurs, as long as the process continues. Figure 2.1.3
uses color to distinguish the old strand from the new DNA strand. Notice that the amount of
DNA doubles with each replication cycle. Thus, if you start with only one copy of DNA, after
one cycle you will have two copies, after two cycles four copies and so on. PCR has been
in use since its development in 1985 by Kary Banks Mullis. The process relies on the
discovery of a temperature-insensitive (thermostable) DNA polymerase that was extracted
from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which lives in hot springs. The enzyme can
withstand the high temperature used to denature double-stranded DNA. This enzyme can
survive the high temperatures of a PCR reaction, which accelerates the production of copies
of the selected DNA segment.
DNA amplified by PCR is often analyzed for various purposes. For example,
mitochondrial DNA base sequences have been used to decipher the evolutionary history of
human populations. Because so little DNA is required for PCR to be effective, it is commonly
used as a forensic method for analyzing DNA found at crime scenes—only a drop of semen,
a flake of skin, or the root of a single hair is necessary!

Figure 2.1.3 The

polymerase chain
reaction.

The polymerase
chain reaction or
PCR produces
multiple copies of a
segment of DNA.
These segments
may then be used
by researchers in
recombinant DNA
studies.
 DNA ANALYSIS
Analysis of DNA following PCR has
improved over the years. At first, the entire
genome was treated with restriction enzymes, and
because each person has different restriction
enzyme sites, this yielded a unique collection of
DNA fragments of various sizes. During a process
called gel electrophoresis, whereby an electrical
current is used to force DNA through a porous gel
material, these fragments were separated
according to their size. Smaller fragments moved
farther through the gel than larger fragments,
resulting in a pattern of distinctive bands, called a
DNA profile, or DNA fingerprint.
Now, short tandem repeat (STR)
profiling is a preferred method. STRs are short
sequences of DNA bases that recur several times,
as in GATAGATAGATA. STR profiling is
advantageous because it doesn’t require the use
of restriction enzymes. Instead, PCR is used to
amplify target sequences of DNA, which are
fluorescently labeled. The PCR products are
placed in an automated DNA sequencer. As the
PCR products move through the sequencer, the
fluorescent labels are picked up by a laser. A
detector then records the length of each DNA
fragment. The fragments are different lengths
because each person has a specific number of
repeats at a particular location on the chromosome
(i.e., at each STR locus). That is, the greater the
number of STRs at a locus, the longer the DNA
fragment amplified by PCR. Individuals who are
homozygotes will have a single fragment, and
heterozygotes will have two fragments of different
lengths (Fig. 2.1.4). The more STR loci employed,
the more confident scientists can be of distinctive
results for each person.
DNA fingerprinting has many uses. Figure 2.1.4 DNA fingerprinting.
Medically, it can identify the presence of a viral
For DNA fingerprinting, PCR is used to
infection or a mutated gene that could predispose
generate copies of specific regions of DNA,
someone to cancer. In forensics, DNA which are then analyzed for length
fingerprinting using a single sperm can be enough variations. These variations may be used to
to identify a suspected rapist, because the DNA is identify deceased individuals or suspects in
amplified by PCR. The fingerprinting technique a crime. In this example, the evidence
can also be used to identify the parents of a child suggests that suspect A is not the criminal.
or identify the remains of someone who has died,
such as a victim of a natural disaster. In the future,
we will undoubtedly see more applications of
recombinant DNA technology that will greatly
enrich our lives and improve our health.
B. Directions: The following story is about a crime solved through biotechnological
techniques. The techniques used are DNA fingerprinting and polymerase chain
reaction (PCR). DNA fingerprinting is a technique in which an individual’s DNA is
analyzed to reveal the pattern of particular short nucleotide sequences. This pattern is
claimed to be unique to the individual concerned and can thus be used for identification
purposes. Polymerase chain reaction, on the other hand, is a technique used to
replicate a DNA fragment so as to produce many copies of a particular DNA sequence.
Why do you think there’s a need to generate several copies of the DNA? You will learn
the answers to this as you go through the story. Read the story carefully and answer
the questions that follow.
Answer the following questions:
1. What were the clues that led to the identification of the suspect?

2. What do you think the discovery of the seed pods provided the most crucial clue?

3. What if a strand of hair was found in the truck bed instead of a seed pod, do you
think it will still lead to the identification of the suspect?

4. What if strand of hair belonged to the victim, what other clues would you look for?

5. How did investigators conclude that the suspect was indeed the murderer?

6. What do you think are the other uses of DNA fingerprinting?

Were you able to answer all the questions? If you were, that’s very good! All of the
answers to the questions revolve around the process of DNA fingerprinting. The DNA
fingerprint of the seed pods led to the identification of the murderer. It is a very powerful tool
in solving crimes by determining the fingerprint from any cell or tissue sample left in the crime
scene. It can be a hair strand, blood, semen or skin cells. Aside from identifying the owner of
the sample, fingerprinting can also be used in identifying bodies or even parts of the body that
are difficult to be identified especially after an airplane crash on fire. Can you now imagine
how powerful DNA fingerprinting is?
 APPLICATIONS OF DNA
TECHNOLOGY

RECOMBINANT DNA IN
INDUSTRY

Many species of bacteria have been

engineered to produce chemical compounds used
by humans. Scientists have modified the bacterium
E. coli to produce the expensive indigo dye that is
used to color denim blue jeans, like those shown
in Figure 2.1.5.
The production of cheese, laundry
detergents, pulp and paper production, and
sewage treatment have all been enhanced by the
use of recombinant DNA techniques that increase
enzyme activity, stability, and specificity. Research
is currently going on to develop high-protein corn ▲Figure 2.1.5 Genetically modified bacteria
with protein levels comparable to beef and to produce the blue dye that colors denim blue jeans.
develop a process for making automobile fuel from
discarded cornstalks.

RECOMBINANT DNA IN
MEDICINE

TRANSGENIC ANIMALS

Scientists can study diseases and the role specific genes play in an organism by
using transgenic animals. Because mice reproduce quickly, they often are used for
transgenic studies. Mouse chromosomes also are similar to human chromosomes. In
addition, scientists know the locations of many genes on mouse chromosomes. The
roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans is another organism with well-understood genetics that
is used for transgenic studies. A third animal commonly used for transgenic studies is the
fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.
On the same farm in Scotland that produced the cloned sheep Dolly, a transgenic
sheep was produced that contained the corrected human gene for hemophilia A. People
with hemophilia are missing a protein-clotting factor in their blood. This human gene
inserted into the sheep chromosomes allows the production of the clotting protein in the
sheep’s milk. The protein then can be separated for use by patients with hemophilia. This
farm also has produced transgenic sheep which produce a protein that helps lungs inflate
and function properly. The protein is given to people with emphysema, a lung disease
associated mainly with cigarette smoking.
Let me introduce you to Genie, the transgenic pig. (Please see the picture on the
next page.) Genie’s genes were manipulated to produce the human protein C. The gene
for protein C was inserted into the DNA of Genie’s mammary gland cells. The glands
produced milk with large quantities of functional and active protein C. The protein is now
made commercially available for people who have digestive problems.
C. Directions: Let’s check if you understand the concept of transgenic livestock. Below
is an illustration of the process of producing the human protein C from cells of the
mammary glands, the glands that produce milk. Study it and answer the questions that
follow.

In the above illustration, protein C DNA from human beings is inserted into a
cell A of livestock. When that cell multiplies, it also makes copies of the protein C DNA
for human use.
1. The DNA in cell A is derived from a cell of what gland?

2. What animal is cell A derived from?

3. What is produced by the gland?

4. The process labeled B is called _________.

5. Cell C has a DNA molecule from two different sources and is called _________.

6. Cell C will produce milk and __________.

 IN THE DETECTION AND
TREATMENT OF DISEASES
What would you do if you found out that your television was not working? Or that your
refrigerator couldn’t function anymore? First, you would think that there was something
wrong with these appliances, right? What’s the next step that you would take? You would
have the defective parts repaired so that they would function normally again. If it is beyond
repair, you will remove the defective part and replace it with a functional one.
It is the same thing with the genes present in our chromosomes. If they become
defective, they can be repaired. Medical scientists can now detect diseases using DNA
technology such as PCR before the onset of symptoms or even before birth.
Some diseases such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis are caused by defective
genes. These diseases can now be treated through gene therapy. The goal of gene therapy
is to remove defective genes in the body and replace them with normal ones. These normal
genes are introduced into the human body. Through this therapy, persons with genetic
diseases will have a greater chance of living long and normal lives.
Pharmaceutical companies already are producing molecules made by recombinant
DNA to treat human diseases. Recombinant bacteria are used in the production of human
growth hormone to treat pituitary dwarfism. Also, the human gene for insulin is inserted into
a bacterial plasmid by genetic engineering techniques. Recombinant bacteria produce large
quantities of insulin. Human antibodies, hormones, vaccines, enzymes, and various
compounds needed for diagnosis and treatment have been made using recombinant DNA.

D. Directions: Is it advisable or ethical to manipulate human genes and cells? To some

people, it is wrong to tamper with human genes in any way even if it is meant for
treating life-threatening diseases. To others, there’s no difference between
transplanting genes and transplanting organs. What are your thoughts about these?
Write your answers on the space provided.
 RECOMBINANT DNA IN
AGRICULTURE
Recombinant DNA technology has been highly utilized in the agricultural and food
industries. Crops have been developed that are better tasting, stay fresh longer, and are
protected from disease and insect infestations. Corn, broccoli, cotton, and potatoes have
been developed to produce Bt toxin from a bacterial gene, which makes them resistant to
certain insect pests. Various plants have been made resistant to a herbicide used to rid the
fields of unwanted weeds. Canola plants have been modified so they make a higher yield of
oil. Currently, research is increasing the amounts of various vitamins in certain crops. These
plants could be grown and used in developing countries to supplement local diets that are
vitamin deficient. Other research includes the development of peanuts and soybeans that do
not cause allergic reactions, a problem, or a significant number of people. Figure 2.1.6
shows a graph of production acreage for the most common genetically modified crops.

Figure 2.1.6 Soybeans, corn,

cotton, and canola were the
most frequently grown,
genetically modified (GM)
crops in 2000, covering 16
percent of the 271 million
hectares devoted to those four
crops.
 E. Directions: This time, imagine you are a plant breeder. You are asked to improve the
quality of the plants listed below. What qualities will you improve in each plant? An
example is given to you as your guide.
Plant Improved Quality or Characteristic

1. Rice Resistant to pests, drought, and insecticides

2. Grape

3. Papaya

4. Corn

5. Orchid

6. Mango
Before, plant breeding was done by crossing the genes of two plants with
desirable characteristics. This technique has been successful in producing improved
varieties of crop plants, but it is time consuming and complicated. Because of genetic
engineering, these problems can now be avoided. Plants are inserted with “super”
genes to exhibit improved or better traits compared to their ordinary counterparts.
These plants are therefore called transgenic plants.

CLONING
Below is an illustration of Megan and Morag—the first sheep clones created from a single
developing embryo.

What is cloning? Cloning is the process of producing exact replicas or copies (clones) of an
original. It is like having yourself photocopied several times. The clones are copies of yourself. Can
you imagine being with one or more people who look exactly like you?
There are several cloning methods— DNA or gene cloning, cell cloning, embryo cloning and
adult DNA cloning.
DNA or gene cloning is carried out through polymerase chain reaction. Do you recall how
this process is carried out? PCR involves making many copies of a DNA fragment.
Another method of cloning is cell cloning. This process produces cell clones that are
derived from a single cell. Some of the cells of our body, such as the B cells and T cells of the immune
system, normally multiply through cloning.
Embryo cloning involves the removal of one or more cells from an embryo. Do you know
what an embryo is? It is the structure formed after the egg cell of a female organism is fertilized by
the sperm cell of a male organism. The fertilized egg cell undergoes cell division and produces an
embryo. Embryo cloning allows the cells from the embryo to develop into separate embryos with the
same genetic material (DNA) as the original embryo.
Adult DNA cloning involves the removal of DNA from an embryo and replacing it with DNA
from adult organism. The embryo is then allowed to develop into a new organism with the same DNA
as the adult donor. This technique is employed in cloning mammals such as cows and sheep. This is
the cloning technique used to produce Dolly.
 THE MORAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIAL
IMPLICATIONS OF CLONING
The successful cloning of Dolly is one of the most controversial scientific experiments in our
time. It has become a public issue that excited and alarmed scientists, religious people, doctors, legal
experts and the media. The fear of many people is that since cloning sheep and other mammals has
been successful, scientists involved in cloning research might apply this cloning technique to human
beings. Government and regulatory agencies such as the National Bioethics Advisory Commission
(NBAC) in the U.S.A. have been established to monitor cloning research. These agencies also aim to
determine and weigh the moral, legal and social implications of cloning research by setting guidelines
and limitations. Today, research into cloning of human embryos is restricted in the United States, the
United Kingdom and a few other countries.
Just like any other issue, the acceptability of cloning has two sides to it. There are some
people who are for cloning while there are some who are against it.
Let us now learn the different implications of cloning. Understand each implication so that
later you can determine if you are for cloning or not.

Moral Implications
Some people believe that cloning is morally acceptable. Why? Because cloning would enable
infertile couples to have children of their own. What if you find out that you and your spouse cannot
have children because one or both of you have defective reproductive organs?
Will you resort to human cloning?
Religious people believe that cloning is against God’s will. Cloning a human being is just like
playing God, according to them.

Legal Implications
To some legal experts, banning cloning is unconstitutional. It deprives people of their right to
reproduce. What if some couples can only bring a child into this earth through cloning? Will you deprive
them of that right? It would also deprive scientists of their right to experimentation. On the other hand,
to anti-cloning groups, some aspects of human life should be off-limits to science.

Social Implications
Cloning can help scientists discover how to treat certain diseases. In terms of safety, cloning
is safer than genetic engineering. On the other hand, to some people, cloning could result in the
introduction of new kinds of genetic defects. According to anti-cloning groups, cloning is unsafe
because clones are more likely to develop life-threatening diseases and genetic defects than normal
offspring. Objections to cloning are similar to objections raised against heart transplants and test-tube
babies before. As you can see, these procedures are now widely accepted. Later on, you might be
able to have parts of your body cloned. These cloned parts can be made available for your own use
in case you lose a body organ to a disease or an accident. Would you consider that beneficial or
harmful?
Cloning might lead to the creation of people for warfare and slavery. Clones might be used by
unscrupulous individuals to grab power and wealth. Do you think this is possible?
Cloning might also lead to attempts to improve the human race. This entails elimination of the
bad traits and the flourishing of the good and beautiful characteristics of a person. Thus, a perfect
human race will come into being. Imagine, the people walking on the streets will all be physically fit,
intelligent, beautiful, strong and probably rich. If you have “unpleasant” traits, you would be considered
an outcast.
Another social implication of cloning is that it might change the social perspective of the
family. Cloning is at odds with the traditional concept of the family.
F. Directions: Answer the following questions about cloning.

1. Why is it necessary to clone DNA and genes?

2. Give one legal issue raised over cloning.

3. Give one moral issue raised over cloning.

4. Give one social issue concerning cloning.

5. What is the name of the first animal cloned from an adult mammal?

A. Directions: For each item in Column A, write the letter of the matching item in
Column B.
Column A Column B

____1. Bacterial proteins that have the ability to cut a. recombinant DNA
both strands of the DNA molecule at certain points
____ 2. Contain foreign DNA b. vector
____ 3. Is made by connecting segments of DNA
from different sources c. restriction enzymes
____ 4. General term for a carrier used to transfer
a foreign DNA fragment into a host cell d. plasmid
____ 5. A small ring of DNA found in a bacterial cell e. transgenic organisms
____ 6. The procedure for cleaving DNA from an
organism into small segments, and inserting the f. genetic engineering or
segments into another organism recombinant DNA
technology
 B. Directions: Complete the table by checking the correct column for each
statement.
Statement Industry Medicine Agriculture
1. Recombinant DNA produces molecules
to treat diseases.
2. Engineered bacteria produce indigo dye.
3. Higher yields of oil from canola
4. Corrected human hemophilia gene
5. Herbicide resistance
6. Production of cheese and more effective
laundry detergents
7. Production of growth hormone to treat
pituitary dwarfism and insulin to treat
diabetes
8. Produce Bt toxin from bacterial gene
9. Recombinant DNA used to make human
antibodies
10. Studying transgenic animals provides
understanding of the role that specific
genes play.
11. Transgenic sheep produce a protein that
helps lungs inflate
12. Recombinant DNA techniques that
increase enzyme activity, stability, and
specificity.
Answer the following questions:

1. What was the lesson all about?

2. What have I learned?

3. What are my questions regarding the topic?

Please rate the level of difficulty of this

lesson based on your opinion. Shade the
stars below, 1 star being the most difficult,
5 stars by being the easiest.
Directions: Read each statement and choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following procedures makes multiple copies of a piece of DNA for use in
recombinant DNA studies?
A. Use of restriction enzymes C. Genome editing
B. DNA sequencing D. Polymerase chain reaction
2. How can the length of a DNA fragment be estimated in gel electrophoresis?
A. Smaller fragments are more negatively charged so they travel farther.
B. Larger fragments travel faster and farther than small fragments.
C. Smaller fragments travel faster and farther than larger fragments.
D. Larger fragments are more negatively charged so they travel farther.
3. Why is DNA fingerprinting able to identify people?
A. Every person has different genes.
B. The base sequence in each location varies from person to person.
C. The number of repeats in each location varies from person to person.
D. Every person has a unique restriction enzyme which is analyzed in fingerprinting.
For no 4, use the following figure to answer the question below.

4. Which of the following statements is consistent with the results?

A. B is the child of A and C C. C is the child of A and B
B. D is the child of B and C D. A is the child of B and C
5. Genetic engineering is being used by the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the
following is NOT currently one of the uses?
A. Production of human insulin
B. Production of human growth hormone
C. Genetic modification of plants to produce vaccines
D. Creation of products that will remove poisons from the human body
Faltado III, R. E., Paz de Leon, R. B., & Lopez, M. B., Baoas, Danilo D. (2020). General Biology 2 for
Senior High School (Specialized Subject). Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

Mader, S. S. & Windelspecht, M. (2018). Essentials of Biology (5th ed.). Mc-Graw-Hill Education

Glencoe Biology: The Dynamics of Life. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Columbus, OH

Molecular Basis of Heredity and Variation. Department of Education- Bureau of Alternative Learning
System.

Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Jackson, R. B. (2014).
Campbell Biology (10th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

DISCLAIMER

I do not own or license any copyright rights in the texts, images,

photographs, graphics, and other content provided in this module. This
module is solely for non- commercial, informational, and educational
purposes. There is no intention on my part to claim ownership as to the
contents or make profit out of this module.

Prepared by: Jerson T. Añana, LPT

Special Science Teacher I (SHS)
Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School
ANSWER KEY
PRE-TEST
1. B
2. D
3. C
4. D
5. B
PRE-ACTIVITY
1. Biotechnology refers to technology in which biological processes are involved. It
includes the manufacture of more complicated medical products such as hormones,
antibiotics, and vaccines.
2. Genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology is the manipulation or alteration
of the DNA of cells or individuals by removing, inserting, or modifying genes.
3. Answers may vary
4. Transgenic organisms are organisms that received manipulated DNA from other
organisms.
5. Cloning is the process of producing exact replicas or copies (clones) of an original.

LET’S PRACTICE
A.
1. DNA fragment
2. Plasmid vector
3. DNA ligase
4. Recombinant DNA
5. Bacterial cell (host)
6. Plasmid-containing bacterium
7. Cell division
8. Clone

B.
1. A pager found near the body of the victim belonged to the suspect. Another clue was
the two seeds from a palo Verde tree.
2. The two seeds would tell the investigators if the suspect had been in the factory where
the victim was murdered. The seeds were found in the bed of the suspect’s truck.
3. Yes, any piece of evidence that could be studied through DNA fingerprinting and which
would establish that the suspect was with the victim when she was killed would help.
4. Other pieces of evidence could be blood or even skin tissues.
5. The investigators were able to conclude that the suspect was indeed the murderer
when the DNA fingerprint of the two seeds showed that they came from the palo verde
tree in the vicinity of the factory, and that this tree was the one nearest the body of the
victim.
6. DNA fingerprints can also be used as evidence in paternity suits, or lawsuits that seek
to determine who the real father of a child is.

C.
1. Mammary gland
2. Pig
3. Milk
4. Genetic engineering/ recombinant DNA technology
5. Transgenic
6. Human protein C

D.
Answers may vary
 E.
Answers may vary

F.
1. It is necessary to clone DNA or genes because sometimes the amount available is not
enough for studies. So instead of extracting DNA from organisms, the small sample is
increased through cloning processes such as the polymerase chain reaction.
2. Choose any of the following/ answers may vary:
• Banning cloning is unconstitutional.
• Banning cloning deprives some people of their choice to reproduce.
3. Choose any of the following/ answers may vary:
• It is against God’s will
• It will let infertile couples have children of their own.
• It will give couples who carry defective genes the chance to have normal
children.
4. Choose any of the following/ answers may vary:
• It will help scientists discover ways of treating diseases.
• It might introduce new kinds of diseases.
• It is unsafe.
• It might be used by unscrupulous individuals to create people for warfare and
slavery.
5. Dolly

LET’S EVALUATE
A.
1. C
2. E
3. A
4. B
5. D
6. F

B.
Statement Industry Medicine Agriculture
1. Recombinant DNA produces molecules
✔
to treat diseases.
2. Engineered bacteria produce indigo dye. ✔

3. Higher yields of oil from canola ✔

4. Corrected human hemophilia gene ✔

5. Herbicide resistance ✔
6. Production of cheese and more effective
✔
laundry detergents
7. Production of growth hormone to treat
pituitary dwarfism and insulin to treat ✔
diabetes
8. Produce Bt toxin from bacterial gene ✔
 9. Recombinant DNA used to make human
✔
antibodies
10. Studying transgenic animals provides
understanding of the role that specific ✔
genes play.
11. Transgenic sheep produce a protein that
✔
helps lungs inflate
12. Recombinant DNA techniques that
increase enzyme activity, stability, and ✔
specificity.

POST TEST
1. D
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. D