Pure Genius

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Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops.

Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops. 5 minutes

Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops. 4 minutes

Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops 3 minutes Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops.

Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops. 2 minutes

Antifreeze Gene for Agricultural Crops The DNA of Arctic flounder contains a gene that produces special antifreeze proteins that allow the fish to survive in cold Arctic waters. Geneticists have been able to isolate this gene and insert it into the DNA of certain agricultural crops. a) Explain how the antifreeze gene could be beneficial in growing agricultural crops, such as tomatoes. b) Describe two concerns a consumer might have regarding the insertion of animal DNA into agricultural crops. 1 minute

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POSSIBLE ANSWERS Benefits: • Allow certain varieties of agricultural crops to be grown in colder areas • Extend growing season in cold areas, allowing for a longer/larger harvest. • Reduce crop loss from early or late frosts. Concerns: - Some crops may become allergenic. - The crops may cause unknown health risks. - The flavor of the crops may be compromised. - There may be unintended effects on the plants. - Labeling not required for GM foods & people wouldn’t know they consumed it -Vegetarians wouldn’t know if their food contained animal DNA - Genetic pollution (cross-pollination = farmers can’t certify crops as organic). - Reduced genetic variation if farmers only planted GM crops - Crops may indirectly promote antibiotic resistance. (In transplanting genes, there is need for a marker to identify which cells have taken up the foreign gene. One way is to attach a gene for antibiotic resistance.)