CLONING OR GENETIC MODIFICATION What’s the difference?

In the novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton: Scientists used ancient dinosaur DNA trapped in amber to clone extinct species. They designed a theme park around this idea to earn profits on tourism. The cloned dinosaurs eventually became uncontrollable and the scientists abandoned their project, sacrificing many lives along with their investment. Dave Walker

What’s Your Opinion? Do you think there was anything the scientists could have done to reduce the risk? Is there any way to bring extinct organisms back by any other means? Scott Kinmartin

Many organisms have been cloned in the past 50 years with varying success Mice, cattle, sheep, cat, deer, dog, horse, mule, ox, rabbit and rat, and a rhesus monkey have all been cloned. Some lived longer than others. Dolly the sheep (cloned in 1996) only lived about 6 years. Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute

Cloning vs. Genetic Modification Cloning humans is currently not allowed by law in any country on Earth. Genetic modification is currently used to replace or repair mutated genes or to add new traits to an organism.

Genetic Modification defined as changing the genes of an organism using Biotechnology. usually involves one gene, or a few genes, that contain instructions for a specific trait. this has an effect on the resulting trait in the organism. can be used to replace or repair existing genes, or introduce brand new genes for new traits.

Genetically Modified Organisms Glofish and Green Luminescent Mice Sweet Corn Hawaiian Papaya Some modified traits are easily visible like these glowing animals. And some modified traits are not easy to see, such as the disease resistance introduced to these fruits and vegetables

Where we go from here: 1. Using the website Learn.Genetics, you will find out how cloning and genetic modification are actually done. 2. Complete all answers on your answer sheet. 3. Peer review a friend’s answers, correct if needed. Give back to your friend. 4. Organize your new ideas with a graphic organizer. 5. Move around to discussion stations, decide how far you would go in gene modification or cloning. 6. Assessment: You are the editor of a magazine! Readers have submitted questions about genetic modification and cloning, and you correct their misconceptions. Be as specific as you can to show what you know!