A Biotechnology Case Study A fictional case study based upon a real problem Should Rutgers University be able to collaborate with Campbell Soup Company to grow genetically modified crops in the small farming communities of Southern New Jersey? Patricia L. Sidelsky – Cherokee High School – Marlton, New Jersey – Honors Genetics

Rationale for Choosing Topic New Jersey’s Economy is largely dependent upon both agriculture and a huge biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry

New Jersey- The” Garden State” Jersey Tomato Jersey White Corn Blueberries Cranberries Strawberries Grapes and the Wine Industry Jersey Limas and String Beans

Corn is one of New Jersey’s Largest Crops Below is information on one hybrid used in New Jersey please note the Value Added Traits

Commercial Agriculture and Rutgers University Rutgers Cooperative Extension assists Garden State farmers in facing the challenge of operating a business in a heavily regulated environment, while enhancing market potential and using integrated management systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and socially and politically acceptable. Rutgers Cooperative Extension also helps consumers and agriculture and other businesses develop and implement practices that maintain an efficient balance among the environment, human health, and economic benefits.

Objectives of the Lesson To have students identify the issues pros and cons in the debate to use genetically modified foods To have students research the technology of transgenic plants and animals. To have students demonstrate and illustrate an understanding for the gene function and expression To have students evaluate the environmental consequences of planting genetically modified crops. To have students evaluate the health concerns for animals and humans in the consumption of genetically modified foods. To have students evaluate the economic impact in the utilization of genetically modified crops and organisms. To have students work cooperatively on the research of this issue. To have students prepare a final PowerPoint Presentation to be shared with the other members of their class To have students investigate the identification of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter that is used for gene expression in many genetically modified crops.

Rutgers University has agreed to support research on genetically modified crops in a local farming community in New Jersey. The farming community consists of large agricultural complexes for a food company that makes soups and a variety of other food products as well as small family farms including fruit orchards. Rutgers is interested in studying the following genetically modified crops in New Jersey, corn, soy, tomatoes, grapes, and potatoes. You work for a company called The New Jersey Bioethics Consortium. Your group has been assigned to evaluate the issue of genetically modified ________________________( insert your assigned crop).

As a member of this group you are charged with the assessment of the risks versus the benefits for the utilization of this new technology. Agriculture and biotechnology companies represent the core of the New Jersey economy. However you understand that opponents of Genetically Modified Crops as well as the sale of FrankenFoods raises some important issues. Environmental Activist groups are pressuring the consortium to evaluate issues surrounding the planting of these crops such as the development of “superweeds”, genetic recombination with other organisms, health issues like the development of allergies, as well as practical matters like planning for the proper containment and regulation of these crops.

In your meeting your will be assigned the research for one aspect of this issue. Technology and Genetics Health Issues Environmental Impact Economic Impact Risks versus benefits

Use Internet Resources to Investigate Your Topic And Create PowerPoint Slides for your Presentation After learning of your assigned topic you will break up with your group to research your topic. As a part of your research you want to impress the Environmental groups with your information in the form of PowerPoint Slides. Design PowerPoint slides that are informative and scientific in content. Upon returning to your meeting room with your group members assemble your collective information and slides and edit it for presentation to the Environmental Activists.

To better understand the detection and evaluation of genetically modified foods you visit a laboratory to extract DNA from your favorite chips or food. While there you complete an analysis for the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter, that is used to maximize expression of genes in Genetically Modified Crops.Genetically Modified Crops. The students will bring in a sample of their favorite food and complete the laboratory entitled, “ DNA Purification Protocol for Evidence of Genetic Modification in Grocery Store Foods”

After the extraction of DNA from a favorite food, each group will complete a PCR reaction and gel to illustrate the technology in the evaluation of GMO’s PCR Analysis – A Laboratory to Identify the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter Electrophoresis of PCR Products using Egels

Student Presentations Each group will explain their research in a PowerPoint Presentation using the data projector in the classroom. The class will takes notes on the issues presented and on the pros and cons using their data sheets. When all presentations are completed the class will compile a master list for presentation to the Agricultural activists expressing a consensus opinions of risks versus benefits for this Genetically Modified Crop in the State of New Jersey