1. The nature of genetic engineering (cloning)
Starter: 3 students to read their homework

2. Objectives
All should know reasons why science uses genetic engineering
Most should understand the 2 mainline genetic research
Some could answer GCSE questions on the subject

3. Journey 1- learn some new words to help understand the whole subject
2-Reflect on the science of genetics
3- why it raises moral issues (religious and non religious)

4. Objectives
Keywords to copy
1-stem cell:
2-embryos
IVF:
cloning

5. reasons why science uses genetic engineering
In groups discuss and write down reasons why we use genetic engineering (at least 4 reasons)
Genetic diseases affect large numbers of people. Defective inherited genes can cause mental retardation, physical deformity or early death. Scientists are involved in genetic research into: cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, sickle-cell anaemia, taysachs disease and huntigton’chorea as well as other diseases like alzeimher’s…etc

6. 2 mainline genetic research
Scientist have been helped by the human Genome project, which is mapping all the genes in the human body (3:33)
Most genetic research are based on two things
1- changing the information that is passed down from one generation to the next: Germline gene therapy or
2- removing/altering genes from embryos so that they are born healthy ( pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

7. Question Who do you think should regulate all these research:
1- An independent body of religious people
2-An independent body of scientist
3-A consultation group of mixed people
4-The Law
5- Tony Blair or Gerry Wadwa

8. Homework
Read through worksheet on Christian attitudes to genetic engineering and answer all questions.

9. Science behind the genes
In Britain there is a scientific process called the “cybrid”
they are human-nonhuman cytoplasmic hybrid embryos or for a simple explanation a human nucleus in an empty animal egg making an embryo which is 99.9% human
This was voted by the UK parliament and is used by scientist for stem cell research

10. Understanding the morals and the issues
In groups A and C, in 6 minutes prepare and present various
Non religious arguments in favour of genetic engineering
In groups B and D, in 6 minutes, prepare and present various
Non religious arguments against genetic engineering

11. Compare your answers to the following
1-Non religious arguments in favour of genetic engineering
It offers the prospect of cures for currently incurable diseases.
It is done in some countries and is therefore available to the rich already
Cloning have been used to grow healthy cells to replace the malfunctioning one successfully
Cloning using cybrids does not involve any loss of human life
Genetic research is part of medical research. It is bound to evolve and include genetic engineering
It is already monitored by law and has vast potential

12. And again 2- Non religious arguments against genetic engineering
There is too little information about the long term consequences
It has effects which would be irreversible.
It places too much power in the hands of scientist who could act like doctor frankeinstein
It treats the human body like a commodity
It offers the possiblity of people being screened out of life insurance, senior positions…because they may die young or may have a degenerative diseases ..etc

13. GCSE practice
a/ What is cloning? (2)
b/ Do you think cybrid are the future for human genetics? give two reasons for your point of view (4)
c/ Explain why some people think genetic engineering and cloning for medical research are wrong (8)
d/ ”Jesus would heal people so we have a right to use any means necessary to heal humans even genetic manipulation”
i Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion (3)
ii Give reasons why some people may disagree with you (3)

14. Where will it end?
Although the public are largely on side on the use of genetic engineering to help cure illness or provide transplant organs, there is still an overwhelming resistance to parents creating "designer babies". Only 13% of respondents to the ICM survey said they were in support of the parent's right to use genetic engineering to design their unborn child, with 63% opposing the process. However, a higher 20% of year olds said they would condone the practice, which suggests perhaps that future generations will be more open to the idea.