Lesson 2: Food Production and Technology

Transcription

1 Science 10 Lesson 2: Food Production and Technology This lesson introduces ways biotechnology is used in agriculture to enhance food production. In particular the following technologies are covered: Genetic engineering Selective breeding Mutagenesis Micropropagation Cell and tissue culture Microbial technologies What is Biotechnology? What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is the use of living organisms of their parts for some useful purpose. Investigating Biotechnology 1 Biotechnology: New or Old? Biotechnology: New or Old? For 10,000 years-people have used yeast and fermentation (brewing, bread and chees making) 1856-laws of inheritance discovered by Mendel 1953-description of DNA by Watson and Crick 1973-scientists learn how to isolate genes and splice them together 1980s-scientitsts learn how to transfer genetic information from one organism to another Investigating Biotechnology 2 Student Handbook 63

2 Investigating Biotechnology Types of biotechnology used in agriculture Types of biotechnology used in agriculture Genetic engineering Selective breeding Mutagenesis Micropropagation Cell and tissue culture Microbial techniques Investigating Biotechnology 3 Genetic Engineering Genetic Engineering The direct molecular manipulation of the genetic material or structure of an organism or virus, and includes the duplication, deletion or addition of genetic material of or to an organism or virus (From Bill , Genetically Engineered Food Labelling Act. (c) 2001 Province of British Columbia) Investigating Biotechnology 4 Selective Breeding Selective Breeding Selecting and breeding plants, animals or microorganisms for desired characteristics + = Investigating Biotechnology 5 64 Student Handbook

3 Science 10 Mutagenesis Mutagenesis A genetic mutation at the cell level that results in new characteristics Occurs naturally but can be induced through radiation or chemical exposure Investigating Biotechnology 6 Microprogagation Micropropagation Treatment of a parent plant with hormones to produce many new buds that can be used for progagation or to start new plants. Investigating Biotechnology 7 Cell and Tissue Culture Cell and tissue culture A technique used to grow large numbers of genetically identical cells outside of a living organism Investigating Biotechnology 8 Student Handbook 65

4 Investigating Biotechnology Microbial techniques Microbial Techniques Using microorganisms for pest control, environmental remediation and food processing Investigating Biotechnology 9 Potential Advantages of Biotechnology Potential Advantages of Biotechnology Increased plant and animal yields Resistance to pests reduces use of pesticides Plants that are drought tolerant Increased nutritional content of foods Investigating Biotechnology Student Handbook

5 Science 10 Student Worksheet Tracking Down Biotechnology Part 1 Your assignment is to find out more about one of the five types of biotechnology that are used within the field of agriculture. Use the preparation worksheet that follows as a guide to finding out more about the technology you have been assigned. Your group will be marked on the worksheet information and your presentation. Part 2 For this part of the assignment you are to prepare a simple presentation on the technology you researched identifying a species that has been subjected to the technology. Label your presentation with the name of the technology and include a brief description of the type of modification that has been made. Combine your presentation with the ones your classmates have made to create a bulletin board collage. Looking for more information? Check out the library sources available to you. Check out the AgBiotech Infosource On-line website: for the following articles and more like them. #1 Genetic engineering Molecular farming: Plants as new product producers article describing how genetic engineering can be used to improve the nutrition in food. UN site that explains genetic engineering and some of the issues. #2 Mutagenesis Marker-Assisted Selection: Applications to Animal Production article describing how characteristics are selected by marking genes. #3 Micropropagation Plants Without Seeds article describing the techniques of micropropagation. #4 Cell and tissue culture Advances in Animal Health: Vaccines from Biotechnology: describes how cell culture is used to produce vaccines for animals. #5 Microbial technologies Microbes: Building Blocks for Biotechnology: article describing basic characteristics of microbes and how they are used in biotechnology. Using Microbes to Enhance Animal Health: article describing how microbes in animal feed can enhance animal health. Search the Internet using the biotechnology term you are researching as the key word. Student Handbook 67

6 Investigating Biotechnology Preparation Worksheet Name of group members Area of biotechnology (circle your assigned topic) #1 Genetic engineering #2 Mutagenesis #3 Micropropagation #4 Cell and tissue culture #5 Microbial technologies Questions 1. Define the technology. 2. Identify a species of animal or plant that has been changed by this technology. 3. Describe one method used to implement this technology. 68 Student Handbook

7 Science What is the purpose of this technology? 5. What is the benefit of this technology to farmers? 6. What is the benefit of the technology to you? Student Handbook 69

8 Investigating Biotechnology How will you be marked? Tracking Down Biotechnology Poor There is an attempt, but it is not effective Good The attempts succeed most of the time Excellent The work is outstanding Group participation Members are cooperative Members on task Worksheet Content Answers the questions accurately Has supporting information Presentation Identifies relevant characteristics of chosen area Effective delivery Final Assessment 70 Student Handbook