Recombinant DNA

Module in General Biology 2

Third Quarter

GENES
DNA

BIO TECH

MARICAR R. SUSON
Developer
What I Need To Know

This module in Earth and Life Science is intended for Grade 11 learners like you for
you to study and enjoy. It tackles on the different hazards caused by geological
processes like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. As you go over the
module, you will see the following elements that will lead you in understanding the
concepts.

What’s In? - This gives you a review of the prior lesson that connects to the current
lesson.
What’s New? - This is an activity that introduces the new lesson; and
What’s In It? - This is the discussion part of the lesson that presents the concept
for deeper understanding.

But, there’s a lot more as you read it and you will discover how nature can be either
hazardous or helpful to mankind.

Furthermore, hopefully aims to develop among learners like you, a better

appreciation of the key concepts of life and apply in real-life situations.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

 outline the processes involved in genetic engineering
 discuss the application of recombinant DNA

Hope you will have an awesome experience learning this module. So, get ready
and start your brain working!

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What I Know
Let us check what you know regarding the lesson on Recombinant DNA
specifically on the processes involved in genetic engineering and it application. You
will take the pre-assessment below to determine the extent of your knowledge
encircling the best letter of your choice.

1. Recombinant DNA technology is also known as

a. Genetic Engineering, Generic Modification and Biotechnology
b. Genetic Expansion, Genetic Mutation, and Biotechnology
c. Gene Therapy, Gene Extraction, Gene Mutation
d. None of the above
2. Recombinant DNA are _________ of DNA from two different species that
are inserted into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations
that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry.
a. Variation c. molecules
b. Atoms d. genes
3. PCR is known as
a. Polymer chain reaction c. Polymerase chain reaction
b. Phosphorus chain reaction d. None of the above
4. What do we call the production of exact copies of a particular DNA
sequence in order to develop a top line of genetically identical organisms
which contain identical copies of the same DNA.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene Mutation
b. Gene production d. Gene replacement
5. It is the insertion of a functional gene or genes into a cell/tissue/organ to
correct a genetic abnormality.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene production
b. Gene mutation d. Gene Therapy
6. If a material from another species is added to the host, the resulting
organism is called _______________.
a. Transfigure c. Transgenic
b. Transformation d. Transparent
7. It is a group of techniques and the science of making changes to the
genes of a plant or animal (by remove, insert or change a gene) in order
to change one or more of its characteristics.
a. Gene Cloning c. Genetic Evolution
b. Genetic Engineering d. None of the above
8. In 1951, the term “genetic engineering” was first coined by ___________
in his Science and Fiction novel Dragon’s Island.
a. Jack Williamson c. Francis Crick
b. James Watson d. Robert Hooke
9. In 1972, ____________ created the first recombinant DNA molecules by
combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40(Simian virus 40) with that of
the lambda virus (bacteriophage).

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a. Herbert Boyer c. Paul Berg
b. Stanley Cohen d. Francis Crick
10. In the 1990’s, the first gene therapy trials on human was done through
genetic engineering and at that time, GM used to make ____________, an
enzyme used in making hard cheese.
a. Chymosin c. Peptin
b. Amylase d. None of the above
11. This is designed to introduce functional genes to body cells, which enable
the body to perform normal functions thus providing correction for genetic
abnormalities.
a. Somatic gene therapy c. Aromatic gene therapy
b. Symptomatic gene therapy d. None of the above
12. Restriction enzymes are extracted from several different species and
strains of bacteria, in which they act as defense mechanisms against
viruses and they can be thought of as, ________________cutting the DNA
at specific target sequences.
a. “Molecular disorder c. “molecular restraint”
b. “molecular scissors” d. None of the above
13. Recombinant molecules enter living cells in a process called __________.
a. Transcription c. Translation
b. Transformation d. None of the above
14. Another use of cloned DNA is in vitro mutagenesis in which
a ________________ is produced in a segment of cloned DNA.
a. Mutation c. transformation
b. Recombinant DNA d. None of the above
15. _________________________organism whose genome has been
engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired
physiological traits or the generation of desired biological products.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene Therapy
b. Genetically Modified Organisms d. None of the above

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What’s In?
In your Gen. Bio 1 last topic, you have learned cell respiration. You also had
a background on fermentation. Am I right?

What’s New?
Activity: WORD SEARCH

Direction: Find and circle 15 words or concepts that are related to the lesson
about Recombinant DNA or Genetic Engineering. Write your answers on your
answer sheet.
D N A S E Q U E N C I N G W Y X B N M
O D N A E X T R A C T I O N T Y B H V
U G E N E T I C E N G I N E E R I N G
B E M K P S F H K S K P G R W Y O D C
L N U K C Y T O S I N E P K M K T P H
E E B N D W H U M A N G E N O M E T R
H T F M K N X B W Y K Q B K M Q C R O
E H T U J U M T Y J P Y M S D T H Y M
L E G T A C K G E N E C L O N I N G O
I R B A R L Y U F M F H P L Y W O P S
X A M T H E L A G B T Y O M G T L L O
S P T I I O G N H S R M W P H Y O G M
T Y U O P T D I B F U O Y R K U G B E
R T G N M I X N K G Q S T T N M Y M S
A Y W X N D W E L Y T I K Y D K W F Y
N Z F B R E F G P P W N L Q Q D Q W T
D T R A N S G E N I C O R G A N I S M

Were you able to find all the words or concepts Recombinant DNA? If so,
that is awesome! Now, turn to the next page for you to meet and know them better.

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What’s In It?

The words or concepts that were inside the search box are part of the things
that will be discussed in this module. Brace yourself now and uncover the world of
Recombinant DNA…

Recombinant DNA are molecules of DNA from two different species that are
inserted into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of
value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry. Since the focus of
all genetics is the gene, the fundamental goal of laboratory geneticists is to isolate,
characterize, and manipulate genes.

Recombinant DNA is also known as Genetic Engineering, Genetic

Modification and Biotechnology. It is a set of techniques that are used to achieve
one or more of three goals:
A. To reveal the processes of how genes are inherited and expressed;
B. To provide effective treatment for various diseases (particularly genetic
disorders);
C. To generate economic benefits which include improved plants and
animals for agriculture, and efficient production of valuable
biopharmaceuticals.

HISTORY OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

In 1951, the term “genetic engineering” was

first coined by Jack Williamson in his science
fiction novel, Dragon’s Island.

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In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick
proposed the double helix structure of
DNA.

In 1972, Paul Berg created the first

recombinant DNA molecules by combining
DNA from the Monkey virus SV40 (Simian
virus 40) with that of the lambda virus
(bacteriophage).

In 1973, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen

created the first transgenic organism by
inserting antibiotic resistance genes into
the plasmid of an E.coli bacterium.

In 1980’s”
- Invention of polymerase chain
reaction (PCR)
- Development of Genetic
fingerprinting
- Transgenic mice produced carrying
human genes.
- Transgenic plants produced
resistant to a herbicide.

In 1990’s:
- GM use to make Chymosin, an
enzyme used in making hard
cheese.
- First gene therapy trials on humans.
- 1996: the birth of the first cloned
animal, Dolly the sheep, was
announced.

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Now, you have learned what recombinant DNA or Genetic engineering is and
how it came about, this is not the end of it. There’s more for you to discover. So just
sit and relax as the lesson continues.

PROCESSES/ETEPS INVOLVED IN GENETIC ENGINEERING

The process of genetic engineering is not a simple task, it requires complex
machinery and innovative minds. Since farming began, humans have been
selectively breeding different plants, doing so provided more food and better food for
all. This process is genetic engineering in much simpler terms than we think of it
today.

Now, when one thinks of genetic engineering, they are more likely to picture a
complicated science which involves altering the very building blocks of life. The are
several steps in the process of genetic engineering. Scientist follow a step by step
process in order to alter the DNA of an organism.

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This process is a simpler one to understand. But to illustrate and explain it
further, here is another diagram/illustration of how recombinant DNA is done step by
step.

This diagram/illustration seen on the previous page demonstrated how the

plasmid of an E.coli bacterium was isolated same is true with the DNA of the cell
containing gene of interest. When already isolated, the plasmid is cut with enzyme

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and the cell’s DNA with enzyme is also cut. Then, the cut targeted fragments are
combined (plasmid DNA). Once combined together, a DNA ligase is added which
closes the circle with covalent bonds. Thus, the gene of interest is already one with
the plasmid forming a recombinant DNA. Where this can also be used or done in
Gene Cloning as shown in the illustration below.

Genetic
engineering or
recombinant DNA
certainly aroused
the interest of
many not only the
scientists but also
all mankind
particularly on
gene cloning and
GMO’s.

Here are concepts or key terms below to know more about Recombinant DNA
or Genetic Engineering.

Recombinant DNA indeed has no ordinary process. In order to achieve

something worthwhile, the process should be well done and followed. If not, then the
experiment is considered failed and scientist will have to do the process over and
over again until the desired product is achieved.

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Since the presence of genetic engineering or recombinant DNA, many
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) surfaced. Before that let us first know what
Genetically Modified Organisms are.

GMO’s will be discussed further as the lesson progresses. So, let us soar
further.

APPLICATIONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are actually products of the
applications or uses of genetic engineering. Let us learn more.

I. Medicine
I.1. Treatment
A. Insulin production
Human insulin produced
through genetic engineering since 1982
Human insulin gene
inserted into the bacterium E.coli to
produce synthetic “human” insulin for
the treatment of insulin-dependent
diabetes.
In the past, insulin was
obtained from a cow or pig pancreas,
that has many problems.

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Another for Treatment:
B. Producing human growth hormone:
- to treat growth retardation (dwarfism)

C. Producing Follistim Injection:

- (contains the FSH hormone) for treating
infertility

D. Making human albumin, anti-hemophilic

factors and many other drugs.

E. Other biopharmaceuticals under

development through genetic engineering,
include:
Anti-cancer drug and possible vaccine for
AIDS, malaria, COVID19, etc.

I.2. Vaccination
- Today, the microorganism (such as yeast) is used to
produce virus antigen used as vaccine that stimulate
the human immune system against the virus.
- This procedure has been done successfully for the
development of a vaccine against hepatitis B virus
(HBV) that is now widely used.
- Genetically engineered vaccines hold great promise
for the future.
- GE vaccines may also be useful to prevent diseases
that have resistant to traditional vaccination, including
HIV, tuberculosis, etc.

I.3. Gene Therapy

1. Somatic Gene Therapy – is designed to introduce
functional genes to the body which enable the body to
perform normal functions thus, providing correction for
genetic abnormalities.
This will cause treating individuals by targeting the
therapy to body cells such as bone marrow or blood cells.

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Gene therapy has been successfully used to treat Chronic lymphocytic
Leukemia (CLL) and Parkinson’s Disease.

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I.4. TISSUE ENGINEERING

- According to their source, Stem cells are

divided into “adult” which are multipotent,
and “embryonic” stem cells, that are mostly
pluripotent
- Stem cells can become almost any other
cell, they are waiting for a signal that will tell
them what kind of tissue cell to become.
- Stem cells may be useful for the repair of
damaged tissues, or may be used to grow
new organs.
- Stem cells in the pulp of primary teeth,
characterized as multipotent cells, have the
potential to be used in both dental and
medical applications such as: treatment of
periodontal disease, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, stroke, heart attack, burn, rheumatoid
arthritis and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
diseases, and regenerate many types of
tissue in the body.

II. Agriculture
- Using the genetic engineering techniques widely today, to produce genetically
modified crops/plants.

- In most cases the aim is to introduce

a new trait to the plant which does
not occur naturally in the species.
- AIMS of GM crops include;
- Resistance to certain pests,
diseases or environmental
conditions
- Reduction of spoilage
- Resistance to chemical
treatments (e.g. resistance to
herbicide)
- Improving the nutrient profile of
the crop

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- The first GM crop is Flavr Savr
tomato was a tomato engineered to
have a longer shelf life, in 1992.

- In 1995, Bt potato was approved

safe by the Environmental Protection
Agency, with (Bt) protein, wich is
resistant to pest.
-
- Bt Cotton is a genetically modified
cotton which is resistant to pests

- Golden rice genetically modified

contain beta-carotene (a source of
Vit. A)

A blue rose is a GMO

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You must have been amazed by the works of Genetic Engineering or
Recombinant DNA on Genetically Modified Organisms, am I right? But wait, there is
one more…

DIASADVANTAGES OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

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Not all what you think looks amazing, yummy and tasty are healthy in this
case. All natural things are still the most amazing things on earth. However, when it
comes to some other applications of Genetic Engineering, we can say that it is far
from amazing.
Moreover, we still have to consider the One who created all these amazing
natural things in the world.

We are done with Recombinant DNA or Genetic Engineering or what we call

Biotechnology. As a student, you should know netter how to take care of your
environment, and be wiser with all the things the you take in, see to it that they are
not that harmful to your body.

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What’s More?
You have been familiarized with Recombinant DNA, its processes,
applications and the GMO’s. Now, it is your turn to do more activities.

Activity 1.
Direction: Give at least Applications of Genetic Engineering and their uses.
(5pts. Each)
Applications of GE USES
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

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Assessment 1
Direction: Complete the crossword puzzle by referring to the clues
beside it.

Activity 2. Jumbled Words.

Direction: Unscramble the letters to reveal the correct word. Write your
answers on the space provided for.
1. GOLYCHONTOBIE _______________________________
2. GLONCIN _______________________________
3. EGEN AREHTYP _______________________________
4. INERTNIOS _______________________________
5. TECVRO _______________________________
6. MASILPD _______________________________
7. RETMIUCAB _______________________________
8. RUVSIES _______________________________
9. TEJICNION _______________________________

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10. THOS ________________________________
11. NETIRPO ________________________________
12. GANORISMOCRIM ________________________________
13. LINSUNI ________________________________
14. METERNATN ________________________________
15. NATCIONCAVI ________________________________

Assessment 2.
Make a Graphic Organizer and outline the Process/Steps of Genetic
Engineering.

You may feel tired during the activities but just keep yourself going!

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What I Have Learned

After you have learned the about recombinant DNA, its processes,
applications and uses and the genetically modified organisms, answer the questions
below and do the activity to recapitulate what you have learned in this module.

Metacognition for Stating Knowledge

My chosen word is ________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

I know that I know_________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
First, I know_____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

In addition, I know_________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Finally, I know____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Now, you know something that I know_________________________________

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________
What I Can Do

You can do more by doing this activity: READ and REACT that will let you
experience a realistic life questions regarding the lesson.
Direction: Read the questions/sentences carefully and then give your
Reaction in 2 sentences.

1. Read: Give a Biological explanation for the following observation:

Ann couldn’t believe her ears hearing the pharmacist’s explanation telling
her that the insulin shots bought for her father were produced from bacteria.
Reaction:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. Read: Give a Biological explanation for the following observation:

Some of the Politicians, artists and businessmen in the Philippines
undergo Stem cell injection. What could be in this innovation that they are so
in to it?
Reaction:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. Read: Give a Biological explanation for the following observation:

They said that Genetically Modified Organisms are good to everyone
but how come others say that not all of it are good especially when these
GMO’s are to be eaten. Why is that?
Reaction:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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Post Assessment

Let us see what you have learned the lesson on Recombinant DNA
specifically on the processes involved in genetic engineering and it application. You
will take the post-assessment below to determine the extent of what you have
learned on the lesson by encircling the best letter of your choice.

1. If a material from another species is added to the host, the resulting

organism is called _______________.
c. Transfigure c. Transgenic
d. Transformation d. Transparent
2. It is a group of techniques and the science of making changes to the
genes of a plant or animal (by remove, insert or change a gene) in order
to change one or more of its characteristics.
c. Gene Cloning c. Genetic Evolution
d. Genetic Engineering d. None of the above
3. In 1951, the term “genetic engineering” was first coined by ___________
in his Science and Fiction novel Dragon’s Island.
a. Jack Williamson c. Francis Crick
b. James Watson d. Robert Hooke
4. In 1972, ____________ created the first recombinant DNA molecules by
combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40(Simian virus 40) with that of
the lambda virus (bacteriophage).
a. Herbert Boyer c. Paul Berg
b. Stanley Cohen d. Francis Crick
5. In the 1990’s, the first gene therapy trials on human was done through
genetic engineering and at that time, GM used to make ____________,
an enzyme used in making hard cheese.
a. Chymosin c. Peptin
b. Amylase d. None of the above
6. This is designed to introduce functional genes to body cells, which enable
the body to perform normal functions thus providing correction for genetic
abnormalities.
a. Somatic gene therapy c. Aromatic gene therapy
b. Symptomatic gene therapy d. None of the above
7. Restriction enzymes are extracted from several different species and
strains of bacteria, in which they act as defense mechanisms against
viruses and they can be thought of as, ________________cutting the
DNA at specific target sequences.
a. “Molecular disorder c. “molecular restraint”
b. “molecular scissors” d. None of the above
8. Recombinant molecules enter living cells in a process
called __________.

25
a. Transcription c. Translation
b. Transformation d. None of the above
9. Another use of cloned DNA is in vitro mutagenesis in which
a ________________ is produced in a segment of cloned DNA.
c. Mutation c. transformation
d. Recombinant DNA d. None of the above
10. _________________________organism whose genome has been
engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired
physiological traits or the generation of desired biological products.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene Therapy
b. Genetically Modified Organisms d. None of the above
11. Recombinant DNA technology is also known as
a. Genetic Engineering, Generic Modification and Biotechnology
b. Genetic Expansion, Genetic Mutation, and Biotechnology
c. Gene Therapy, Gene Extraction, Gene Mutation
d. None of the above
12. Recombinant DNA are _________ of DNA from two different species that
are inserted into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations
that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry.
a. Variation c. molecules
b. Atoms d. genes
13. PCR is known as
a. Polymer chain reaction c. Polymerase chain reaction
b. Phosphorus chain reaction d. None of the above
14. What do we call the production of exact copies of a particular DNA
sequence in order to develop a top line of genetically identical organisms
which contain identical copies of the same DNA.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene Mutation
b. Gene production d. Gene replacement
15. It is the insertion of a functional gene or genes into a cell/tissue/organ to
correct a genetic abnormality.
a. Gene cloning c. Gene production
Gene mutation d. Gene Therapy

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Additional Activity

You are almost done. Keep your spirit alive! Perform the following activities
for you to really master the lesson on this module.

Activity 1.
Create a collage on Genetically Modified Organisms that you have
seen on TV or read on magazines or newspapers. Arrange them creatively.

Congratulations! You have accomplished a great task in understanding

and finishing this module. Learning must be a continuous process. So keep
the passion and right attitude and mindset in the nest lessons.

If you did not fair well in this module, shape up and try to look back
patiently on the concepts again. After that, be ready for the next module.

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