3.12 Enginered Bacteria?

A. Genetic Engineering At Work

Now that we know we can edit genes one at a time and we can use CRISPR to make changes to millions of genes at teh same time… its time to explore how genetic engineering can be used to start give living things special traits or powers and to decide if those changes are okay. We’ll start by looking at changes to bacteria, single living cells.

To get started, let’s think about the difference between genetic engineering and mutations.

 

Directions: Answer the questions below to check your understanding of the difference.

B. Bacteria Engineering?

Directions: Bacteria are the smallest living things. Read the slide show below and answer the questions to see how these tiny, amazing creatures are leading the way on genetic engineering.

C. Editing Bacteria To Help With Illness

Did you know that a special kind of bacteria is being used to help people with Diabetes?

 

Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body uses sugar (called glucose). Your body needs glucose for energy—kind of like how a car needs gas. But to use that sugar, your body needs a helper called insulin.

Insulin is made by an organ called the pancreas. It helps move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as fuel. If someone has diabetes, their body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. That means too much sugar stays in their blood instead of getting into their cells. Over time, this can cause health problems.

Directions: Listen to the podcast. As you listen, answer these questions: 

  • How was genetic engineering used to help people with diabetes?
  • Bacteria are simple living things. We can modify them to do things like make insulin. Should this type of genetic engineering be allowed? Why?
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