3.16 Nature’s Menu: Editing with Other Species
A. Species Editing
Remember the Dire Wolf, scientists brought them back from extinction using DNA from Dire wolves that they put into real wolves DNA. Now scientists are trying to bring back the Woolly Mammoth. Check out the four extinct species below. Can you think of a living species scientists might use to edit or combine DNA to help bring back extinct species?
Think About It:
- If we could bring back these extinct animals by combining DNA with living creatures, should we?
- What might happen if we reintroduced a species that hasn’t existed for thousands of years?
Wooly Mammoth
Saber-toothed Tiger
Dodo Bird
T-Rex
B. Gene Genie Nature's Menu
Scientists are trying to bring back the Wooly Mammoth by combining it’s DNA with living Elephants. And they are trying right now.
It’s one thing to combine DNA from a woolly mammoth and an elephant, but what about putting animal DNA in people? We could… but should we?
Did you know some scientists are already trying to use pigs hearts in people who need a new heart because pigs and people have similar hearts. If we could use a pig heart, could we use other animal traits or powers?
Now it’s time to design your own superhero – Use Natures Menu to become the Gene Genie and design your own superhero using powers from other animals.
C. Think About It
Now that you’ve had fun building your custom powers… think about these three questions…..
- Is it okay to use animal DNA in humans? Why or why not?
- Would your answer change if the changes helped people survive extreme environments (like space or deep sea)?
- What could happen if those genes got passed down for generations? Could they mutate or combine in unexpected ways?
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