Activities

1. The idea that genes could be inserted into an organism to cure a disease is known as ____________.
   
   
2. The technique used to breed cattle that have desirable characteristics is known as ____________.
   
   
3. Give some examples of naturally occurring clones.

4. Put the following in order from oldest to youngest according to how long these techniques have been affecting organisms: selective breeding, gene splicing, natural selection.
   
   
5. Compare selective breeding with gene splicing.
   
   
6. Explain why hybrids are usually bigger and better than non-hybrid organisms.

7. In the past diabetic humans used horse insulin. Explain why using genetically engineered bacteria is preferred over horse insulin.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Gene therapy
   
   
2. Selective breeding
   
   
3. Acceptable answers include, but are not limited to:

• Bacteria
• Hydra
• Identical twins

4. (OLDEST) natural selection, selective breeding, gene splicing (YOUNGEST)
   
   
5. Acceptable answers include, but are not limited to:

• In selective breeding two individuals are crossed hoping that the offspring have the desirable characteristics.
• In gene splicing the gene for the desirable trait is inserted into the organism.

6. Acceptable answers include, but are not limited to:

Hybrids are the result of a cross between the parents that are chosen for the best traits. The offspring often have a combination of these traits.

7. Acceptable answers include, but are not limited to:

• Bacteria are smaller
• Bacteria multiply easier
• Bacteria reproduce asexually so all of their offspring will have the human gene
• The insulin gene is human and the bacteria make human insulin
• Less chance of reactions because they are using a human gene
• Cheaper