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Do You Really Know What You're Eating?

A Case Study on Genetically Modified Foods

By Wayne Shew (rr), Mary Celeste Reese

Do You Really Know What You're Eating?


 

Abstract

Starting from a fictional “news” report about an apparent allergic reaction to a taco tainted by genetically modified corn, students consider some of the techniques and procedures used in modern molecular genetics and microbiology as well as some of the issues associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Originally designed for role-play and PowerPoint assignments, suggestions for a shortened version are also provided. Suitable for a general microbiology course, the case could also be used in an introductory molecular biology course with appropriate modifications. Various levels of coverage of the topic of recombinant DNA are possible.

   

Date Posted

06/30/2007

Overview

Objectives

  • To present an overview of the techniques used in the production of GMOs.
  • To understand the role of microbes in biotechnology
  • To consider an important ethical issue—should we genetically manipulate organisms?
  • To understand the role that government agencies play in the regulation of development and the use of genetically modified organisms.

Keywords

Genetically modified organism; GMO; agricultural biotechnology; recombinant DNA; transgenic plant; gene transfer; Bt protein; Bacillus thuringiensis; ELISA; allergen; food allergy; anaphylactic shock; corn

  

Subject Headings

Agriculture
Biotechnology
Botany / Plant Science
Food Science / Technology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Regulatory issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Role-Play, Student Presentations

 

 

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