Torn at the Genes

By Jennifer Nelson, Clyde Freeman Herreid

Abstract

The setting for this case is the family dinner table, where a heated discussion about genetically altered foods is taking place. Marsha Cumberland’s brother-in-law has joined the family for dinner. Ed is an industry official whose job it is to decide whether or not new products need pre-market approval by the FDA. He has just returned from a conference on transgenic foods. When it turns out that some of the food on the dinner table is genetically modified, a debate ensues with different members of the family at different ends of the spectrum. Written for an introductory biology course, the case considers the scientific and ethical issues of genetically altered plants.

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Date Posted

03/11/2000

Overview

Objectives

To examine the techniques used to transfer genes from one organism to another.
To consider the benefits as well as the costs of genetic engineering.
To examine the potential ecological consequences of genetic engineering of crops and
To discuss the ethical arguments involved in the manipulation of DNA in organisms and the issue of labeling genetically modified food.
To consider the possible evolution of resistance in bacteria and insects due to genetically engineered foods.
To consider possible health issues associated with genetically modified foods, including allergies and antibiotic resistance.

Keywords

Genetic engineering; genetically modified food; genetically modified organism; GMO; transgenic crops; agricultural biotechnology; plant genetics; food production; Food & Drug Administration; FDA

Subject Headings

Agriculture

Biotechnology

Botany / Plant Science

Genetics / Heredity

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Policy issues, Scientific argumentation, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Debate, Dilemma/Decision, Discussion, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

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Answer Key

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