Genetic engineering, including the main steps
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what genetic engineering is, some potential benefits, risks and ethical issues and the main steps in the process.
Key learning points
- Genetic engineering involves modifying the genome of an organism by adding DNA from another organism.
- The aim of genetic engineering is to introduce a desirable characteristic.
- Examples of genetically engineering crop plants and bacteria to benefit humans.
- Benefits must be weighed against risks and ethical issues.
- The main steps in the process of genetic engineering.
Keywords
Gene - a section of DNA carrying the genetic code that provides the instructions for a feature or process
Genetic engineering - the process of introducing a gene from one organism into the genome of another organism
Risk - the chance that an outcome (usually a negative one) will occur
Ethical question - a question about whether something is right or wrong
Vector - a plasmid or virus used to introduce a gene from one organism into the genome of another organism
Common misconception
Over-estimating the risks of genetic engineering and genetically modified (GM) organisms.
The lesson explores the need to weigh up possible benefits, risks and ethical questions when making decisions about genetic engineering.
Teacher tip
When exploring the examples, ask pupils to practice suggesting for themselves the possible benefits and risks (and to whom), and identifying ethical questions. Use prompt questions or a simple writing frame to guide their thinking.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the molecule that contains the genetic code in all organisms ?
Q2.__________ are long, thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of cells.
Q3.__________ is a section of DNA carrying the genetic code that provides the instructions for a feature or process.
Q4.What are the building blocks (monomers) for DNA?
Q5.Proteins are long chains of ...
Q6.Where is the DNA found in prokaryotic cells?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main goal of genetic engineering?
Q2.What is a potential risk of genetically modified crops?
Q3.What is one ethical consideration in genetic engineering?
Q4.What is one benefit of producing bacteria that can produce insulin?
Q5.Put the main steps involved in genetic engineering in the correct order.
Q6.Which enzyme is used to join vector DNA and desirable gene DNA together at the 'sticky ends'?
To help you plan your 11 biology lesson on: Genetic engineering, including the main steps, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 biology lesson on: Genetic engineering, including the main steps, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Gene technology unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.