MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Chemically inserting genes from one organism into another is an example of

a. crossbreeding

b. genetic engineering

c. hybridization

d. inbreeding

Correct Answer: b

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Which of these is used as a source of fetal cells for analysis and subsequent genetic counseling?

a. amniotic fluid

b. aqueous fluid

c. blood plasma

d. urine

Correct Answer: a

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Which answer below is most correct?

A mutation is caused by a change in

a. birthrate

b. color

c. genes

d. environment

Correct Answer: c

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Sickle cell anemia is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in blood cells. The cause of the abnormal hemoglobin protein is the replacement of the amino acid valine with the amino acid lysine. What is this kind of alteration called?

a. malnutrition

b. transgenic

c. radiation

d. nondisjunction

e. mutation

Correct Answer: e

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

You are a genetic counselor and a very distraught couple comes into your office with a child who has cystic fibrosis. The husband accuses the wife "You caused this! It's well known that mothers who drink have sick babies!"

What would be the most accurate information you could give this couple?

a. We don't know how this disease is caused, but research is making progress every day.

b. It is our theory that this disease is based on many factors that are too complicated to understand.

c. Cystic fibrosis is caused by both parents who contribute a faulty gene.

d. The facts of science are too complicated and you don't have the training to comprehend it clearly.

e. The two of you must be closely related.

Correct Answer: c

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

What is the process called when an egg is removed, fertilized outside of the body, and then implanted in the womb?

a. artificial insemination

b. cloning

c. in vitro fertilization

d. surrogate motherhood

Correct Answer: c

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Genetic engineering can be used to produce:

a. human growth hormone

b. insulin

c. interferon

d. all of these

Correct Answer: d

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

What equipment can be used to determined the genetic fingerprint of a suspect?

a. Microscope

b. Photospectrometer

c. Centrifuge

d. Gel Electrophoresis

Correct Answer: d

MC	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

April 16. Cpl. John C. Mayfield and Cpl. Joseph Vlasovsky were found guilty of disobeying a lawful order. The U.S. Department of Defense requires DNA samples for a database that could be used to identify soldiersÕ remains. The two Marines refused.

At their court martial, the two Marines argued that DNA samples could be examined for genes related to disease or even behavior and, therefore, the database was an invasion of privacy. As a result of the concerns raised by this case, the U.S. Department of Defense has changed its policies. It now destroys DNA samples upon request when an individual leaves military service. Do people have a right to control their own DNA samples?

THE VIEWPOINTS

DNA Information is not Private

As the court recognized, the U.S. Department of Defense had good reasons for requiring that DNA samples be taken and stored. Furthermore, DNA sequences are no more private and personal than fingerprints or photographs, which are taken by private and government agencies all the time. An employer has a right to take and keep such information. Individuals should have no reason to fear the abuse of such databases.

DNA Information Is Private and Personal

The use of DNA for personal identification by the military may be justified. An individualÕs genetic information, however, is a private matter. A recent study at Harvard and Stanford universities turned up more than 200 cases of discrimination because of genes individuals carried or were suspected of carrying. Employers with DNA information might use it to discriminate against workers who carry genes they suspect might cause medical or behavioral problems. Individuals must have the right to control their own DNA and to withhold samples form such databases.

Questions

1. Using this reading, which of the following is a fact?

a. Insurance companies use DNA information to deny coverage.

b. Employers might discriminate against employees because of their DNA.

c. The military keeps DNA samples to identify remains.

d. DNA is usually not private.

2. Which of the following statements is an inference?

a. A study at Harvard and Stanford turned up more than 200 cases of discrimination because of genes carried by individuals.

b. The U.S. Department of Defense destroys DNA samples upon request when an individual leaves military service.

c. The two Cpl.s were found guilty of disobeying orders.

d. DNA information is private and personal.

3. Which of the following statements can be tested?

a. The DNA database is an invasion of privacy.

b. DNA samples are not private and personal.

c. DNA information could accurately identify future medical or behavioral problems

d. An employer has a right to take and use DNA information.

Correct Answers:

1. c

2. d

3. c

I	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Study the table and answer the questions based on the information.

QUANTITY OF NUCLEOTIDES IN DNA
SOURCE	ADENINE	THYMINE	GUANINE	CYTOSINE
CALF	1.13	1.11	0.86	0.85
RAT	1.15	1.14	0.86	0.82
MOTH	0.84	0.80	1.22	1.33
VIRUS	1.17	1.12	0.90	0.81
RAT SPERM	1.15	1.09	0.89	0.83

1. Which of the following conclusions can be determined from the table?

a. A nucleotide is composed of deoxyribose, phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

b. The diameter is determined by the purine-pyrimidine base-pairing rule.

c. Thymine and cytosine are pyrimidines.

d. The ratio of adenine and thymine is similar in the ratÕs body cells and sperm cells.

2. Which of the following conclusions can be reasonably inferred from the table?

a. The nitrogen bases guanine and cytosine bond with each other.

b. The ratio of adenine is constant for all different species.

c. The amount of adenine is always greater than the amount of guanine.

d. The moth is an evolutionary descendant of the rat.

Correct Answers:

1. d

2. a

I	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

1. Compare the two karyotypes. Where are they different?

a. 23^rd pair

b. 21^st pair

c. 5^th pair

d. 11^th pair

2. These karyotypes are of:

a. 2 females

b. 2 males

c. 1 female, 1 male

d. You can't tell from the information

3. Which chromosome is abnormal or carries a genetic mutation?

a. 23^rd pair

b. 21^st pair

c. 18^th pair

d. 13^th pair

4. What is this genetic condition known as?

a. Trisomy 18

b. Down Syndrome

c. Klinefelter Syndrome

d. Trisomy 21

e. Answers b & d

5. The general characteristics of this genetic condition are

a. broad chest, webbed neck skin, short stature

b. underdeveloped sex organs, heart impairment

c. mental retardation, rounded faces, almond-shaped eyes

d. aggressive behavior, tall, thin

Correct Answers:

1. a

2. c

3. b

4. e

5. c

I	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Read the following excerpt about Embryo Transfer. Answer the questions that follow.

Embryo Transfer allows a producer to get several progeny from one female at the same time. Hormones are given to the animal to induce the ovulation of several eggs. Artificial Insemination of the animal follows. The fertilized eggs are then flushed from the donor, evaluated for quality, and implanted into recipient females. This practice was first done commercially in the cattle industry in the early 1970's. Today many cattle are bred using the practice of Embryo Transfer.

Questions:

1.Which of the following is NOT a genetic advantage of embryo transfer

a. Genetic diversity is increased

b. Faster genetic herd improvement

c. Superior cows able to produce more offspring than with classical breeding.

d. Use sires of superior genetic quality without cost of maintaining a bull.

2.A generalization that can be made about the article is that:

a. Embryo Transfer is practiced as a necessary part of Artificial Insemination

b. Producers of cattle use Embryo Transfer as the sole means of genetic improvement.

c. Embryo Transfer is and plays an important role in genetic improvement.

d. Embryo transfer is of vital importance to the entire livestock industry.

3.What is the most important variable in Embryo Transfer success?

a. Selection of recipient cows.

b. Selection of donor cow and sire

c. Follow the proper procedure in Embryo Transfer

d. Proper handling of fertilized egg.

Correct Answers:

1. a

2. c

3. b

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Explain the process of DNA replication. Include a diagram in your answer. Begin with the DNA helix unzipping and end with the completion of the replication process. Your explanation should include the major enzymes involved, the function of each enzyme, the other components utilized, their role and the steps of the process.

Scoring Guide:

5 - Enzymes, primers, nucleotides, correct sequence, leading and lagging strands are all described.

4 - Four of above.

3 - Three of above.

2 - Two of above.

1 - One concept.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Explain the process of protein synthesis. Begin with the attachment of the mRNA to the small ribosome sub unit and end with a completed protein. Include the components of the process, the enzymes involved and the steps of the process.

Scoring Guide:

5 - Sequence, f-Met, ribosome units, tRNA, codon-anticodon are all explained.

4 - Four of above.

3 - Three of above.

2 - Two of above.

1 - One concept.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Prepare a report on the effects of chemicals, radiation, viruses, or a mutagen of your choice. Include in your report information on the cause, the source or sources of the mutagen in the environment, and how it affects the genetic code.

Scoring Guide:

40% - Cause, sources and effects all included

40% - Depth of preparation.

20% - Spelling and grammar.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Not all gene mutations cause a disorder. Explain a situation where a change in the genetic code would not result in a noticeable mutation in a living organism. Use illustrations to help explain your position.

Scoring Guide:

40% - Example described.

40% - Depth of preparation.

20% - Spelling and grammar.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Through genetic engineering, parents may soon be able to choose the sex of their children. Give at least four possible consequences of this action.

Scoring Guide:

4 - 4 consequences mentioned in detail

3 - 3 consequences mentioned in detail

2 - 2 consequences mentioned in detail

1 - 1 consequence mentioned in detail

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Moscow tomato plants have been found to be susceptible to a specific disease. Scientists have used genetics to change the plant to make it more disease resistant. By doing this they have changed the plant from its original form.

Based upon your research, write an essay describing the pros and cons of the following statement:

Changing plants genetically to benefit people is acceptable regardless of the possible effects on our ecosystem.

Scoring Guide:

4 - Students bring up pros and cons of genetically changing plants. Genetic technology is also mentioned. Responsibility of ethical and social issues and problems involved in genetics are included. Spelling and punctuation are correct.

3 - Student writes about pro's con's of genetically changing plants and includes technology and our ethical and social responsibility in dealing with these issues.

2 - Students bring up ethical issues and pros or cons.

1 - Student chooses one side of the issue to discuss without identifying pros or cons.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Through genetic engineering, scientists hope to correct genetic disorders. If a person had a genetic disorder cured by gene therapy, replacing defective genes in his/her body cells, would his/her children also be protected from inheriting this disorder? Explain.

Ideal answer: Since the gene therapy took place only in the personÕs body cells and not in the reproductive cells, it would not protect future children from the disorder.

Scoring Guide:

complete 40%

accurate 40%

well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

By our changing their genetic material, certain kinds of bacteria can be used to make life-saving substances such as human insulin. What advantages does this insulin have over that used years ago? What other substances might be produced in this way to benefit mankind?

Ideal answer: Because the code for making human insulin is coded into the bacteria, they produce human insulin. This is an advantage to people using insulin, because there are fewer side effects from the human insulin than from the insulin that people used to have. That insulin used to be extracted from cows and/or pigs and many people were allergic to it. In the future, hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals that may be needed by humans might be produced, thus saving many lives.

Scoring Guide:

complete 40%

accurate 40%

well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

DNA can help to solve crimes. Explain why DNA is useful in such situations.

Ideal answer: With the exception of identical twins, etc., the DNA of every person is different from that of every other person. In solving crimes, DNA samples can be taken from suspects and compared to DNA that was found at the crime scene and can help to establish whether or not the suspect was actually present at the crime.

Scoring Guide:

shows understanding of the issue 40%

the issue is well thought out 40%

the explanation is well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Many people fear the advancements being made in the area of genetic engineering. What are they afraid might happen?

Ideal answer: Many people fear that genetic engineering is moving faster than it can be controlled. They fear that scientists, in their efforts to make money and develop new technology, may not consider what is best for mankind. They fear that scientists may develop deadly microbes and release them into the environment. They fear that scientists may develop new plant and animal species and release them in to the environment without knowing their impact on a fragile ecosystem. Farmers and ranchers fear that with the development of new plant and animal species for human consumption that large companies will charge enormous fees, since the companies own the patents, and this will force the farmers and ranchers out of business. Other fear that clones will be developed for the express purpose of fighting our wars, or providing organs for donation.

Scoring Guide:

shows understanding of the issue 40%

the issue is well thought out 40%

the explanation is well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Scientists have developed techniques of cloning plants and small animals. Describe one social or ethical problem that could result if humans were able to clone themselves.

Ideal answers: May vary, but must describe an actual social or ethical problem with supporting details. Writing and grammar count 20%.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

What advantage might there be of knowing the location of genes such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy?

Ideal answer: Locating these genes may make it possible to discover why they are defective and to develop the technology for repairing or replacing them.

Scoring Guide:

complete 40%

accurate 40%

well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

In the foreseeable future, we will have learned the nucleotide sequence of all genes on the human chromosomes. With this possibility, humans may become able to cure harmful genetic syndromes, prevent cancers and addictions to substances. The negative side on this technology must also be considered. Write an essay on one positive and one negative aspect of this technology that will affect the human community. Give evidences to support your ideas.

Scoring Guide:

40% - Positive item, discussion of aspects, accuracy, validity.

40% - Negative item, discussion of aspects, accuracy, validity.

20% - Spelling, grammar.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Many young adults who were adopted attempted to seek out their birth parents. Explain how DNA and protein analysis can make this process simpler in the future.

Scoring Guide:

40% - Processes explained

40% - Understanding and explanation of ethics involved.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

What is amniocentesis? When would this procedure be used? What can be learned through amniocentesis? What possible problems may result from this procedure?

Ideal answer: Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain fetal cells for examination. Chemical tests to the fetal cells can detect genetic disorders. Since a long needle is used to withdraw fluid surrounding the fetus, there is a (slight) risk of infection or of injury to the fetus.

Scoring Guide:

complete 40%

accurate 40%

well written 20%

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Read the following statement and then follow the instructions below:

Genetic Engineering: Harmful or Helpful?

¹It is possible now to invent and patent new plants and animals, if you can afford it.

²In April 1988, eight years after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized the patenting of genetically altered microorganisms, the U.S. Patent Office ruled that genetic engineers may now patent higher life forms, even mammals. ³One immediate result may be that, with patents at stake and many millions of dollars invested in competitive research and development, scientists developing new organisms for sale are unlikely to share information freely with colleagues, a subversion of one of the important characteristics of good science. ⁴Another bad result, critics charge, is that competitive pressures to win profitable patents may encourage cruel animal experiments and may also wipe out small farmers unable to afford genetically improved livestock. ⁵They worry, too, that escaped or mutant organisms might unleash a biological catastrophe of some sort on an unprepared world.

⁶On the other hand, supporters of genetic engineering insist that genetic manipulation may

-hasten a cure for AIDS and other diseases

-help reduce chemical pollution of the environment

-produce new nonpolluting substances to replace fossil fuels as a source of energy and industrial raw materials

-produce new agricultural food plants.

⁷Support or disapproval of these conflicting positions must take into account unresolved ethical and safety questions. ⁸For example: Is it safe to release gene-altered plants or animals into the environment? ⁹Is it ethical to alter the genetic structure of animals? ¹⁰Do animals have rights? ¹¹By what rules or standards does our society decide whether a new technology should be pursued?

¹²Dorothy Nelkin, a professor in Cornell University's Program on Science, Technology, and society, says the issues run from the environment to religious thought. ¹³Billions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and America's ability to compete in the world's agricultural and pharmaceutical marketplace are at stake.

¹⁴As an example of what may happen, consider BGH, a synthetic protein identical to a hormone produced naturally in a cow's pituitary gland. ¹⁵Through genetic engineering, researchers have developed a bacterium that can produce the BGH protein in commercial quantities. ¹⁶Cows that were given the protein in daily injections increased their milk yields by 10 to 20 percent. ¹⁷The U.S. already is producing more milk than it knows what to do with. ¹⁸If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of BGH, many small farms may be driven out of business.

¹⁹If this decline continues, what effect will it have on your community? ²⁰On food prices? ²¹On the social diversity of urban and rural society as ever more farmers go out of business? ²²Should failing farmers receive financial assistance? ²³Should the use of BGH be made illegal?

²⁴As a second example, fisheries biologists at Auburn University in Alabama are isolating the gene in catfish that produces growth hormone. ²⁵Their work shows promise of reducing the time needed for catfish to grow big enough to be eaten as food, improving the vitality of the South's $300 million aquaculture industry. ²⁶A plausible next step is to alter fish genetically to survive in polluted lakes and rivers.

²⁷During 1990 alone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved over 100 test plantings of crops that had been genetically altered to give them such traits as pest resistance and tolerance to weed killers.

²⁸Who benefits from these developments? ²⁹Who, if anyone, is hurt? ³⁰How are society or people's lives altered? ³¹What hazards are associated with each example?

³²Think about this: So far as is known, the last remaining smallpox viruses in the world exist in only two high security laboratories in Moscow, Russia, and Atlanta, Georgia. ³³Should the viruses be destroyed?

Questions:

1. List the numbers of 4 different sentences that use language to convince you that genetic engineering is harmful. What words in these sentences are emotionally powerful? Rewrite one of the sentences so that it is neutral.

2. List the numbers of 3 different sentences that reflect an approach that you believe is fair to the genetic engineering issues.

3. List sentence numbers that provide data to support genetic engineering.

4. Give an example from the article in which genetic engineering may be both good and bad and explain how this could be so.

5. How does our society decide what is good and bad with regard to an issue such as the genetic engineering of new plants and animals and their characteristics?

6. How should our society decide such cases? Why?

Scoring Guide:

Questions 1 - 3: Student answers may vary. E.g.: 4 -- bad, cruel, wipe out

Question 3: Look for a plausible explanation

Question 4: Look for the quality of the explanation

Question 5: Student answers contain an understanding that "science is a public activity"; students should value the role of informed public debate based on the best available data.

Question 6: Look for an acceptable defense of the student's position.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

How might recent advances in genetic engineering, including cloning, potentially affect the course of evolution? You must write at least 3 valid ideas.

Possible Answers:

The answer should include 4 of the following:

1. Deletion of human flaws will increase the human population and put further burden on other species and the environment.

2. New organisms could evolve and compete with existing species.

3. The frequency of alleles in the gene pool of any species may change.

4. The environment could be changed in a way that would harm or destroy existing species.

5. Rapid artificial selection for specific characteristics could take place within a species.

6. A species could be wiped out due to the lack of genetic diversity.

7. The genetic diversity of a species could increase, increasing the viability of that species.

Scoring Guide:

4 points Four of the above ideas have been used.

3 points Three of the above ideas have been used.

2 points Two of the above ideas have been used.

1 point One of the above ideas have been used.

E	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Contrast the beliefs of an animal welfarist and an animal rightist with regard to genetic research.

Scoring Guide:

4 Well thought-out answer with proper, spelling, and grammar. Good examples cited.

3 Question adequately answered with correctness, but no examples cited.

2 Question answered, errors in spelling and grammar. No examples cited.

1 More errors

0 Question not adequately answered. Many errors.

P	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

1. Construct a single strand of DNA, using beads to represent 12 bases.

red = adenine green = thymine blue = cytosine

yellow = guanine orange = uracil

2. Write the letters of the bases in the space below.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

3. Construct the matching strand of DNA.

4. Write the letters of the matching strand in the space below.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

5. ÒUnzipÓ your double strand of DNA and construct the matching strand of mRNA by stringing the beads in the correct order.

6. Write the codons in your mRNA in the space below.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

P	Biology	Standard: 04
Objective: 03. Explain how the structure and replication of DNA are essential to heredity and protein synthesis.
ILO:

Teacher Information:

Materials: This is a research project. Students will need access to good library facilities and or access to a computer lab with Internet access

Directions:

1.Read the attached article with your class or assign students to read it as homework, listing several questions that the article provokes.

2.Discuss the article briefly in class to ensure that students understand it and the issue of genetic destiny.

3.Assign students to prepare a research/position paper in which they discuss the following questions in one of the following forms:

Research paper Newspaper article

Essay Poem

Town meeting minutes

4.Distribute copies of the assignment so that students know what is expected and how their paper will be scored.

Scoring Guide:

Title of Task ___Genetics vs. Environment___

Student Name(s)_______________________________________________________

Teacher ________________________________________ Class___________________________________________

The student should be able to:	Where to find evidence:	E	G	NI	Points
Use reference sources	Written Report
Prepare a written report	Written Report
Grade level punctuation, spelling, and grammar	Written Report
Maintain an open and questioning mind toward alternative points of view	Written Report
Understand how technology has influenced the progress of science	Written Report
Solve problems by applying science principles	Written Report
Analyze data and draw inferences	Written Report
Report results honestly, without exaggerating, include negative findings	Written Report
Provide relevant evidence	Written Report
Evaluate the findings of others	Written Report
Understand that knowledge claims in science are tentative and that how scientists interpret evidence changes from time to time	Written Report
Evaluate rival explanations	Written Report
Key: E=Excellent G=Good NI=Needs Improvement

Genetics vs. Environment Assignment

Name _________________________________________

Genetics vs. Environment

Have you ever wondered why you are such a nice, kind person and your neighbor has such a violent temper? Why some people like liver while others get violently ill Òjust thinking about it?Ó Why some people can draw masterpieces and others cannot draw stick figures? Is it the environment is which they were raised (nurture), or are the differences due to their genetic heritage (nature)? The nature versus nurture issue has puzzled scientists for years. Some interesting information has come to light.

The "Jim twins" provided an ideal opportunity to research nature versus nurture questions. Identical twins were adopted by different families four weeks after birth. They were genetically identical yet raised in different environments. Any differences between them could be attributable to environment because they had the same genes. Likewise, similarities could be credited to genetic make-up because they were raised in different environments.

The twins were reunited at 39 years of age and their similarities were amazing. Both were named Jim, both drove the same model blue Chevy, both like woodworking, chewed their fingernails, and chain-smoked Salem cigarettes. They both had a dog named Toy, married a first wife named Linda, and had a second wife named Betty. Both had vasectomies, like stock car racing, and disliked baseball. When given personality tests measuring tolerance, conformity, flexibility, self-control, and sociability, the twins' scores were so close that they approximated totals resulting when one person takes the test twice.

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Adoptive Research tested 348 pairs of twins, including 44 sets of identical twins raised apart. They concluded that how people act, how they think, and what their personality is, is determined more by their genes than by their environment. Traits like shyness, imagination, respect for authority, and willingness to talk to strangers are present from birth. They also saw genetic influences in alcoholism, depression, obesity, homosexuality, phobias, and criminality. They did a study on 14,000 adopted children. Children whose biological parents were criminals were much more likely to become criminals.

Does that mean that if your father broke the law, you are destined to become a convict? Or that if your mother did not graduate from high school that you are automatically dumb? NOT AT ALL!! The problem with the idea of genetic destiny is that it leads one to believe that certain things are inevitable and nothing can be done to change them. The tendency is to think "social programs are no good because these people will always be on welfare, it's in their genes" or "we are wasting our time trying to help him learn, he is genetically stupid." These thoughts are simply not true. It is true that we have the potential to develop certain traits before birth. We may have the ability to become a great pianist or the potential to be a trouble maker but that does not necessarily mean that we will become such. Whether or not we develop a certain trait depends on our environment. Traits are enhanced or suppressed by the way a child is raised, but not completely eliminated or developed if the potential is not there.

Intelligence is a good example of the interaction between heredity and environment. Typically, inner city minority children score markedly lower on I.Q. tests than do their suburban counterparts. Kids with inner city backgrounds that were adopted by middle or upper class families scored, on the average, 20 points higher on the tests.

The tendency to develop cancer is another demonstration of the interaction of genetics with environment. Cancer itself is based in genetics because it is an uncontrollable growth of cells and cell division controlled by the genes. One of the most amazing discoveries in human genetics is the discovery that certain genes (oncogenes) play a part in the development of cancer. When these genes are activated by environmental factors such as smoking, obesity, and ultra-violet radiation, cancer results. The genes always exist in the person but they are not active until triggered by environmental factors. The same thing happens with coat color in certain rabbits. When it is cold outside, genes programmed for white coats are activated and the rabbit turns white for the winter snows. In the summer the heat activates another set of genes that code for a brown summer coat. It seems that our genes give us the framework within which we an develop and our environment determines which genes will be manifest or activated.

Directions:

Read the above article and then do a writing assignment (your answer may be presented as a research paper, a poem, a newspaper article, an essay, or minutes of a town meeting in which the issues are being debated) that answers the following questions:

10 pts 1. Why were the "Jim Twins" ideal for research on the nature-nurture issue?

10 pts 2. List several human traits, such as diabetes, that geneticists have recently linked to genes.

30 pts 3. Choose a position on the question of genetic destiny and support or refute it with at least two examples.

50 pts 4. Consider what you have learned about genetic research and propose and defend a solution to one of the issues of our society:

alcoholism

obesity

homosexuality

criminality