Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe genetic recombinant technology.
• Explain the process of creating GMOs.
• Identify examples and socio-cultural concerns of GMOs in Ghana.

Lesson summary

Welcome, future scientists and entrepreneurs! Today, we are exploring one of the most powerful and debated tools in modern biology: Recombinant DNA Technology. This technology is not just something in a foreign textbook; it has major implications for us here in Ghana. Imagine creating maize that resists the destructive stem borer, or cowpea that fights off the maruca pod borer, leading to better harvests for our farmers and more food on our tables. Imagine producing life-saving medicines like insulin more cheaply and safely. This is the power of biotechnology.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the core scientific principles you need to understand. A. Foundational Definitions Biotechnology: The use of living organisms, or their products, to create or modify products for human use. This ranges from ancient practices like using yeast to brew *pito* or bake bread, to modern techniques like genetic engineering. Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation and alteration of an organism's genetic material (DNA) to change its characteristics. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology: This is the core technique we are studying. It involves identifying a useful gene from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of another organism. The resulting DNA is called "recombinant" because it's a *re-combination* of DNA from different sources. Vector: A "delivery vehicle" used to carry the foreign gene into the host cell. The most common vectors are plasmids. Plasmid: A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria, separate from their main chromosome. Plasmids can replicate independently, making them perfect vectors. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): The end product. An organism (plant, animal, or microbe) whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. It is also known as a transgenic organism. B. The "Molecular Toolkit" for rDNA Technology

To perform this "genetic surgery," scientists need special tools: Restriction Enzymes (Molecular Scissors): These are enzymes that cut DNA at specific, recognised sequences. For example, the enzyme *EcoRI* always cuts DNA at the sequence GAATTC. This precision is crucial. The cuts often create "sticky ends" – short, single-stranded overhangs that can easily pair with complementary sticky ends. DNA Ligase (Molecular Glue): This enzyme joins pieces of DNA together. After a new gene is inserted into a plasmid, DNA ligase forms the permanent phosphodiester bonds to seal the gap, creating a stable recombinant DNA molecule. C. The Step-by-Step Process of Creating a GMO

Let's illustrate the process using a common example: Creating an insect-resistant maize plant (Bt Maize). The problem: Stem borer insects destroy maize crops, causing huge losses for farmers. The solution: A bacterium called *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) naturally produces a protein (Bt toxin) that is lethal to these insects but harmless to humans and other animals. We can take the gene that codes for this protein from the bacterium and put it into the maize plant.

Here are the key steps:

Evaluation guide

• Describe how genetic recombinant technology is applied in biotechnology to
• produce GMOs.
• Group -Based Learning:
• In mixed ability, all- inclusive groups, listen to a presentation by a resource person or your