Biology 12

Unit 3 Review • MHR 329

MAKING CONNECTIONS

51.Explain how the study of other species’ genomes
can contribute to an understanding of human
genetics. What can the study of a distantly
related organism, such as a roundworm or
yeast, contribute to this understanding that the
study of another mammalian species could not?

52.When the results of the sequencing of the
entire human genome were first released in
2001, many scientists were surprised to learn
that the human genome contains far fewer
genes than initially expected. What are some of
the implications of this finding for the study of
how human genetics relates to human health?

53.In the movie Jurassic Park, scientists found
prehistoric mosquitoes preserved in amber.
These mosquitoes had fed on dinosaur blood.
The scientists extracted dinosaur DNA from the
blood found inside these mosquitoes and then
inserted this DNA into amphibian eggs in order
to create living dinosaurs. Do you believe genetic
engineering technology could make a project of
this sort possible in the near future? Explain.

54.Advances in gene therapy research could
someday make it possible for parents to select
many of their children’s genetic traits —
including physical features such as hair or eye
colour, IQ, and even certain personality traits.
What effects might the creation of such “designer
babies” have on society? Explain what laws, if
any, you think the government should enact to
regulate this area of genetic research.

55.You are a medical doctor with two young
female patients who are hoping to be treated
with a form of gene therapy that can build
muscle mass. One has a genetic disorder that
causes a breakdown in muscle tissue. The
disorder is not life-threatening, although the
treatment may help her live an active life and
take part in sports with her friends. The other
has the skill to be an exceptional hockey
player, but is disadvantaged by having a very
slight build. The treatment might help her
develop the musculature needed to compete in
professional hockey. The parents of each girl
argue that the treatment is necessary if their

child is to be able to live a fulfilling life and

achieve her full potential. How would you

respond to each family’s request for treatment?

56.The Ontario government has decided to fund a

five-year research study to determine whether

or not chemicals contained in processed foods

contribute to a higher incidence of cancer

among children and youth. Your community

has agreed to participate, and you are in charge

of designing the study. Prepare a plan for the

study that describes your hypothesis, the data

you will collect, and the means you will use to

collect them. Give reasons for your choices.

What might be some of the implications of

your findings?

57.Some groups argue that all food products

containing genetically modified ingredients

should be clearly labelled. Others argue

that this labelling will harm producers, and

that genetically modified foods have been

demonstrated to be safe. What labelling policy

would you propose? Explain your reasons.

58.You are a senior official in a government health

department. You must decide how to allocate

$100 million in genetics research funding

among the following three areas: development

of transgenic crops; somatic cell gene therapy;

therapeutic cloning of human cells. How much

funding will you allocate to each area? Justify

your decision.

Consider the following as you continue to prepare for

the Biology Course Challenge.

• Review the information you have gathered so far.
  Make a note of any possible links between your
  project and the processes by which mutations occur.


• Add important concepts and ideas from this unit. Do
  any of the new ideas or issues discussed here make
  you want to change the focus of your project?


• Research science magazines and sites on the Internet
  for new information related to genetic research. How
  could you use this information in your project?

COURSE CHALLENGE

very dry conditions. You intend to market

these crops to countries that are suffering the

effects of prolonged drought. Pitted against you

are some consumer groups that are campaigning

to have the governments of these same

countries reject transgenic products.

(a)What arguments do you expect the

consumer groups to make?

(b)What points would you include in a

brochure to counter some of these

arguments and promote your products?