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Genetic Engineering
How can genetic engineering enable microscopic organisms to tackle huge ecological challenges?
Students design a plasmid—using real and commercially available genetic “parts”—that could transform a common bacterium into a “biosensor” for pollutants in the local environment. Students will describe the plasmid in a team Google Site (or other website) modeled loosely after the requirements for the iGEM competition, which are listed here.
Based on their work during the unit, students script a 90-second elevator pitch for community members in which they describe their genetically engineered organism and how it would work at a cellular and molecular level. Students will also propose the potential applications and benefits of this biosensor to their specific local community, emphasizing its significance in environmental remediation and human health.
Science
N/A
An application-based unit within a course tied to Biology or Life Science.
Biology:
Plant Power,
Genetic Engineering
Written Commentary
The Google Site includes two written explanations. Students select a local pollutant, describing its sources and the communities it threatens and explain why it is a worthy target of an engineering project. Additionally, students describe their plasmid and explain how it will work using pictures and words.