GCSE Biology Genetic Engineering in Crops: Complete Lesson

This PowerPoint resource provides a comprehensive lesson on the process of genetic engineering, its application to crop production, and the associated benefits and risks. It is ideal for high school biology or science classes focused on genetic modification and biotechnology.

Key learning objectives:

• Describing the process of genetic engineering, including the selection of desirable characteristics, gene extraction, and DNA modification.
• Explaining how genetic engineering is used to develop genetically modified (GM) crops with enhanced traits such as pest resistance, frost resistance, and increased nutritional value.
• Evaluating the potential advantages and disadvantages of GM crops, including their impact on agriculture, food security, and the environment.

Resource features:
The lesson begins with a starter activity reviewing genetic concepts like alleles and inheritance, helping students build a foundation for understanding genetic modification. Students are introduced to the steps of genetic engineering with engaging examples, including:

• Frost-Resistant Tomatoes: Using antifreeze genes from arctic flounder.
• Golden Rice: Incorporating a gene from carrots to produce beta carotene, addressing vitamin A deficiencies.
• Herbicide-Resistant Corn: Enhancing resistance to herbicides, allowing for higher yields.

Key activities include:

• Matching steps in the genetic engineering process to their correct order.
• Discussing the advantages (e.g., increased yield, resistance to pests and herbicides, enhanced nutritional value) and disadvantages (e.g., long-term health concerns, environmental risks, and socioeconomic implications) of GM crops.
• Sorting real-world scenarios into categories of benefits and challenges, encouraging critical thinking and debate.

The lesson concludes with reflective tasks, including evaluating case studies and considering the ethical implications of GM technology in agriculture.

File details:
This editable ‘.pptx’ file aligns with biology and science curricula and supports classroom discussions and critical analysis. It includes clear visuals, real-world applications, and interactive activities, making it an essential resource for teaching genetic engineering and its role in modern agriculture.