Lesson 1: Focus Questions

Consideration 1: Can I Genetically Transform an Organism? Which Organism?

1. To genetically transform an entire organism, you must insert the new gene into every cell in the organism. Which organism is better suited for total genetic transformation—one composed of many cells, or one composed of a single cell? (Athira)
   
   
   The organism better suited for total genetic transformation is one composed of a single cell because to transform a single-celled organism, all you would have to do is insert the gene into that one cell rather than a multitude of cells like for a multi-cellular organism.

   
   
2. Scientists often want to know if the genetically transformed organism can pass its new traits on to its offspring and future generations. To get this information, which would be a better candidate for your investigation, an organism in which each new generation develops and reproduces quickly, or one which does this more slowly? (Anisha)
   
   
   An organism that reproduces quickly would be preferred as a better candidate. This includes organisms such as bacteria. This is because when conducting an experiment, if the organism being investigated happened to reproduce quickly, the results of the experiment can be observed and recorded immediately. This would help save time in the case that the procedure for the experiment does not produce the anticipated results. The experimenters would be able to make immediate modifications to the lab procedure, in order to get the desired results. It would also enable one to move onto the next stages of the experiment, instead of wasting time waiting for the organism to reproduce.  If an organism that reproduced slowly were used, it would take a greater amount of time to observe the results of the experiment. Overall, an organism that reproduces quickly would be a better candidate for this investigation, as it would increase efficiency and produce quicker results, saving time.
   
   
3. Safety is another important consideration in choosing an experimental organism. What traits or characteristics should the organism have (or not have) to be sure it will not harm you or the environment?  (Samar)
   
   
   Characteristic: The experimental organism should have the ability to grow at an optimal rate in the lab environment but not last in the conditions outside of the lab environment.
   
   
   Importance: The lab environment is sterile and the individuals participating in the lab are well prepared to handle the material. If the experimental organism is growing at an optimal rate inside the lab environment, the results for the lab workers will be accurate, and the lack of growth outside the lab environment is crucial for those not well equipped for exposure to the material as contact may lead to sickness.
   
   
   
   
   Characteristic: The experimental organism should not produce any toxins or harmful compounds that can infect humans.
   
   
   Importance: The production of toxins and other harmful compounds from this experimental organism can lead to fatal consequences among those working with the material for the lab. To ensure that the individuals demonstrating the lab are not physically affected by the contents of their work, having an experimental organism that is not toxic to the body is crucial.
   
   
4. Based on the above considerations, which would be the best choice for a genetic transformation: a bacterium, earthworm, fish or mouse? Describe your reasoning.  (Arrjun)
   
   
   The organisms best suited for genetic transformation are bacterium. Bacteria are well suited for genetic modification as they consist of a single cell and will become transgenic organisms after being mixed with DNA. In addition only one cell needs to be changed in order to incorporate the new transgenic information and allow for its transmission to the next generation.    

Consideration 2: How Can I Tell If Cells Have Been Genetically Transformed?

1. Describe how you could use two LB/agar plates, some E.coli and some ampicillin to determine how E.coli cells are affected by ampicillin.  (Athira)
   
   You could have one plate as the positive control with some E.coli and ampicillin, and a negative control where there are just E.coli and no ampicillin. You can then incubate them and see how E.coli are affected by ampicillin.
   
   
2. What would you expect your experimental results to indicate about the effect of ampicillin on the E.coli cells?  (Athira)
   
   One would expect to see the E.coli cells negatively affected by the ampicillin because it is an antibiotic that kills bacteria cell. So after incubation, the positive control plate will have no live E.coli cells present.