BS 218     Southeast Missouri State University

Extra Credit Opportunity for 2009

Genetic Modification of Foods Webquest - A Global Issue

General Background on Webquests

    This activity illustrates the use of the internet as an interactive learning tool and allows you to experience a webquest first hand.  For further information on the ways you can use the internet for  science (and other!) teaching,  click here.  There you will find links to the Webquest homepage and to extensive collections of webquests for all age levels and all subject matters.

  General Background on Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods:

    The process of genetic engineering involves taking one or two genes from one organism and putting it into another organism.  For example, genes from humans for making insulin have been placed in bacteria.  The bacteria produce the human insulin, and the insulin is collected and provided to people with diabetes.  Before the bacteria were genetically engineered, diabetics used insulin produced by other mammals such as cows and horses. 

    Genetic engineering is NOT cloning.  Cloning is the process by which an identical copy of an organism is produced.  Identical twins are natural clones, as are strawberry plants produced by runners. 

Instructions for Extra Credit:  GE Foods Webquest

    In this assignment, you will be investigating genetic engineering in food crops and deciding, based on evidence, if you think GE foods are safe and should be labeled and why!!!

    In the US, the major food crops that have been genetically engineered are corn and soy beans.  Genes for a natural insectide produced by a bacterium were engineered into the corn and soy.  Having these genes in the crop itself saves the farmers from having to spray for insects.  

     In the U.S. over 50% of the corn and soy crops are from genetically engineered seeds.  Ingredients made from corn and soy include corn syrup, corn starch, and soy derivatives which are found in the majority of processed foods on supermarket shelves

For up to 30 bonus points added to your lecture grade, you may submit individually developed answers to the following questions  IN the drop box by 11:59 p.m. on May 5th 2009  Two pages maximum, typed.

Are genetically engineered foods facts or fiction, friend or foe?

Name two foods that have GE ingredients.  Will  you eat genetically engineered foods now?

Should they be labeled? All? Some? for whom?

Link to GE Foods Webquest