You are about to do some research and thinking on the genetic modification of animals, plants, and humans.

What is genetic modification?

All living organisms contain deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, which codes for the proteins and enzymes that make up that organism. Genetic modification is manipulating the sequence of DNA which changes the proteins and enzymes that an organism creates. Because the proteins and enzymes produce the characteristics of an organism, changing those proteins can change how an organism looks and functions. With the right genetic modification a scientist could make a plant resistant to drought conditions, make an animal grow faster, or make humans live longer, healthier lives.

What genetic modifications will I be dealing with in this rotation?

In this rotation you will be considering a genetic modification to a cat that would make it hypoallergenic. You will also be dealing with the genetic modification of crops; specifically a modification to corn that would make it more resistant to pests and the modification of a potato that would increase its nutritional value. The third modification you will be dealing with is the modification of humans to improve muscles. Finally, you will consider the issue of genetic modification more generally, and make recommendations regarding when genetic modification is acceptable and when it should be restricted.

Are these types of genetic modifications realistic?

Yes. Scientists have already made or attempted modifications similar to the ones you will be dealing with in this rotation. While some of the modifications have been successful, both scientifically and commercially, others have failed or been rejected by the community. Your tasks in this rotation deal not only with whether a genetic modification could be done technically, but also to consider whether or not the genetic modifications are ethical and should be allowed. You work and recommendations will need to be based on and backed up by facts. You will also be addressing the general topic of genetic modification and making recommendations on how society should address genetic modifications that are proposed or done in the future.

I don't know very much about genetics! How will I be able to deliver a presentation to teach other people about genetic modification?

This project provides many resources, including step-by-step guides, to help you think through the issues you are dealing with one step at a time. In addition, like many scientists, you’ll be working in a team, and will be able to bounce ideas off of your teammates, and give and receive feedback from them. You will also have a mentor will be available to help you when you have questions, to help guide your work, and will give you feedback.

How do I get started?

Simply click on "Introduction" in the left menu under "Your Tasks." This project is a simulation; you do your work within a fictional scenario in which you and your peers have recently started work and the Center for Ethical Genetic Engineering. A team of scientists (you and your fellow students) has been asked to testify at a congressional subcommittee hearing on the topic of genetic modification. You and your team will research the science and ethics involved with these technologies, and put together and deliver presentations to the committee on each of the topics.

By clicking on "Introduction" under "Your Tasks" you will see your supervisor's first email to you, describing your task, and an email from the head of the subcommittee. These emails give you an overview of the tasks you will be doing in this rotation. Once you’ve read the emails, you can continue to "Part I: GM Animals" to begin working on the first topic. Once you're at the first task in this section, click the “Get Help” section at the top of the page for a step-by-step guide and other resources to help you do your work.

Note: Students must complete a focus group early in this rotation. It is recommended that early on, or even slightly before they begin this rotation, students review the section on Focus Groups in the step-by-step guide in Task 1.1 and begin recruiting people in order to stay on schedule.