LibGuides: VCE Biology Unit 2: Genetic Modification

Possible Search Terms

genetic modification
CRISPR

Google Scholar search results using the keywords "genetic modification organisms" - only accessible via the SLV's databases (copy & paste the title into the eResources search window).

Why genetically modified food?

Gene editing
Gene editing is a type of genetic engineering use in both agricultural and human research in which DNA is inserted, replaced, or removed from a genome using artificially engineered nucleases, or “molecular scissors.” Current information and research on the topic of gene editing.
Revision: Genetic engineering
A guide from S-cool for revising the topic of genetic engineering.
Revision: Applications of genetic engineering
A guide from S-cool for revision of the applications of genetic engineering.

Community Links

Organic Consumers Organisation
Food First
Union of Concerned Scientists
This group of scientists and citizens presents information on genetic engineering techniques and raises issues about genetically modified (GMO) food crops, the health and environmental risks, and the other choices available.

Epigenetics

It’s not ALL in the genes - the role of epigenetics
An article explaining epigenetics from Australian Academy of Science online magazine, "Nova"
Epigenetics and health
This resource provides information about epigenetics and health.
Epigenetic code and brain development

University of Utah: Epigenetics

CSIRO: Gene technology
Gene editing made simple
From the ABC Science program, "Catalyst", aired Tuesday 30 August 2016, on the gene-editing technique CRISPR.
Gene editing with CRISPR
An article on CRISPR [pronounced ‘crisper’] technology from the Australian Academy of Science's online magazine, "Nova".
Transgenics: A new breed
The next wave of genetically modified crops is making its way to market — and might just ease concerns over 'Frankenfoods'.
Pharming for pharmaceuticals
Read about transgenic technology, and learn how it can be used to create animals that make drugs in their milk.
Genetically modified foods
See what makes a food 'genetically modified', and learn about its benefits and risks.
Labeling GM foods
The Australian & New Zealand Food standards site.
More food, cleaner food
Gene technology and plants, Australian Academy of Science.
NOVA: Genetically modified rice
The Conversation: Articles on genetically modified organisms
The Conversation presents analysis and comment on the topic of genetic modification (GMO), including golden rice in the Philippines and genetically modified wheat in Australia, the debates about health and environment safety issues, and the latest research news.

Video: Gene editing can now change an entire species -- forever by Jennifer Kahn

Published on Jun 2, 2016

CRISPR gene drives allow scientists to change sequences of DNA and guarantee that the resulting edited genetic trait is inherited by future generations, opening up the possibility of altering entire species forever. More than anything, this technology has led to questions: How will this new power affect humanity? What are we going to use it to change? Are we gods now?

Real Clear Science: How Anti-GMO Activists Get in the Way of Cutting Pesticide Use
"The research confirms a point that cannot be stressed enough: scientists continue to make agriculture safer and more efficient with the tools of modern genetics, but activists have waged such an effective scare campaign against transgenic crops that the technology often remains unused by industry. 'Small fruit industries are not interested. Costs a lot, tech always changes, takes time, consumer backlash fears. fungicides are safe and cheap.'"
Synthetic gene drives in Australia: implications of emerging technologies
The Australian Academy of Science's discussion paper on new gene-editing technologies that override natural selection. ‘Gene drive’ technology allows scientists to manipulate the DNA of small plants or animals in a way that forces or ‘drives’ inheritance of particular genetic traits and characteristics to successive generations.
Genes and civil liberties
Discusses factors that must be considered when evaluating the applications of genetic technologies to related fields.
Adelaide Centre for Bioethics and Culture: Bioethical issues
Bioethics is concerned with questions about basic human values such as the rights to life and health, and the rightness or wrongness of certain developments in healthcare institutions, life technology, medicine, the health professions and about society's responsibility for the life and health of its members.
Harvest of Fear
The PBS television programme Frontline and NOVA report on the risks, benefits, hopes and fears of biotechnology and bio engineered food crops. The report includes in depth interviews with genetic scientists, food industry and agribusiness representatives, farmers using genetically modified seeds, and critics of biotechnology.
The dark side of genetic engineering
The author of this article argues that there may be unintended consequences to the development of GMO food from genetically modified organisms, citing the example of the genetically engineered soybean, and safeguards need to be put in place to prevent disasters.
Pharming: Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Research in pharmacogenetics investigates how differences in our genes can affect our response to medicines. This report considers the implications for research and development of medicines, clinical practice and treatment, and the use and storage of genetic information.