Genetically Modified Foods

Problems/Case Studies

"Are Gene-Altered Plants an Ecological Threat?" Sherry L. Kitto Dr.
During this exercise, students consider the significance of crop plants to society. In part one, student groups are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons of weeds, herbicides, herbicide-resistant transgenic plants, and risk and safety assessment. The main objective of the exercise, accomplished during part two, is for student groups to collaboratively design an experiment to prove or disprove an hypothesis; that transgenes within a crop plant, e.g., Brassica campestris, will be exchanged with related wild species of mustard if allowed to grow to maturity in the field. In part three, each student group gives a presentation outlining its experimental plans for determining the invasiveness of transgenic brassica. After the presentations, students are referred to actual experiments in scientific reports. The exercise utilizes three in-class periods, and follows a traditional lecture series, which provides students with background information for the exercise.
Supporting Materials: Format of Delivery, Student Learning Objectives, Instructor Resources, Author's Teaching Notes 

"The Case of the “Tainted” Taco Shells - General Edition", "The Case of the “Tainted” Taco Shells - Advanced Edition" Ann Taylor, Wabash College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
This case discusses some of the issues associated with the use of genetically modified plants, including ecological risks, resistance, and allergenicity. The General Edition emphasizes the basic biochemistry and scientific ethics issues associated with genetically modified foods. The Advanced Edition probes the same issues but includes more advanced questions regarding the biochemistry of how genetically modified plants “work."
This case is appropriate for high school and college undergraduate general chemistry, biochemistry, botany/plant science, and agricultural courses.

"Frankenfoods? The Debate Over Genetically Modified Crops" Bill Rhodes, Clemson University, Maha M. Alkhazindar, Cairo University, and Nancy A. Schiller, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
This discussion case, in which a university research laboratory is vandalized by environmental activists opposed to genetic engineering, focuses on the science and ethics of genetically modified crops. Students consider both the risks and benefits of biotechnology and explore the positions of various stakeholders including environmentalists, conservationists, agricultural businesses, research scientists, and farmers.
Originally written for a vegetable crops course, the case would be appropriate for a wide variety of courses in which biotechnology is discussed.

"All That Glitters May Not Be Gold: A Troublesome Case of Transgenic Rice" Gerald F. Combs, Jr., Cornell University. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
In this decision case, a congressional staffer must weigh a number of competing concerns and issues, including popular reactions to genetically modified organisms, in deciding how to present information to her boss, an influential congressman drafting legislation to support agricultural research. The case explores the social and biological issues surrounding micronutrient malnutrition, including deficiencies of several vitamins and essential minerals, especially iron, iodine, and vitamin A, which affect at least one-third of the world's population, primarily in developing nations.
This case is appropriate for college undergraduate botany/plant science, public health, nutrition, agriculture, and biotechnology courses.

"Torn at the Genes: One Family's Debate Over Genetically Altered Plants". Jennifer Nelson, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
The setting for this discussion case study is the family dinner table, where a heated discussion about genetically altered foods is taking place. The case considers both the scientific and the ethical issues surrounding the genetic alteration of plants.
This case is appropriate for high school and college undergraduate biotechnology, genetics, agriculture, and botany/plant science courses.

CNN Video Clips:

Topic: Tastier Tomatoes: Biology 7th Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (2:53)
Scientists for the USDA have identified a tomato gene that controls the rate at which the fruit ripens.  Manipulating this rin gene could make tasty tomatoes available year round.  The fruit could be allowed to stay on the vine longer, making it redder and more nutritious.  Then the ripening process could be slowed after picking to prevent softening and rotting.  Similar genes in other fruits suggest that they too might be candidates for genetic manipulation. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: Transgenic Tobacco: Biology 6th Ed. CNN Ed 2002 (2:00)
Researchers are hoping to put tobacco plants to a new, healthier use. Tobacco is easy to grow and to genetically engineer. One scientist describes it as “the lab mouse of the plant world.” Tobacco has been engineered to contain human genes and to produce human proteins for use as drugs and vaccines. The genetically engineered plants are field grown, harvested, and chopped up. The chopping triggers protein production. Use of tobacco-produced proteins is estimated to be several years away. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: Plants to Mars: Biology 6th Ed. CNN Ed 2002 (2:01)
NASA scientists are planning to send genetically engineered plants (Aradopsis) on an unmanned mission to Mars in 2007. The plants will be grown in Martian soil and will be engineered to contain foreign genes. For example, the plants will contain a gene for a jellyfish protein and will glow green when stressed. Observation of these “reporter” plants by camera will allow scientists to evaluate how they respond to Martian conditions. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic: A Threat to Monarchs?: Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001 (2:13)
Corn plants, bioengineered by Monsanto to contain Bt genes, help farmers prevent damage by corn borers.  However, lab experiments by scientists at Cornell University suggest that pollen from this corn may be a threat to the larvae of other insects, including monarch butterfly caterpillars.  Monsanto argues that Bt corn is environmentally friendly because it allows farmers to reduce pesticide use and that the pollen is unlikely to contaminate milkweed in the field.  The worksheet includes the URL for the home page of the principal investigator of the Cornell University study. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Bt corn:  A threat to monarchs?  Volume 5, 2001. (2:13)
Corn plants, bioengineered by Monsanto to contain Bt genes, help farmers prevent damage by corn borers.  However, lab experiments by scientists at Cornell University suggest that pollen from this corn may be a threat to the larvae of other insects, including monarch butterfly caterpillars.  Monsanto argues that Bt corn is environmentally friendly because it allows farmers to reduce pesticide use and that the pollen is unlikely to contaminate milkweed in the field.  The worksheet includes the URL for the home page of the principal investigator of the Cornell University study.

Articles in "Taking Sides"

"Should Genetically Modified Foods Be Banned?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Science, Technology, and Society, sixth edition.
Issue Summary:

"Is Genetic Engineering an Environmentally Sound Way to Increase Food Production?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Environmental Issues, eleventh edition.
Issue Summary: