Understandings:
- Infection by a pathogen can be detected by the presence of its genetic material or by its antigens.
- Predisposition to a genetic disease can be detected through the presence of markers.
- DNA microarrays can be used to test for genetic predisposition or to diagnose the disease.
- Metabolites that indicate disease can be detected in blood and urine.
- Tracking experiments are used to gain information about the localization and interaction of a desired protein.
- Biopharming uses genetically modified animals and plants to produce proteins for therapeutic use.
- Viral vectors can be used in gene therapy.
Applications and skills:
- Application: Use of PCR to detect different strains of influenza virus.
- Application: Tracking tumour cells using transferin linked to luminescent probes.
- Application: Biopharming of antithrombin.
- Application: Use of viral vectors in the treatment of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
- Skill: Analysis of a simple microarray.
- Skill: Interpretation of the results of an ELISA diagnostic test.
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Theory of knowledge:
- There have been cases around the world where subjects have died as a consequence of participating in a gene therapy research protocol. How is the decision to proceed with risky procedures made?
- What constitutes an acceptable level of risk for allowing humans to be involved in scientific research?
Utilization:
- Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
- Biology
- Topic 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
- Topic 6.3 Defence against infectious disease
- Topic 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
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