1.3 Technological development in environmental issues  (Page 2/3)

Genetics

Our knowledge of cells, how they react and how they can be manipulated, is advancing rapidly. Words such as cloning, genetic manipulation, GMO’s and gene therapy are becoming part of the everyday vocabulary in the media. Cell-biology, genetics and related fields are becoming even more important study disciplines.

Core information is passed on during the process of fertilisation. This information can be described as the plan according to which the new organism is to develop. The plan is inscribed in a special molecule, known as DNA. DNA consists of codes. These codes determine all the features of the new organism.

These codes are found in short units called genes. The study of this molecule and structures such as genes, and the way in which it is passed on from one generation to the next, is called genetics.

Activity 2:

To find information on genetic manipulation

[lo 1.7, 2.2]

Do the following on your own:

a) Go to the library and find information on different types of plants that have been genetically manipulated to ensure a higher production of crops. This is an example of how technology is used for development. Write down in your own words what you understand under genetic manipulation, and what is meant by technology. Find out what happens in laboratories, and how scientists in different fields contribute to the development of a country.

b) Visit the following website on the internet (you will be able to find many others):

Google.com:

Saby Ganguly: From Bengal Famine to the Green Revolution (Use the title or key words in the title to execute a search).

Peter Rosset, Joseph Collins, Francis Moore Lappé: Lessons from the Green Revolution , Tikkun Magazine, March/April 2000

DIscuss the following statements in groups of two:

Activity 3:

To determine the effects of the use of toxic substances on human beings and the environment

[lo 2.1]

Pesticides can be applied to protect crops against damage from insects. It may, however, also have a negative influence on the eco-system.

1. Get absolute clarity on the meaning of the above statement.
2. Find out what detrimental effects the use of pesticides may have on human beings and the environment.

Activity 4:

To establish if food production in the rsa is sufficient to meet the needs of the people

[lo 2.3]

The big challenge facing the agricultural sector, is to produce enough food to provide for the world’s fast growing population. In certain parts of the world, however, there are already people who cannot be fed sufficiently, and even die of hunger. According to the figures of the World Bank, over 840 million people in the world did not have enough to eat in the year 2000. In developing countries about 30 people per minute die of a food shortage. The production of food will have to increase by 50% to feed the additional two billion of people towards the year 2025. This makes the present situation much more complex than before the beginning of the Green Revolution in the 1970’s.

1. Is this also happening in our country?
2. Are there also people who eat too much?