B.4 Medicine

Description

Nature of science:
Developments in scientific research follow improvements in technology—innovation in technology has allowed scientists to diagnose and treat diseases. (1.8)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.

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