Below is a two part discussion question to be explained and attached is a form that also need to be completed.

This weeks Discussion Forum has two parts.  Part 1 involves watching a video and designing an experiment on the use of genetically modified mosquitoes in combating infectious disease.  Part 2 is an exploration of the role of genetics in food webs, gene therapy and bacterial antibiotic resistance.    

PART 1

Imagine you and your family have recently moved to a small town on the most southern tip of Florida. Life is good among the white sandy beaches but health officials in town are growing concerned.

News reports from South America suggest increased incidents of infants are being born with abnormally small heads, a condition called microcephaly. Health officials have identified the mosquito species Aedes aegypti as a vector for the Zika virus that seems to be causing this outbreak. Mosquitoes of this same species have been found living in the Florida Keys. Alarmed city officials want to do everything they can to prevent Zika virus from spreading in Florida.

Some towns in Brazil have used genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to reduce the size of local mosquito populations, as shown in the hhmi Biointeractive video, “Genetically Modified Mosquitoes” (https://youtu.be/zlSTGkDyEfM). Now officials in Florida are considering releasing GM Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in your town. But first they want to know if the method works. Let’s look at the evidence.

Knowing that you have been studying genetics, you have been tasked with developing a research program to inform local policy on the use of GM mosquitoes for combating viral disease. 

Develop a research questions that would help determine whether releasing GM mosquitoes into the environment is a safe and effective method for reducing wild mosquito populations in your area. 

What data is needed to answer your question? Provide a brief experimental design for data collection.

What would the data show if GM mosquitoes are effective in reducing wild mosquito populations)?

Would you suggest the use of GM mosquitos to control these insect vectors in your hometown?  Why or why not?  What concerns may there be about releasing GM mosquitos into the wild?

List and briefly describe three other diseases, in humans or other organisms, where mosquitoes act as vectors (carriers)?

Summary of Formulas Needed for Calculations(to complete worksheet) is attached 

Procedure I ? Enzyme Reaction Rate ? Concentration Dependence

You will do trials at enzyme concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10%

1. select the Conc Test setup by clicking or tapping on its button
2. confirm that the concentration is set to the appropriate value for the trial, adjust the slider if needed
3. start the data run by clicking or tapping on the Start Data Run button
   Note: allow 20 seconds for the data run to complete ? do not interrupt the data run
4. record the final O2 change data in the Procedure I table of your Activity Form
5. take a screenshot of this completed data run (it will be used to confirm your identity and Activity Data Code)
6. press the reset button and run your next trial (repeat steps 1-4) or move on to the next procedure

Analysis of Procedure I Data

Complete the Procedure I table in your Activity Form. To help with the calculations, review the background material (see the Background tab).

Procedure II ? Enzyme Reaction Rate ? Temperature Dependence

You will do trials at temperatures of 20.0°C, 30.0°C, and 55.0°C

1. select the Temp Test setup by clicking or tapping on its button
2. confirm that the temperature is set to the appropriate value for the trial, adjust the slider if needed
3. start the data run by clicking or tapping on the Start Data Run button
   Note: allow 20 seconds for the data run to complete ? do not interrupt the data run
4. record the final O2 change data in the Procedure II table of your Activity Form
5. press the reset button and run your next trial (repeat steps 1-4) or move on to the next procedure

Analysis of Procedure II Data

Complete the Procedure II table in your Activity Form. To help with the calculations, review the background material (see the Background tab).

Procedure III ? Enzyme Reaction Rate ? pH Dependence

You will do trials at pH values of 6.0, 7.0, and 9.0

1. select the pH Test setup by clicking or tapping on its button
2. confirm that the pH is set to the appropriate value for the trial, adjust the slider if needed
3. start the data run by clicking or tapping on the Start Data Run button
   Note: allow 20 seconds for the data run to complete ? do not interrupt the data run
4. record the final O2 change data in the Procedure III table of your Activity Form
5. press the reset button and run your next trial (repeat steps 1-4) or move on to the next procedure

Analysis of Procedure III Data

Complete the Procedure III table in your Activity Form. To help with the calculations, review the background material (see the Background tab).