CHAPTER

BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY

8 SOCIETY

OBJECTIVES:

After studying the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health
2. Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs and potential future impacts

Pre-assessment Activity: Think, Pair and Share

Bio diversity

Look at the word “biodiversity”. It’s actually two words combined together. With your partner,
breakdown the meaning of the two words in biodiversity.

Bio means___________________________________________________________
Diversity means______________________________________________________

Now, combine the two words and try to come up with your own definition of biodiversity:
Biodiversity means
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life present in an ecosystem. Biodiversity is
important in how society benefits from it. There are three different types of biodiversity:
genetic, specific, and ecological diversity. Genetic biodiversity refers to the variations among
organisms of the same species. These variations are usually passed down from parents to
offspring. Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a particular region. Species
diversity is influenced by the environmental conditions in the region. Species are the normal
measure biodiversity for these are the basic units of biological classification. Species are
grouped together in families based on shared characteristics. Lastly, ecological diversity
refers to the network of different species in an ecosystem and the interaction of these
species. The variations of climatic and altitudinal conditions along with varied ecological
habitats are the reasons for the richness in biodiversity of a particular region on earth.
Health and Medicine
Since 2600 BC, people have been using plants to treat illnesses, hence the practice
of herbal medicine. Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) and Commiphora myrrha (myrrh), for
instance, have been used to treat cough, colds, and inflammation since the ancient times.
Herbal medicines were also used in healing rituals and in the treatment of injuries resulting
from wars or accidents. Various plant-based drugs such as gargles, pills, infusions, and
ointments were used in Ancient Egypt as well as an Ancient China. Beginning 100 BC to 300
BC, the Greeks recorded the collection, storage, and use of medicinal herbs. During the
Dark and Middle Ages, monasteries in England, Ireland, France, and Germany preserved
the Western knowledge of treating illnesses using herbal medicine. As such, the use of
herbal medicine in ancient civilizations was dependent on the biodiversity present in their
respective environments.

Figure 6. Salviana apiana or California Sage

For example, Salvia apiana (California sage), was an herbal plant used by Indian
tribes of Southern California to aid in childbirth and was believed to protect the immune
system from respiratory ailments. Another example, Alhagi maurorum (camel thorn), secretes
a sweet and gummy substance from its stems and leaves called manna during hot days.
Manna from the camel thorn contains melezitose, and sucrose, an invent sugar. It is
believed to have diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, expectorant, gastroprotective, antiseptic, and
anti-diarrheal properties. Israelis were known to use the roots of the plant to treat diarrhea.
The Konkani people smoked the plant to treat asthma, and Romans used the plant to treat
polyps. The plant Ligusticum scoticum (Scottish lovage) is believed to treat hysterical and
uterine disorders. Its seeds are used to relieve flatulence and to stimulate the senses.
Many medicinal products available in the market today are derived from natural
substances from pants. Salycilic acid, the active ingredient of the anti-inflammatory drug,
aspirin for example, is derived from the bark of the willow tree. Morphine, one of the most
widely known painkilles which wass first marketed and used in the 1800s, is derived from
Papaver somniferum commonly known as opium poppy. Digitoxin, used in the management of
congestive heart failure, is derived from Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) which has already been
used to treat heart conditions since 1700s.

After penicillin underwent its first clinical trials in 1938 and the first indication of antibiotic resistance
to penicillin was reported in 1941, new antibiotics from microorganisms and bioactive natural
products continued to be discovered. In the 1970s, the production of the bacterial strains
supersensitive to ß-lactams, tests for the inhibition of ß-lactamases, and specificity for sulfur-
containing metabolites led to the discovery of novel antibiotic structural classes (i.e.,norcardicins,
carbapenems, and monobactams). Fungi and microorganisms found in trees, grasses, algae and
herbaceous plants, and living in the intercellular spaces of plant stems, petioles, root, and leaves
have been widely used in the production of many important medicinal products today.

In 1994, an oral formulation of pilocarpine was used and approved for the treatment of dry mouth
(xerostamia). In 1998, another drug was approved to manage an autoimmune disease that damages
the salivary and lacrimal glands called Sjogren’s syndrome. In 2004, the drug quinine was isolated
from the bark of Cinchona succriba Pav. Ex. Klotzsch and was approved to treat malaria (Dias et al.,
2012). At present more and more developments are being introduced in the pharmaceutical industry
to produce new drugs for the treatment of diseases.
Food
Food is basic need for human survival. During the Stone Age, humans relied only on
hunting and foraging to get food. They depended on what ecosystem could readily provide
them. As the Earth’s population grew, the demand for food increased. Crops that can be
grown were discovered and cultivated and animals were domesticated. Throughout history,
agriculture and cultivation evolved from picking desirable crops and breeding animals to
maintaining stable supply of food to last for long periods of time as preparation for the
changing seasons and the possibility of natural disasters. Ways to cultivate desired species
of crops and animals suitable for co Sumption also evolved throughout time. The increasing
demand for food as the world population grew also resulted in the developments of more
lands for agriculture.
Farmers and fishermen rely on healthy ecosystems for their livelihood. The benefits
of biodiversity are necessary for the growth of many important crops. About 39 of the leading
57 global crops need birds and insects as pollinators. Agrobiodiversity is the result of
careful selection and innovative developments by farmers, fishers, and herders throughout
the years. Harvested crop varieties and non-harvested species in the environment that
support ecosystems for food production fall under agrobiodiversity.

Figure 8. Vegetable Crops

Energy
Humans rely on energy provided by ecosystems to d the necessary activities in order
to survive. In the Stone Age, heat energy from fire was used mainly for survival against harsh
cold environments, for cooking, and for communication with nearby tribes in the form of
smoke. In 1000 BC, coal as a source of energy was used by people in northeastern China
for heating and cooking.it eventually became popular in civilizations, such as the Romans
and Northern Native Americans. In 400 BC, water energy or hydro power was used by the
Ancient Greeks and Romans and for the irrigation. In 347 AD, the earliest known oil wells
were developed in China. They made use of extensive bamboo pipelines with depths of 800
feet for lighting and heating. In 500 to 900 AD, the Persians started to use wind-powered
grain mills and water pumps. By 1300, windmills, taking the modern pinwheel shape, were
developed in Western Europe, and in 1390, the Dutch built larger windmills for draining lakes
and marshes in the Rhine River Delta.
Wind energy was also used to navigate through bodies of water. During the 1700s to
1800s, at the time of the Industrial Revolution, biomass as a primary source of energy was
replaced with coal and the British discovered that by burning, coal is transformed into hot-
burning coke, a fuel with a high carbon content and few impurities. With this, the use of coal
became widespread all over the world.
In 1820s, natural gas was used as a source of light although the lack of pipeline
infrastructure made its distribution challenging. In 1830s, the electric generator was
developed based on Michael Faraday’s discovery of electromagnetism. In 1850s,
commercial oil was drilled which led to the distillation of kerosene from petroleum. In 1860s
Augustine Mouchot developed the first solar powered system for industrial machinery. In
1892, geothermal energy was first used. In 1942, the first nuclear fission reactor was
designed and built. In the 19th century and 20th century, the utilization of coal energy shaped
the industrialization of the United States, United Kingdom, and other European countries.

Figure 9. Windmills
From the development of the use of energy sources throughout history, it can be
seen that there was no direct nor indirect exhaustion of biodiversity, in the utilization of
energy resources, However, as early as 1973, the effects on the environment and the risk of
potential accidents when using energy alarmed many environmental organizations. In 1979,
a nuclear reactor accident at Three Mile Island biggest oil spill in the US waters, the Exxon
Valdez oil spill in Alaska occurred. In the 2000s, a number of catastrophic events transpired,
example, the coal ash pill in Tennesse, oil spill n Gulf of Mexico, and the Fukushima nuclear
crisis in Japan (Battaglia, 2013).
A study conducted by Jones, Pejchar, and Kiesecker (2015) reported the
repercussins of society’s demand for clean and abundant energy on biodiversity and human
well-being. The demands for energy but, in turn, have resulted in adverse effects on
biodiversity in terms of wildlife mortality, habitat loss, and change in carbon stock and water
resources.
Water Storage and Flood Control
The earliest recorded civilizations were situated near rivers or lakes which made their
livelihoods dependent on water. With increasing demand for potable and drinkable water
along with the discovery of groundwater 2,000 years ago, wells began to be used in the
Middle East. Water from rivers and lakes was also used for irrigation. To cope wit the
adverse effects of the changing tides, floodways were utilized to prevent flooding in nearby
communities that usually result in damaged crops. Aqueducts were invented and built by the
Romans and the Greeks, to maintain stable water supplies to communities that were far from
bodies of water and irrigation of crops, dams were built to maintain water supply in
communities.

Figure 10. Aqueduct

Air and Water Treatment
 Some of the gases considered as criteria pollutants like NOx and 03, in moderate
amounts, contribute to a healthy ecosystem and, balanced biodiversity. However, due to
excessive concentrations of these gases, the capacity of the environment to clean itself and
to be resilient is diminished.
Excessive nitrogen stimulates the growth of nitrogen-loving plant species but reduces
the occurrence of plant species adapted to low-nitrogen environment. Nitrogen reduces the
resilience of forests to other environmental stresses such as drought, frost, pests, and
diseases. The concentration limit of nitrate in drinking water is too high to protect the natural
ecosystems particularly the plant species. Widespread exceedance of nitrogen critical
concentrations will adversely affect the structure and function ecosystem.
The effect of excessive nitrogen in the environment may not be felt at once. It may
take decades but this will definitely weaken the resilience of soil and plants. From 1990 to
2006, there was an extensive vegetation damage around the world due to ozone. Ozone can
be good or bad, depending on where it is found-the earth’s upper atmosphere or at ground
level. Ozone found at ground level is known as the bad ozone. It is created by chemical
reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) under
the presence of sunlight. High levels of ground level ozone promote early flowering, affecting
the synchronization of pollinators and flowers. Ground level ozone also damages the leaves
of salad crops, consequently reducing their market value. In 2000, ozone pollution reduced
wheat yield by 14 percent and the tomato yield by 9 percent which created a domino affect in
the overall production and consumption of goods.
Protocol on Biodiversity
There is a need to enhance the implementation of regulations and worldwide
protocols, such as the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol. The Cartagena Protocol among
ten Pacific countries, namely Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga, aims to ensure the safe transport,
handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology
that may have adverse effects on biodiversity. It was adopted in January 29, 2000 and was
enforced in September 11, 2003. It is linked to Convention on Biological Diversity, which helps
to protect Pacific communities and biodiversity from the consequences of living modified
organisms. It requires having facilities in place through proper legislative frameworks,
laboratory facilities, technology, and technical capabilities to enable countries to detect,
measure, and monitor LMOs that come into the country (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme, 2016).
Locally, strict implementation of environmental laws among industries and
communities alike must be ensured to prevent further damage of biodiversity from air
pollution and water pollution. There should also be efforts to ensure that whatever treatment
is employed it should not promote mass pollution transfer from one matrix of the
environment to another.
Activity 2
Direction: In your area, observe the components of Biodiversity that you can find and identify
some of their benefits.

Components of Biodiversity Benefits

1.Flora (5 examples)
2. Fauna ( 5 examples)
3. Abiotic Components ( 5 examples)
 CHAPTER
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS:
9 SCIENCE, HEALTH AND POLITICS

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health

2. Discuss the ethics and implications of GMOs and potential future impacts
3.
PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS
Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are products of artificial manipulation and
alteration of a species’ genetic material in a laboratory using genetic engineering. Plant,
animal, bacteria, and virus genes may be combined or may be crossbred to produce another
kind of species that do not naturally occur in the environment.
One of the most controversial issues in science and technology is the introduction of
genetically modified seeds in the agriculture sector that resulted in increased crop yield. New
technologies are used to artificially develop traits in plants, such as resistance to browning
and pests. With the aim to improve harvest and the agriculture sector as a whole, humans
seem to be disinterested in preserving genetic diversity the natural way.

Figure 11. Genetically modified Tomato

Increase crop yield, pest resistance, and other benefits of GMOs are indeed advantageous,
yet there are also disadvantage that need to be studied comprehensively. In addition, the
growing concern with how GMOs may affect consumers’ health and the environment needs
to addressed.

Genetic engineering, usually associated with recombinant DNA technology, is

founded on the work of many scientists over the years. In 1953, the discovery of DNA by
James Watson and Francis Crick opened the gates for the countless possibilities of genetic
engineering. In 1973, Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen were the first scientists to
genetically modify an organism by combining genes from two different E. coli.
 In 1982, the US Supreme Court ruled to allow the patenting of GMOs. This ruling
allowed the Exxon Oil company to start using a microorganism that can consume oil.
In 1982, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first GMO –
Humulin, a type of insulin produced using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to be
available in the market.

In 1993, FDA approved bovine somatotropin (bST), a metabolic protein hormone used
to increase milk production in dairy cows for commercial use.

In 1994, FDA approved the Flavr Savr tomato for sale on grocery stores. This kind of
tomato has a delayed-ripening effect that gives a longer shelf life compared with natural
tomatoes.

In 1995, Bt Potatoes and Corn, and Roundup Ready Soybeans were approved
safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1996, weeds resistant to glyphosate, the herbicide used for many GMO crops, were
detected in Australia. Research shows that the super weeds are 7 to 11 times more resistant
to glyphosate than the standard susceptible population. In the same year, Dolly, the first
cloned animal, was born.

In 1997, the European Union ruled in favor of mandatory labeling on all GMO food
products, including animal feed.

In 1998, a genetically papaya in Hawaii was found to be resistant to the Ring spot
virus and produced the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin, an insecticide that is not harmful to
humans.

Starting 1999, over 100 million acres worldwide are planted with genetically
engineered seeds.

In 2000, golden rice was developed in the Philippines to address vitamin A

deficiency, which is a public health issue in Asian countries where rice is a staple food crop.
Golden rice is a variety (Oryza sativa) genetically modified to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a
precursor of Vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice. Additional three beta-carotene-synthesized
genes differentiate the golden rice from its parental strain. The introduction of golden rice
from its parental strain. The introduction of golden rice was opposed by environmental and
anti-globalization advocates because this GMO was thought to compromise food production,
nutrition, and financial security.
ACTIVITY 9

Name: __________________________________ Date: _________________

Course/Yr./Block: ________________________ Score: ________________

“IMAGINATION MO LANG ANG LIMIT”

Draw a possible GMO in a short coupon bond using your art materials. In conceptualizing a
GMO, think of the features or characteristics that you imagine it possesses and its potential
impacts on the society. Answer the question that follows

1. What is your GMO, its modified characteristics and features?

2. In what ways do you think this GMO can positively impact society?
 3. What ethical issues or concerns may arise as a result of this GMO?

ASSIGNMENT 9

Give at least 5 food products or condiments in your kitchen and evaluate what GMO ingredients are
used.
CHAPTER

THE NANO WORLD

10

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of nanotechnology on society
2. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS
3. Critique the issue on its costs and benefits to society

Pre-Assessment Activity

Before we begin your journey to the smallest possible scale in the realm of science, try
answering these questions:
1. Can you think of fields where size or weight of materials or products is important?
2. Can you build a statue from a pile of dust?
3. Can you think of situations were scientist have to make assumptions because they
couldn’t see what they were studying?
4. Do you think we are capable in unlocking the key to how natural elements are
designed and created?

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS

“Nanotechnology is the sixth truly revolutionary technology introduced in the modern

world…”-D. Allan Bromley

Timeline of Technological Advancements

Photo credits to Dr. Iwona Turlik

Nanotechnology
 Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with the manipulation and
study of matter at the nanoscale. It covers all types of research and technologies that deal
with the special properties of matter on an atomic molecular and supramolecular scale.
Scientists in the field of chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and
engineering are all involved in studying matter on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is
“convergent” because it brings together various fields of science through its innovations,
e.g., DNA silicon chips, converging between semiconductor science (inorganic chemistry)
and biology, with applications in the medical industry. It also involves designs,
characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by
controlling shapes and sizes at the nanometer scale. This technology is “enabling” in the
sense that it provides the platform and the tools to produce innovations.
To decipher how nanotechnology works, three dimensions must be considered. The
first dimension involves tangible object which include materials, devices, and systems. The
second dimension deals with the passive and static objects i.e., nanoparticles that have
properties different bulk objects, even if they have the same composition; the active
devices, i.e., those that can store information, induce energy, or change their state; and the
nanofacture, which refers to atomically precise manufacturing (APM), i.e., collection of
instruments and procedures. The third dimension is direct nanotechnology which refers to
materials structured at nanoscale components. This also extends to indirect
nanotechnology, which start with nanoparticles but can be used in huge applications i.e.,
hugely powerful information processors with individual nanoscale components (Ramsden,
2009).

Figure 12. NanoFacture

Applications of Nanotechnology
With scientists and engineers continuously finding ways to make materials at the
nanoscale, more and more uses of nanotechnology arise.
In medicine, nanotechnology has numerous applications in the development of more
effective drugs. Assisted by the view of molecules afforded by X-ray lasers, biological
mechanisms can be simulated to destroy a cancer cell while it is treated by drug-bearing
nanoparticles. Nanobots, or molecular scale workers can employ molecular processes within
cells, which can deliver drugs to specific molecular sites or even carry out surgery (Biercuk,
2011). It is now possible to diagnose prevalent contagious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria,
tuberculosis, among others, with screening devices using nanotechnology (Maclurcan,
2005).
 Water purification systems containing nanomaterials and utilizing new membrane
technologies containing variable pore-sized filters (i.e., the forward-osmosis membrane
technology of Hydration Technologies) are now available (Jadhawar, 2004). Nanoparticles
are also used to prepare heat-resistance and self-cleaning surfaces, such as floors and
benchtops. Nanoparticles of silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide can also make a surface repel
water, thus preventing stains. Detergent molecules self-assemble into a sphere to form a
micelle that allows the detergent to trap oils and fats within the cavity of the sphere that aids
in washing surfaces. Zeolites are silicon oxides and aluminum oxides that have specific
nonporous cage-like structure that are used as molecular sieves.

Figure13. Nanotechnology on red blood cells

In agriculture, novel techniques of nanotechnology applications are applied to breed

crops with higher levels of micronutrients to detect pests and to control food processing
(Hekman, 2005). Ultra-small probes on earth surfaces for agricultural applications and
control soil, air, and water contaminations are also developed using nanotechnology (Zhang
et al., 2011).

Figure 14. Nanotechnology application on agriculture

A simple, cheap, and affective way of removing arsenic in soil and water is through
the use of TiO2 nanoparticles. (Pena et al., 2005). A nanotechnology-inspired detector from
Washington, which can sense the smallest amount of radiation, located at nuclear leak
faster and more accurately at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Zhang et al.,
2011) Chlorinated compounds (i.e., chlorinated solvents and Pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), and brominated compounds) are major environmental contaminants that
can be reduced using nanoscale metal particles, such as FeO and Fe-Ni in conjunction
within iron filings {Fe(0)}(Dayrit et al., 2008). Silver (Ag) has long been known to exhibit
strong antimicrobial properties. Its activity has been enhanced with the discovery that the
bactericidal properties of Ag nanoparticles (1-100 nm) are dependent on both their size and
shape.

Bionanotechnology can support cleaner production methods and provide alternative

and renewable energy sources to enhance the sustainability of factories (Colvin, 2003).
Nanotechnology helps in energy consumption like in the use of graphene into a coating
material resulting in the need for only one layer, which does not require a multifunctional
film coating. Nanoscale chemical reagents or catalyst are smaller yet they increase the rate
of chemical reactions, thus lessening the input of raw materials (Zhang et al., 2011).
 Figure 15. Graphene Buckyballs

In the Philippines, nanotechnology can be applied in making sources of renewable

energy accessible to many, developing medicine that would address serious diseases,
improving the state of agriculture, and more. There are also existing and ongoing research
studies funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on the possible
application of technology, as well as on Nan-Metrology and Education and Public
Awareness.

Challenges of Nanotechnology

The advantages brought by innovations in nanotechnology come with price. With

rapid developments in nanotechnology, its adverse effects become more visible.

The environmental effect of mineral-based nanoparticles found in cosmetics, paints,

clothing, and other products are questioned as they go through sewerage treatment plants
untreated due to their undetectable size. They can be carried down by fine silts or
microplastics with both inorganic or organic pollutants. Thus, these may affect water source
(Biercuk, 2011). For instance, in the 1980s, a semiconductor plant contaminated the ground
water in Silicon Valley, California (Zhang et al., 2011).

Figure 16. Nano contaminants

Carbon nanotubes used in the manufacture of memory storage, electronics,

batteries, etc. were found to have unknown harmful impacts to the human body by
inhalation into lungs comparable to asbestos fiber 11. A pulmonary toxicological evaluation
of single-wall carbon nanotubes indicated that it is more toxic than carbon black and quartz.

Due to its size, a nanoparticle is not easy to analyze. Lack of information and
methods of characterizing nanomaterials makes it a challenge to detect its concentration in
air or in any matrix of the environment. Predicting the toxicity of a nanomaterial relies
heavily on information about its chemical structure since minor changes in its chemical
function group could drastically change its properties. Point-to-point risk assessment at all
stages of nanotechnology should then be conducted to ensure the safety to human health
and environment. Risk assessment should include the exposure risk and its probability of
exposure, toxicology analysis, transport risk, persistence risk, transformation risk, and ability
to recycle (Zhang et al., 2011). This is which quite expensive due to the difficulty of
detecting nanoparticles.

Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

With the identical potential hazards that nanoparticles can bring to human health and
the environment, should people disregard the benefits that nanotechnology provide them?

Issues raised regarding nanotechnology should be further studied, and

nanotechnology methods should be modified. For example, altering the composition of
graphene, known to be one of the most advanced materials for structural improvement,
replacing silicon, in electronic devices, and thermal transferring nanomaterials can be done
to diminish environmental hazards of nanotechnology. Some studies also found
microorganism that can decompose graphene to make it less toxic for the environment
(Zhang et al., 2011).

It is imperative, therefore, that experts and government support themselves with

enough knowledge on how nanomaterials work for the benefit of society.

ACTIVITY 10
Name: __________________________________ Date: _________________
Course/Yr./Block: ________________________ Score: ________________

Draw or paste a nano product available in market today. Write a 50- words description about
the product explaining how it was produced using the nano product or the nano particles
used to produce the product.

ASSIGNMENT 10

1. What are the benefits of Nanotechnology?

2. What are the negative effect of nanotechnology?
 CHAPTER
GENE THERAPY
11 (Stem Cells)

OBJECTIVES

After studying the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Describe the gene therapy and its various forms
2. Assess the issue’s potential benefits and detriments to global health

Pre-Assessment Activity: W-O-R-D-U-P

Directions: Using the grid below, find words related to gene therapy. You may use the
statements that follow as your clues to identify the words. Write your answer on the space
provided after each statement.
E Q Z X L E L L Q S T Y C W M

C G V C H T S I P K I K I U E

G O E B K H U N T I N G T O N

V L C R H O R U F H R A A N I

V W T Y M P I H C E T U M R O

J Q O K A L V F L I T E O R T

B L R L U L I R D W E T S E A

O E S M T T A N Q N T Y U O I

L S I C K L E C E L L A N E M

P S V E O U Q G A A E I O Z P

1. A disorder of the nervous system that usually occurs after the age of 45.
________________
2. A disorder in the blood caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying
protein within the red blood cells). ______________________
3. Are plasmid or viruses that are used to move recombinant DNA from one cell to another.
_________________
4. Is the alteration of the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, virus or
extrachromosomal DNA. ____________________
5. A unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development
of one or more traits. ______________
6. Gene therapy that targets the reproductive cells meaning any changes made to the DNA
will be passed on to the next generation. _________________
7. It is when the DNA is transferred into body tissues. It specifically targets cells in the body
which are not passed on to the person’s children. ___________________

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is the method of inserting genes or nucleic acid into cells as a drug to
treat genetic diseases. In 1972, Theodore Friedman and Richard Roblin proposed that
people with genetic disorders can be treated by replacing defective DNA with good DNA.

Figure 17. Gene Augmentation Therapy

In 1985, Dr. W. French Anderson and Dr. Michael Blasse worked together to show
that cells of patients with Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency can be corrected in tissue
culture. In 1990, the first approved gene therapy clinical research took place at the National
Institute of Health (NIH) under the team of Dr. Anderson. It was conducted on a four-year-old
girl who had ADA deficiency. In 1993, the first somatic treatment that produced a permanent
genetic change was performed.

The first commercial gene therapy product Gendicine was approved in China in 2003
for the treatment of certain cancers. Due to some clinical successes since 2006, gene
therapy gained greater attention from researchers but was still considered as an
experimental technique.

In 2016, the Committee for Medical Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the
European Medicines Agency (EMA) endorsed the gene therapy treatment called Strimvelis
that was approved by the European Commission in June 2018.

Some studies transplanted genes to speed up the destruction of cancer cells. Gene
or cell therapies have emerged as realistic prospects for the treatment of cancer, and involve
the delivery of genetic information to a tumor to facilitate the production of therapeutic
proteins. This area of gene therapy still needs further studies before an efficient and safe
gene therapy procedure is adopted (Gene Revolution: Issues and Impacts, n.d., Wirth et al.,
2013).

Ethnical Issues in Genetic Engineering

Various concerns on genetic engineering arise, making gene therapy and GMOs very
controversial innovations in science and technology. Others support that it is unethical for
humans to have a hand in genetically altering and engineering organisms. There are
instances when genetic engineering has caused severe repercussions to public health. Until
today, cloning is still unacceptable to many for it violates the belief that only a higher being
should be responsible for the existence of organisms on earth. There are also ethical and
normal issues on stem cell therapy as it makes use of stem cells sourced from human
embryos and thus destroy them. These concerns regarding genetic engineering and gene
therapy are rooted in the question of whether or not humans are playing gods in the
alteration of genes of organisms.

Genetic engineering also poses problems in agriculture. Hence, there is a need to

study the ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems. Agroecology is a
field of study that presents novel management approaches on farming systems that may
help address concerns regarding the effect of GMOs on biodiversity and the health of the
consumers. Further researches as well as clinical experiments to outline functional
mechanisms, predictive approaches, patient-related studies, and upcoming challenges
should be done to address existing problems in the development of and to acquire future
perspectives in gene therapy.

ACTIVITY 11

Name: __________________________________ Date: _________________

Course/Yr./Block: ________________________ Score: ________________

PROS AND CONS

Direction: Complete the table below regarding on the effects of gene therapy to health and to
the society.
PROS CONS
Human health
Society
1. What do you think about gene therapy?
2. Do you think the Food and Drug Administration should or should not approve gene
therapy treatments for use in the Philippines?
3. Do you think the government should or should not fund scientific researches on changing
the genes of unborn babies that aims to improve their characteristics such as intelligence or
physical traits such as athletic ability or appearance

CHAPTER

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE

12 ENERGY CRISIS

OBJECTIVES:

After studying the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Identify the causes of climate change

2. Assess the various impacts of climate change including economic, geopolitical, biological,
meteorological, etc.
3. Apply STS concepts to the issue of climate change

Pre-Assessment: CONCEPT MAP

You might have already heard of “Climate Change” in some social platforms as a hot issue
and advocacy that calls for biological, economical, sociological and political concerns. Below
is a concept map, with the word climate change at the center, write something out of what
you know and understand about this issue.

CLIMATE CHANGE

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS
“There is no question that climate change is happening; the only arguable point is what part humans
are playing in it.”
-David Attenborough

Climate
Change
 Figure 18. Emission of greenhouse gases
Climate change is the range of global phenomena caused by burning fossil fuels that
add heat-trapping gases to the Earth’s atmosphere. Global warming, used interchangeably
with climate change, specifically refers to Earth’s upward trend of temperature since the 20 th
century. It is generally defined as the general warming effect caused by greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation that enters the
atmosphere and radiate it to the Earth’s surface as heat, thereby warming the Earth. Some
common greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming include naturally occurring
gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxides (NOx), and man-
made gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons, (HFCs),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
Global warming keeps the planet warm and prevents warm air from leaving the
planet. The global warming potential (GWP) of natural greenhouse gases are small as
compared with that of other anthropogenic gases from the burning of fossil fuels, power
plants, transportation vehicles, and other industrial processes. Man-made greenhouse
gasses and cause adverse global warming.
Deforestation is also pointed at as a culprit to this adverse phenomenon. When forest
land is destroyed, CO2 is released into the air, thus increasing the levels of long-wave
radiation and trapped heat. Deforestation also affects biodiversity because damage in the
rainforest results in the destruction of wildlife habitats.
Several effects of climate change are already felt and observed. One example is the
melting of ice caps in the polar regions of the Earth that causes dilution of salt in the ocean
and disruption of natural ocean currents. Ocean currents control temperatures by bringing
warmer currents into cooler areas and cooler currents into warmer areas. Disruption of this
activity can result in extreme changes in temperature that may affect global or regional
climate patterns. The melting ice caps also affects albedo, the ratio of the light reflected by
any part of Earth’s atmosphere. Snow, with the highest albedo level, reflects sunlight back
into space making the Earth cooler. When snow melts, the Earth’s temperature rises
resulting in climate change.
 Figure 19. The Greenhouse Effect
Changing wildlife adaptations and cycles is another effect of global warming. For
instance, spruce bark beetles in Alaska only appear on warmer months, but since there is a
rise in global temperatures, they started appeared all year-round, chewing on spruce trees
and thus leaving the forest damaged. Polar bears are also decreasing in number because
the melting of the polar ice caps has caused them to starve and lose habitats. Melting ice
caps can also cause sea levels to rise which may greatly affect low-lying coastal areas
where large populations dwell.
Diseases have also spread due to climate change. Migration distances for many
migratory species greatly increased which can possibly displace disease-carrying insects,
crucial pollinators, and crop pests into new areas. Greater distances also mean greater
lengths to go to in order for animals to survive.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

A thin layer of ozone (O3) is maintained at the stratosphere as protection from the
sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Only a thin layer is needed because when there is higher O 3
concentration, meteorological parameters, i.e., temperature and wind, brings down O 3 in the
troposphere and causes respiratory problems in human. In this case O 3 becomes a criteria
pollutant. Ozone depletion occurring in the stratosphere therefore is a normal photolytic
process as well as O3 formation. The following reactions occur to maintain a thin layer of O3.

O2 + UV (˂242 nm) → O + O (Equation 1)

O + O2 + M → O3 + M (Equation 2)

O3 + UV or visible → O + O2 (Equation 3)

Due to the presence of substance X, which are free radical catalysts such as chlorine
radical (Cl●) and bromine radical (Br●) coming from substances made of chloroforms or
bromine-based substances used as aerosols, refrigerants, fire retardants, and the like, and
nitric oxide radical (NO●), and hydroxyl radical (OH●), which are naturally occurring, the
ozone formation and destruction is now represented as follows

X + O3 → XO + O2 (Equation 4)

XO + O2 → X + O2 (Equation 5)

O3 + O → O2 + O2 (Equation 6)
 As an intermediate product, say X is Cl●, ClONO2 will produced. This substance is
inert and is deposited on both the northern and southern polar regions due to winds as the
Earth rotates. The problem occurs when the ClONO 2 reservoirs are exposed to direct
sunlight when a part of the polar region experiences six straight months of daytime, 24/7.
The following reaction produce the obnoxious Cl radical, which is very reactive to the point of
destroying 100,000 molecules of O3 in the stratosphere:

HOCl + hv → Cl + OH (Equation 7)

Cl + O3 → ClO + O2 (Equation 8)

OH + O3 → HO2 + O2 (Equation 9)

2O → 3O2 (Equation 10)

ClO + HO2 → HOCl + O2 (Equation 11)

HOCl + hv → Cl + OH (Equation 12)

The worst case will occur if the available X is Br, which is 100 times more reactive
than Cl (Rownland,2006).
Although a direct relationship exists between global warming and stratospheric ozone
depletion, the correlation on the greenhouse gases as they contribute to creating the cooling
conditions in the atmosphere may lead to ozone depletion.

Acid Deposition
When SO2x and NO2x react with particulate matters (dry) or with water vapor (wet),
acid deposition occurs which causes surface water acidification and affects soil chemistry. At
pH levels lower than 5, acid deposition may affect the fertilization of fish eggs, and can kill
adult fishes. As lakes and rivers become highly acidic, biodiversity is reduced. Many soil
organisms cannot survive if the pH level of soil is below 6. Death of microorganisms because
of acid deposition can inhibit decomposition and nutrient recycling because of the enzymes
of these microbes are denatured by the acid or are changed in shape so they no longer
function. Deposition of sulfur and nitrogen oxides affects the ability of leaves to reaction
water under stress. The low pH level of soil also allows the rapid mobility of heavy metals
present in the soil,.i.e., Pb²+, Cu²+, and Al3+, and thus, contaminates growing plants, which
may then bioaccumulate the heavy metal concentration as it is passed from a higher trophic
level to another. As these impacts affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, it is also
imperative to examine the connection between acid deposition and climate change (Mihelcis,
2014).
Thermal Inversion
The major component of photochemical smog, peroxylacetyl nitrate (PAN), is a
combination of different criteria pollutants, PAN is a transporter of NO x intro rural regions and
causes ozone formation in the global troposphere, which can decrease visibility especially in
elevated places. The pollutants that come from sources (i.e., industrial chimney or stack) mix
with air. The mixed air normally rises to the atmosphere. In a normal cycle of thermal
inversion, an unstable air mass and air constantly flow between warm and cool areas. This
allows fumigation of the mixed air on a higher elevation. Due to increased concentrations of
pollutants during an inversion episode, temperatures increase with increasing altitude and
this disrupts the movement of the mixed air to a higher level since the warm inversion layer
then acts as a cap or a layer that forms stable air masses. Thermal inversion is also affected
by weather conditions, or it may also occur in some coastal areas because of the upwelling
of cold water that lowers surface air temperature. Topography or man-made barriers like
high-rise buildings can also create a temperature inversion. The cold air may be blocked by
these barriers and then pushed under the warmer air rising from the source, thus creating
the inversion. Freezing rain or ice storms develop in some areas with a temperature
inversion in a cold area because snow melts as it moves through the warm inversion layer.
The rain continues to fall and passes through the cold layer of air near the ground. As it
moves through this final cold air mass, it becomes “super-cooled” drops, cooled below
freezing point without becoming solid. Intense thunderstorms and tornadoes are also
associated with inversions because of the intense energy released after an inversion blocks
the normal convection patterns of a region. (ThoughtCo.). Thermal inversion profiles lead
sea surface temperature to decrease on the seasonal time scale via heat exchange at the
bottom of the mixed layer, which balances climatological atmospheric cooling in fall and
winter (Nagura et al., 2015).
El Niño is a normal climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface
waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean also known as the “warm phase”. The opposite
of it is La Niña the “cool phase” which is a pattern that describes the unusual cooling of the
surface waters of the region. These phenomena are supposed to occur perennial and
globally, on one end of the equator and on the other. However, abnormalities in the
occurrences of these phenomena cause widespread and severe changes in the climate.
Rainfall increases drastically in Ecuador and Northern Peru, contributing to coastal flooding
and erosion due to the convection above warm surface waters. Increased rains bring floods
that may destroy properties. On the other side of the world, El Niño brings drought that
threaten the supply of water and destruction of crops affecting agriculture. Stronger El Niño
and La Niña event also disrupt global atmospheric circulation bringing cold winters,
unusually heavy rains and flooding in desert areas, and other weather abnormalities
(New/Floods, 2016).
Aside from the physical damages caused by disasters, they also come with mental
and emotional damage. Victims of disasters may suffer from trauma, depression, or anxiety
because of experiencing loss caused by disasters. This is why climate change should not be
perceived as an isolated issue—it affects may aspects of human life.

ACTIVITY 12
Name: __________________________________ Date: _________________
Course/Yr./Block: ________________________ Score: ________________

After learning about climate change, what natural processes and human activities
causes it and the possible consequences brought about this phenomenon, the question that
comes next is, as a concerned citizen and a student, what can you do about it? What ways
can you think of to mitigate the hazards caused by climate change?
A. In your opinion can you consider the strong typhoons as an effect of Climate change?
Why?
B. What do you observe about the effect of Climate change to us at the present?
C. Write a short essay about your experience during typhoon Pepito. Include the preparation
of your Family and your community before and after the typhoon.
D. Create an advocacy campaign by making a poster and a slogan that tells how community
will help mitigate the effects of climate change.

CHAPTER

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
13
OBJECTIVES:

After studying the chapter, the students shall be able to:

1. Identify the causes of climate change
2. Assess the various impacts of climate change including economic, geopolitical,
biological, meteorological, etc.
3. Apply STS concepts to the issue of climate change

PRESENTATION OF CONTENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

One of the main culprits of climate change is increasing CO 2 presence in the

atmosphere, coming from industrial and mobile sources. Shifting from fossil fuels as sources
of energy to renewable energy resources, (e.g., solar, wind, or hydropower) is one way to
decrease the generation of CO2. spaces that need air conditioning or heating should be
sealed to ensure adequate and energy efficiency. When buying appliances, such as
refrigerators, washing machines and the like, it is recommended to buy those that are tagged
as energy efficient. Water consumption should also be lessened since pumping and heating
water also uses up energy. Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are ideal to use because they
lessen up to 80% of energy consumption compared with incandescent bulbs. Using fuel-
efficient vehicles with higher fuel economy performance is another way to lessen fuel
economy performance is another way to lessen fossil fuel consumption (Denchack, 2017).
There are many ways to minimize he effects of climate change. Environmental efforts to
address climate change should be done individually collectively. Since the environment is
contiguous, the responsibility to care for it should also be shared not only locally but also
regionally and globally. Countries should come together to adopt protocols and agreements
so to help each other solve climate change.
 Figure 19. Light Bulb energy saving statistics.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that extends the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in which Philippines is one of the
signatories. This protocol commits each signatory or member by setting internationally
binding emission reduction targets. This was adopted in 1997, but the first commitment
period started in 2008 and ended in 2012. In order to be sustainable without jeopardizing the
need of energy for economic growth, developed countries committed to cut their CO 2
emissions by 2% up until 2050 to help address the problem of climate change. It is estimated
that by 2050, the world will have an approximate 80% reduction on CO 2 emissions (Pacala,
2009).

The Montreal Protocol is another global agreement set to protect the stratospheric
ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances
(ODS). The protocol aims to help the ozone layer recuperate from the hole it has attained
due to increasing presence of ODS in the atmosphere. It is signed by 197 countries including
the Philippines (USEPA, 2017).

Disaster Risk Management

When the Philippines was struck by typhoon Haiyan (locally called typhoon Yolanda)
in November 2013, the death toll reached 6,340. Many blamed the lack of disaster risk
reduction efforts for the extreme damages the typhoon brought to the country, especially in
the regions where the typhoon made a landfall. The government was also blamed for the
lack of or weak evacuation plans in different localities. In Tacloban, Leyte, government aid
was slow. Many resorted to looting shops, and cadavers were strewn all over the city.
Because of the extent of the damage, the city was not easily reachable which made the
distribution of relief goods difficult. However, with a proper disaster risk reduction
management plan, the destructive effects of the typhoon could have been reduced if not
avoided.
What happened to Tacloban during typhoon Haiyan is an example of why disaster
risk management plans should be established. With the coming of more intense typhoons
because of climate change and with the geographical vulnerability of the Philippines to a
number of typhoons every year, it is important for the country to establish measures to
mitigate the effects of natural disasters for the benefit of the citizens. In the aftermath of
typhoon Haiyan, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) of
the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) of the
Philippines for 2011-2018 was revisited and prioritized. This is a plan that guides the country
on how sustainable development can be achieved through inclusive growth while building
the adaptive capacities of communities, increasing the resilience of vulnerable sectors, and
optimizing disaster mitigation opportunities with the end in view of promoting people’s
welfare and security. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the national government and the
local government units (LGUs), together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster
resilience of communities and to institutionalize arrangements and measures for disaster
risks, including projected climate risks and enhancing disaster preparedness and response
capabilities at all levels.