• to understand the science behind gene transfer
• to think about the implications of our newly-acquired ability to move genes from one living thing to another
• to grapple with the issues involved in transferring tissues from animals to humans

Genetic engineering provides the key to unlock possibilities as yet unimagined.

	Copies of a poster on genetic engineering have been distributed to all secondary schools in the UK. Download a copy of the poster (you will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view it).
	What is genetic engineering? Further details to supplement the information on the poster.
	Learn more about genetic engineering by studying this animation.
	Only a few years ago the idea of moving genes from one organism to another would have seemed like science fiction. Now there are a number of ways of carrying out this amazing feat. Find out about some of them here.
	Rather than adding healthy genes, sometimes all that is needed is to shut down unhealthy ones. Although this is not yet possible as a treatment, work continues apace – and sufferers from Huntington's disease may be some of the first to benefit.
	The use of genetically modified yeast has made the production of hepatitis B vaccine easier and safer.
	Genetically modified animals to provide organs for transplanting into humans sounds like a good idea. But xenotransplantation has run into some problems along the way, not all of them scientific.
	"This house believes that it is right and acceptable to manipulate the genes of a fertilised human egg to cure genetic disease." Would you argue for or against this motion?
	The genetic modification of organisms opens up all sorts of possibilities, especially in the field of medicine. Could you use this exciting science to persuade students to study biology at A-level?
	The poster and Web pages contain a wealth of information about genetic engineering. When you think you know it all, try this simple quiz to test your knowledge.
	The world of science is constantly changing - and this is especially true for the science of DNA and genetics. Keep up to date with the hottest ideas in DNA technology here.
	The world of biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry depend on thousands of people in a whole range of different jobs. Find out here about some of these life enhancing careers.