FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT READING GUIDE

Directions: After reading Chapter 1:“GloFish,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material. Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
What is a transgenic organism? Compare and contrast the production of transgenic organisms with artificial selection. / EXAMPLES
Describe two examples of how transgenic organisms can be useful (besides just for pretty pets). Describe two potential drawbacks to the use of transgenic organisms (for any purposes). / ETHICS
Some members of the California Fish and Game Commission denied the request to sell GloFish on the grounds that it was a frivolous use of the technology (p. 28). Do you think the creation of transgenic organisms should be allowed for trivial purposes such as enhancing pets, or should it be reserved for more “useful” purposes such as food production? Give at least two details from the book that supports your argument.
Directions: After reading Chapter 2:“Got Milk?”fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material. Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
Compare and contrast transgenic organisms, chimeras and xenotransplantation/ xenografting. / EXAMPLES
Describe three different ways genetically modified animals may be used to protect, improve, enhance or extend human health/life. / ETHICS
The main ethical question in this chapter involves whether or not we have the right to “use” other animals for our own purposes. Some argue that animals have intrinsic value simply because they are living creatures, while others consider animals to have only instrumental value, value because they can be used by humans (p. 41). For what purposes described in this chapter do you think it is acceptable to modify and use animals, and for what purposes do you think it is unacceptable? Explain why you feel the way you do.
Directions: After reading Chapter 3: “Double Trouble,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material. Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
This chapter was about cloning pets. It was mentioned that there were multiple factors and variables in the cloning process. What steps are taken in the process of cloning an animal from a genetic parent? / EXAMPLES
Some of the famous examples of cloned animals had major differences from their genetic parent. What were these differences and were these major differences enough to affect the desired outcome of cloning the parent? / ETHICS
One of the main ethical concerns in this chapter was the fact that since dogs and cats are more companion animals to humans that they get more specialized treatments in labs working on them. This can add to cost and time needed to experiment and work. In your opinion is it worth it to devote the extra time and money toward cloning companion animals or should this money be put toward cloning the “feed and fiber” animals that could return an investment?
Directions: After reading Chapter 4:“Nine Lives,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material.Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
Chapter 3 mentioned the process for cloning animals. This chapter expanded the discussion to animals that are endangered or have lower numbers. What is the process for these animals and how does it differ from the normal process? / EXAMPLES
This chapter spoke about how reintroduction of a species or multiple species can help not only the animals, but also the environment. Explain one of the ways the reintroduction of extinct or endangered species can help endangered environments. / ETHICS
This chapter mentioned the concern that some species that might be brought back would not be able to cope with the changed environment of modern day. In your opinion, is it worth it to attempt to reintroduce endangered or extinct species, or is it better to consider them a loss and direct the efforts and funding to other goals?
Directions: After reading Chapter 5: “Sentient Sensors,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material.. Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
Describe at least two different technologies being used to track animals. Your technology description should include the following: (1) By what means the information is transmitted to humans? (2) How is the sensor carried/attached by the animal? and (3) Describe one advantage and one disadvantage for each of these two different technologies. / EXAMPLES
List at least two species which have been tracked, what the specific tracking method was, and what results were obtained. / ETHICS
In your own words, explain the mixed feelings expressed by Etienne Benson (see pp 118-119) on animal tracking. Your writing should include what he sees as advantages and disadvantages of our growing desire to collect more information on animal movements and behaviors.
Directions: After reading Chapter 6:“Pin the Tail on the Dolphin,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material.Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
The extent of prosthetic interventions includes those designed to simply enhance the appearance of the animal, all the way to those characterized as lifesaving. Using an example of each of the two types, describe the nature of the intervention and its impact on the animal. / EXAMPLES
Contrast the use of neuticles with the use of ITAP as a prosthetic intervention. / ETHICS
The author states that some say that an animal prosthesis is a waste of time and money. Do you agree or disagree? Write a brief explanation (two paragraphs) to explain your position and cite examples from the text to support your beliefs.
Directions: After reading Chapter 7:“Robot Revolution,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material. . Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
How is the field of optogenetics used in a mouse’s brain? Describe the potential benefits for the human brain that many scientists imagine. / EXAMPLES
How doesimplanting electrodes in the somatosensory cortex affect the rat? Describe the function of medial forebrain bundle in your answer. / ETHICS
The author poses the question: Is it wrong to take the reins of another creature’s nervous system? But he previously gives several beneficial examples. State your opinion with at least 2 examples to defend your stance.
Directions: After reading Chapter 8:“Beauty in the Beasts,” fill out this guided synopsis to show your understanding of the material. . Each of the three prompts at the head of each column should be answered in 2 to 3 paragraphs.
TECHNOLOGY
In genetics, a combination of letters and numbers is designated as an abbreviation for specific genes and proteins. 1)What is RPE65 and how does a mutation affect it?
2) What does PEPCK-C stand for and what is the function of this enzyme? / EXAMPLES
State the definition of a carrier as described by the author. Contrast the positive and negative implications of this testing? (How does the author say that knowing the carrier will be beneficial, and how does she state that modification of the carrier could be immoral)? / ETHICS
Would you consider yourself in “the troubled middle”? If you are not, then defend your stance with instances of your position. If yes, give the counter examples that put you in the middle.