Team:HKU-HKBU/Human Practice Questionnaire

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(New page: {{Team:HKU-HKBU/style.css}} {{Team:HKU-HKBU/script.js}} {{Team:HKU-HKBU/header}} =Division for Human Practices Advance - Findings= ===Attitude towards synthetic biology and related areas...)
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===Attitude towards synthetic biology and related areas===
===Attitude towards synthetic biology and related areas===
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* [[#Figure_1 | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that Genetically Modified food is harmful.]]
+
* [[#In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that Genetically Modified food is harmful. | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that Genetically Modified food is harmful.]]
-
* [[#Figure_2 | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.]]
+
* [[#In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild. | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.]]
-
* [[#Figure_3 | The majority of all students agree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.]]
+
* [[#The majority of all students agree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong. | The majority of all students agree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.]]
-
* [[#Figure_4 | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of medical students disagree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is morally wrong.]]
+
* [[# In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of medical students disagree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is morally wrong. | In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of medical students disagree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is morally wrong.]]
===Knowledge of synthetic biology and related areas===
===Knowledge of synthetic biology and related areas===
# Concepts that are well known to non-science, non medical students
# Concepts that are well known to non-science, non medical students
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#* [[#Figure_5 | Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells?]]
+
#* [[#Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells? | Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_6 | If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease?]]
+
#* [[#If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease? | If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_7 | All infectious substances are living things?]]
+
#* [[#All infectious substances are living things? | All infectious substances are living things?]]
# Concepts not well known to non-science, non-medical students
# Concepts not well known to non-science, non-medical students
-
#* [[#Figure_8 | DNA only exist in the nuclei of cells?]]
+
#* [[#DNA only exist in the nuclei of cells? | DNA only exist in the nuclei of cells?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_9 | One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it?]]
+
#* [[#One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it? | One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_10 | All bacteria are capable of locomotion?]]
+
#* [[#All bacteria are capable of locomotion? | All bacteria are capable of locomotion?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_11 | Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine?]]
+
#* [[#Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine? | Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_12 | DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine (C)?]]
+
#* [[#DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine | DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine (C)?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_13 | RNA can be genetically inheritable?]]
+
#* [[#RNA can be genetically inheritable? | RNA can be genetically inheritable?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_14 | Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression?]]
+
#* [[#Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression? | Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_15 | Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only?]]
+
#* [[#Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only? | Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_16 | Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential?]]
+
#* [[#Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential? | Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_17 | Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves?]]
+
#* [[#Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves? | Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_18 | All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell?]]
+
#* [[#All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell? | All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_19 | Virus replicate outside the cells.]]
+
#* [[#Virus replicate outside the cells? | Virus replicate outside the cells?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_20 | The function of genes is to manufacture proteins?]]
+
#* [[#The function of genes is to manufacture proteins? | The function of genes is to manufacture proteins?]]
-
#* [[#Figure_21 | In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli?]]
+
#* [[#In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli? | In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli?]]
# Concepts not well known to all students
# Concepts not well known to all students
-
#* [[#Figure_22 | Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules?]]
+
#* [[#Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules? | Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules?]]
=Figures=
=Figures=
-
====Figure 1====
+
====In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that Genetically Modified food is harmful.====
Genetically modified food is harmful to the human body.
Genetically modified food is harmful to the human body.
Line 45: Line 45:
The majority of science students question the safety of genetically modified food, while the majority of students from other faculties do not. In contrast, the majority of medical students (i.e. future health care professionals) do not. We could not think of a satisfactory explanation for this.
The majority of science students question the safety of genetically modified food, while the majority of students from other faculties do not. In contrast, the majority of medical students (i.e. future health care professionals) do not. We could not think of a satisfactory explanation for this.
-
====Figure 2====
+
==== In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.====
Genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.
Genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.
Line 54: Line 54:
The majority of science students are aware that releasing GM organisms into the wild may disturb the natural gene pool of the organism, which may then lead to ecological consequences. Students from other faculties are less aware of the consequences.
The majority of science students are aware that releasing GM organisms into the wild may disturb the natural gene pool of the organism, which may then lead to ecological consequences. Students from other faculties are less aware of the consequences.
-
====Figure 3====
+
==== The majority of all students agree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.====
Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.
Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.
Line 63: Line 63:
Primates are animals who resemble human beings the most, and in fact a lot of experiment has been done on primates (with or without inflicting trauma) for the sake of understanding human sciences, especially psychology. The majority of university students in Hong Kong, even science students, may be aware of the fact that primates look like human beings, and this resemblance makes them “more humane”, to the extent that they should be respected.
Primates are animals who resemble human beings the most, and in fact a lot of experiment has been done on primates (with or without inflicting trauma) for the sake of understanding human sciences, especially psychology. The majority of university students in Hong Kong, even science students, may be aware of the fact that primates look like human beings, and this resemblance makes them “more humane”, to the extent that they should be respected.
-
====Figure 4====
+
==== In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of medical students disagree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is morally wrong.====
Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pigs for experimental purpose is morally wrong.
Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pigs for experimental purpose is morally wrong.
Line 72: Line 72:
The majority of medical students think that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is not morally wrong. Is it possible that they are aware of the fact that mouse/guinea pig are used in many pre-clinical trials of drugs, and without doing so, clinical drugs trials (i.e. on humans) cannot proceed? That indicates manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pig for drug development is morally acceptable, since this saves human lives.
The majority of medical students think that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is not morally wrong. Is it possible that they are aware of the fact that mouse/guinea pig are used in many pre-clinical trials of drugs, and without doing so, clinical drugs trials (i.e. on humans) cannot proceed? That indicates manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pig for drug development is morally acceptable, since this saves human lives.
-
====Figure 5====
+
====Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells? ====
Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells.
Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells.
Line 83: Line 83:
A pitfall in interpreting the results is that those who chose “yes” may not actually know about induced pluripotent stem cells.
A pitfall in interpreting the results is that those who chose “yes” may not actually know about induced pluripotent stem cells.
-
====Figure 6====
+
====If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease?====
If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease.
If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease.
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* For polygenic disorders, there is no clear-cut pattern of inheritance.
* For polygenic disorders, there is no clear-cut pattern of inheritance.
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====Figure 7====
+
====All infectious substances are living things?====
All infectious substances are living things.
All infectious substances are living things.
Line 106: Line 106:
The majority of students answered “No” to this question. However, it is unclear whether they think that viruses are non-living (which is controversial), or actually they think about prions which is definitely non-living proteins.
The majority of students answered “No” to this question. However, it is unclear whether they think that viruses are non-living (which is controversial), or actually they think about prions which is definitely non-living proteins.
-
====Figure 8====
+
====DNA only exist in the nuclei of cells?====
DNA only exists in the nucleus of cells - False
DNA only exists in the nucleus of cells - False
Line 115: Line 115:
Art, business and social science students are probably unaware of the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. For prokaryotic cells (e.g. bacterial cells), they are no nuclei. For eukaryotic cells, DNA does not only exist in nuclei, but also in the mitochondria as mitochondrial DNA.
Art, business and social science students are probably unaware of the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. For prokaryotic cells (e.g. bacterial cells), they are no nuclei. For eukaryotic cells, DNA does not only exist in nuclei, but also in the mitochondria as mitochondrial DNA.
-
====Figure 9====
+
====One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it?====
One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it - True
One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it - True
Line 124: Line 124:
Art, business and social science are not familiar with the term “plasmid”, which is essential in synthetic biology.
Art, business and social science are not familiar with the term “plasmid”, which is essential in synthetic biology.
-
====Figure 10====
+
====All bacteria are capable of locomotion?====
All bacteria are capable of locomotion-False
All bacteria are capable of locomotion-False
[[Image:HKU-HKBU_human_practice_findings_figure_10.png | center]]
[[Image:HKU-HKBU_human_practice_findings_figure_10.png | center]]
-
====Figure 11====
+
====Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine?====
Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine - False
Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine - False
Line 138: Line 138:
Gene therapy has been successful in some situations, but it has not yet gone into mainstream medicine. Further advances are needed in order to prove its efficacy in the myriad of diseases.
Gene therapy has been successful in some situations, but it has not yet gone into mainstream medicine. Further advances are needed in order to prove its efficacy in the myriad of diseases.
-
====Figure 12====
+
====DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine?====
DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine (C) - True
DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine (C) - True
Line 147: Line 147:
Without understanding the base pairs of DNA, we would never understand how DNA encode genetic information. From the result of this questionnaire, we can see that the majority of laypeople do not understanding how DNA works.
Without understanding the base pairs of DNA, we would never understand how DNA encode genetic information. From the result of this questionnaire, we can see that the majority of laypeople do not understanding how DNA works.
-
====Figure 13====
+
====RNA can be genetically inheritable?====
RNA can be genetically inheritable - True
RNA can be genetically inheritable - True
Line 156: Line 156:
Art, business and social science students probably can choose the right answer if the question becomes “DNA is genetically inheritable”. However, when it comes to RNA, many of them choose “I don’t know”. They are unaware of the presence of RNA viruses.
Art, business and social science students probably can choose the right answer if the question becomes “DNA is genetically inheritable”. However, when it comes to RNA, many of them choose “I don’t know”. They are unaware of the presence of RNA viruses.
-
====Figure 14====
+
====Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression?====
Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression - True
Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression - True
Line 165: Line 165:
The role of Green Florescent Protein as a reporter of expression is largely unknown to art, business and social science students. It is possible that they have not heard about this protein, or they may not know the term “protein expression”, or both.
The role of Green Florescent Protein as a reporter of expression is largely unknown to art, business and social science students. It is possible that they have not heard about this protein, or they may not know the term “protein expression”, or both.
-
====Figure 15====
+
====Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only?====
Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only - False
Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only - False
Line 174: Line 174:
Cells also communicate with each other by chemical signals, e.g. hormones, through ligand-receptor interaction.
Cells also communicate with each other by chemical signals, e.g. hormones, through ligand-receptor interaction.
-
====Figure 16====
+
====Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential?====
Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential - False
Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential - False
Line 183: Line 183:
It is possible that some students answered “yes” because they think that normal equals healthy and for healthy cells they must have the ability to replicate. This is an oversimplified view.
It is possible that some students answered “yes” because they think that normal equals healthy and for healthy cells they must have the ability to replicate. This is an oversimplified view.
-
====Figure 17====
+
====Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves?====
Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves - False
Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves - False
Line 192: Line 192:
The majority of art, business and social science students do not know about bacterial conjugation, which is an important concept within the realm of synthetic biology and genetic engineering.
The majority of art, business and social science students do not know about bacterial conjugation, which is an important concept within the realm of synthetic biology and genetic engineering.
-
====Figure 18====
+
====All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell?====
All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell - False
All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell - False
Line 201: Line 201:
This shows that art, business and social science students have an oversimplified view of DNA mutation, without knowing the fact that some DNA is not expressed, e.g. intron of DNA.
This shows that art, business and social science students have an oversimplified view of DNA mutation, without knowing the fact that some DNA is not expressed, e.g. intron of DNA.
-
====Figure 19====
+
====Virus replicate outside the cells?====
Virus replicate outside the cells - False
Virus replicate outside the cells - False
Line 210: Line 210:
The majority of art, business and social science students do not know where virus replicate. As a result, it is possible that they do not know that virus can be manipulated to carry genes into cells.
The majority of art, business and social science students do not know where virus replicate. As a result, it is possible that they do not know that virus can be manipulated to carry genes into cells.
-
====Figure 20====
+
====The function of genes is to manufacture proteins?====
The function of genes is to manufacture proteins - True
The function of genes is to manufacture proteins - True
Line 217: Line 217:
Discussion:
Discussion:
-
Actually, the function of genes is to manufacture proteins and RNAs (e.g. to manufacture the RNA in ribosomes). Quite a significant proportion of “Don’t know” answers were received from art, business and social science students. We postulate that laypeople actually do know that genes affects the functioning of the body, without knowing what causes this function: proteins and RNA.
+
Actually, the function of genes is to manufacture proteins and RNAs (e.g. to manufacture the RNA in ribosomes). Quite a significant proportion of “Don’t know” answers were received from art, business and social science students. We postulate that laypeople actually do know that genes affect the functioning of the body, without knowing what causes this function: proteins and RNA.
-
====Figure 21====
+
====In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli?====
In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli - True
In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli - True
Line 228: Line 228:
It is possible that many art, business or social science students do not know about E. coli besides not knowing that it is the most commonly used organism in synthetic biology.
It is possible that many art, business or social science students do not know about E. coli besides not knowing that it is the most commonly used organism in synthetic biology.
-
====Figure 22====
+
====Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules?====
Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules - True
Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules - True

Revision as of 04:03, 18 October 2009

Contents

Division for Human Practices Advance - Findings

Attitude towards synthetic biology and related areas

Knowledge of synthetic biology and related areas

  1. Concepts that are well known to non-science, non medical students
  2. Concepts not well known to non-science, non-medical students
  3. Concepts not well known to all students

Figures

In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that Genetically Modified food is harmful.

Genetically modified food is harmful to the human body.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 1.png

Discussion:

The majority of science students question the safety of genetically modified food, while the majority of students from other faculties do not. In contrast, the majority of medical students (i.e. future health care professionals) do not. We could not think of a satisfactory explanation for this.

In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of science students agree that genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.

Genetically modified organisms should be retained in the laboratory setting and should never be released into the wild.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 2.png

Discussion:

The majority of science students are aware that releasing GM organisms into the wild may disturb the natural gene pool of the organism, which may then lead to ecological consequences. Students from other faculties are less aware of the consequences.

The majority of all students agree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.

Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing primates (e.g. monkeys) for experimental purpose is morally wrong.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 3.png

Discussion:

Primates are animals who resemble human beings the most, and in fact a lot of experiment has been done on primates (with or without inflicting trauma) for the sake of understanding human sciences, especially psychology. The majority of university students in Hong Kong, even science students, may be aware of the fact that primates look like human beings, and this resemblance makes them “more humane”, to the extent that they should be respected.

In contrast with students from other faculties, the majority of medical students disagree that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is morally wrong.

Manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pigs for experimental purpose is morally wrong.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 4.png

Discussion:

The majority of medical students think that manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mouse/guinea pig for experimental purpose is not morally wrong. Is it possible that they are aware of the fact that mouse/guinea pig are used in many pre-clinical trials of drugs, and without doing so, clinical drugs trials (i.e. on humans) cannot proceed? That indicates manipulating, inflicting trauma or killing mice/guinea pig for drug development is morally acceptable, since this saves human lives.

Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells?

Cell types are interchangeable, e.g. muscle cells can become blood cells.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 5.png

Discussion:

The majority of students hold the belief that cell types are not interchangeable, which is in general correct until now. However, since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells, it may be possible in the future that different cell types can be inter-converted through the induction of pluripotency, although lots of researches have to be conducted in order for a conclusion to be made. As a general rule of science, theories may not hold true forever.

A pitfall in interpreting the results is that those who chose “yes” may not actually know about induced pluripotent stem cells.

If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease?

If the parent of a child has a inherited disease, the child would have the same disease.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 6.png

Discussion: This statement is false. For a child having one parent affected by an inherited disease:

  • For autosomal/X-linked dominant disorders with one affected parent, only 50% of the children will be affected.
  • For autosomal recessive disorders, both parents are carriers of the disease.
  • For X-linked recessive disorders, only half of the male children will be affected, and half of the female will become carriers.
  • For Y-linked disorders, only male children are affected.
  • For mitochondrial diseases, only females can pass on the disease but not the males.
  • For polygenic disorders, there is no clear-cut pattern of inheritance.

All infectious substances are living things?

All infectious substances are living things.

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 7.png

Discussion:

The majority of students answered “No” to this question. However, it is unclear whether they think that viruses are non-living (which is controversial), or actually they think about prions which is definitely non-living proteins.

DNA only exist in the nuclei of cells?

DNA only exists in the nucleus of cells - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 8.png

Discussion:

Art, business and social science students are probably unaware of the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. For prokaryotic cells (e.g. bacterial cells), they are no nuclei. For eukaryotic cells, DNA does not only exist in nuclei, but also in the mitochondria as mitochondrial DNA.

One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it?

One of the ways to introduce genes into a bacterium is to introduce a plasmid into it - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 9.png

Discussion:

Art, business and social science are not familiar with the term “plasmid”, which is essential in synthetic biology.

All bacteria are capable of locomotion?

All bacteria are capable of locomotion-False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 10.png

Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine?

Gene therapy has already been widely used in modern medicine - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 11.png

Discussion:

Gene therapy has been successful in some situations, but it has not yet gone into mainstream medicine. Further advances are needed in order to prove its efficacy in the myriad of diseases.

DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine?

DNA is made up of 4 types of bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T) and cytosine (C) - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 12.png

Discussion:

Without understanding the base pairs of DNA, we would never understand how DNA encode genetic information. From the result of this questionnaire, we can see that the majority of laypeople do not understanding how DNA works.

RNA can be genetically inheritable?

RNA can be genetically inheritable - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 13.png

Discussion:

Art, business and social science students probably can choose the right answer if the question becomes “DNA is genetically inheritable”. However, when it comes to RNA, many of them choose “I don’t know”. They are unaware of the presence of RNA viruses.

Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression?

Green florescent protein allows the identification of protein expression - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 14.png

Discussion:

The role of Green Florescent Protein as a reporter of expression is largely unknown to art, business and social science students. It is possible that they have not heard about this protein, or they may not know the term “protein expression”, or both.

Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only?

Cells communicate with each other by electrical signals only - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 15.png

Discussion:

Cells also communicate with each other by chemical signals, e.g. hormones, through ligand-receptor interaction.

Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential?

Normal human cells have unlimited replication potential - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 16.png

Discussion:

It is possible that some students answered “yes” because they think that normal equals healthy and for healthy cells they must have the ability to replicate. This is an oversimplified view.

Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves?

Bacteria cannot exchange their genes among themselves - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 17.png

Discussion

The majority of art, business and social science students do not know about bacterial conjugation, which is an important concept within the realm of synthetic biology and genetic engineering.

All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell?

All mutations in DNA have effect(s) on the cell - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 18.png

Discussion:

This shows that art, business and social science students have an oversimplified view of DNA mutation, without knowing the fact that some DNA is not expressed, e.g. intron of DNA.

Virus replicate outside the cells?

Virus replicate outside the cells - False

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 19.png

Discussion:

The majority of art, business and social science students do not know where virus replicate. As a result, it is possible that they do not know that virus can be manipulated to carry genes into cells.

The function of genes is to manufacture proteins?

The function of genes is to manufacture proteins - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 20.png

Discussion:

Actually, the function of genes is to manufacture proteins and RNAs (e.g. to manufacture the RNA in ribosomes). Quite a significant proportion of “Don’t know” answers were received from art, business and social science students. We postulate that laypeople actually do know that genes affect the functioning of the body, without knowing what causes this function: proteins and RNA.

In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli?

In synthetic biology, the most commonly used organism is Escherichia coli - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 21.png

Discussion:

It is possible that many art, business or social science students do not know about E. coli besides not knowing that it is the most commonly used organism in synthetic biology.

Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules?

Up to this moment, scientists have successfully synthesized an organism from molecules - True

HKU-HKBU human practice findings figure 22.png

Discussion:

In 2003, it was reported that the whole genome of the bacteriophage phi X 174 had been assembled synthetically from scratch and fully infectious X174 virions were recovered after electroporation into Escherichia coli. The majority of all students do not know about this.

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