Biotechnology

Genetically modified mice

have been crucial to deciphering mechanisms of

disease.

Test: Tues. 2/14

protein synthesis, biotech, pGlo lab, mutations

Test: Tues. 2/14

protein synthesis, biotech, pGlo lab, mutations

Review what you Know...

Selective Breeding—uses naturally occurring genetic variation (produces desired traits)

Inbreeding—crossing similar genotypes (produces undesirable traits) ex: dogs, plants, cattle

Hybridization—crossing different genotypes (horses + donkeys = mules)

Mutations—changes in DNA **Ultimate source of genetic variation**

Genetic Engineering

Technique used to identify and/or alter genes at a molecular level

Making changes to DNA

Faster method

Requires equipment and $$

Types of Genetic Engineering

DNA Fingerprinting by gel electrophoresis

Transformation of DNA

Transgenic organisms

GMOs

Cloning

Gene therapy

Pest resistant cotton &

corn

DNA FingerprintingUnique system of bands that represent segments of DNA that were cut with restriction enzymes

Look for matching bands to identify individuals or determine paternity

Suspect 1Suspect 2

Crime scene evidence

Transformation of DNA

DNA from one organism is taken into another (sometimes unrelated) organism

Requires:

Restriction enzymes—cut DNA at specific sites

Vectors—”DNA Taxis” to move the gene (usually a virus or plasmid)

Restriction Enzymes

Regognize DNA palindromes (reads the same forward and backwards)

EX: RACECAR

Cut at specific sites

How Restriction Enzymes Work

Plasmid VectorsSmall circular pieces of bacterial DNA

Sections can be removed, manipulated, and reinserted (gluing back into DNA using base pair rule)

Plasmid Vectors

Producing a Transgenic Organism

Transgenic AnimalsCows that produce more milk, less lactose

Chickens that grow faster, larger

Spider goat—use silk protein (from spider gene) in goat milk to produce bulletproof vests, artificial tendons, clothing

Cloning

Glow Genes As Markers

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) derived from jellyfish

Provides permanent markers that follow the cancerous cells as they grow or spread throughout the body.

The glow-in-the-dark cats have been created by scientists working on

Aids

PGlo gene

The source of the pGlo gene is from the bioluminescent jellyfish, Aequorea Victoria which  allows the jellyfish to

fluoresce and glow in the dark.  E. coli can be transformed to express this gene (make the GFP protein) and cause the E.

coli to glow green when exposed to UV light.

Transgeneic/Genetically modified foods

Crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques.

Plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits

Pest resistance, cold tolerance, nutrition, disease resistance, drought tolerance

GMOs & GM Foods

CloningDonated egg has nucleus removed

Fertilized using electricity with a diploid cell

Implanted into surrogate mother to grow and develop

Clones—because DNA

came from sheep 2

Clones—because DNA

came from sheep 2

Sheep 1

Sheep 2

Sheep 3

Sheep 2

clone

Sheep 2

clone

Gene Therapy

Changing a gene that causes a genetic disorder

Bad gene is replaced with a working (good) gene that makes the needed protein

Common vector is a virus that has been genetically altered to carry normal human DNA

Ex: targeting cancerous cells, treat genetic disorders such as Huntingtons, Leukemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Diabetes

Gene Therapy