Genetic Engineering

Chapter 15

Selective Breeding• Allowing only animals with wanted

characteristics to breed.

Recombinant DNA• A gene is taken from one organism and the

DNA is spliced (attached by DNA ligase) to the DNA of another organism.

Transgenic Organisms• Produced when recombinant DNA is inserted

into the genome of a host organism.

Clones• Genetically identical cells produced from a

single cell.

Applications of Genetic Engineering: Agriculture and Industry

• Genetically modified (GM) crops– Example: Bt gene

• GM animals– Goats with spider genes

Applications of Genetic Engineering: Health and Medicine

• Gene therapy- the process of changing a gene to treat a medical disease or disorder.

Applications of Genetic Engineering: Personal Identification

• DNA fingerprinting- analyzes sections of DNA that vary widely from one individual to another.

Ethics and Impacts

• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (2008)

• Genetic testing for disease?• Do you have a patent on your DNA?• Safety of GM foods?• Are we justified in modifying an organism’s

DNA?