Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering means altering the genes in a living organism to produce a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) with a new genotype. There are two reasons for doing this: To make useful enzymes and drugs in genetically modified microbes (e.g. insulin) To alter the characteristics of organisms (usually farm animals or crops). If the GMO receives a gene from a different species it is called a transgenic organism.

Genetically Modified Bacteria This diagram shows how human insulin can be made using genetically-modified bacteria Genetic Engineering from ABPI Insulin from ABPI

Genetic Engineering Use the animations and p235-237 to explain the meaning of: restriction enzymes ligase enzymes vectors plasmids recombinant DNA when used in the production of insulin. Name another vector that can be used to deliver a gene. What are the advantages of producing substances such as human insulin using genetic modification? Suggest advantages of using bacteria as the transgenic organism.

Other Examples of GMOs HIV drugs Spider silk Transgenic rabbits

Genetically-Modified Plants We can make genetically-modified farm animals and crops with improved characteristics. These GMOs could help to feed the world while causing less damage to the environment. What characteristics do you think would be useful in farm animals or crops? GM strawberry plants Golden rice

Genetically-Modified Plants What are the pros and cons of GM crops? Pros of GM crops Cons of GM crops

Genetically-Modified Plants What are the pros and cons of GM crops? Pros of GM crops Cons of GM crops Could improve yield Reduces genetic diversity Could improve quality (e.g. high protein) Long term effects unknown on animals/plants Less need for pesticides/herbicides Effects on humans of eating not known Could grow in poorer soil/climates Genes could spread to weeds

Key technical terms Write definitions for the following key terms: restriction enzymes ligase vectors recombinant DNA transgenic Use pages 235 - 237

Pipe Cleaner Genetic Modification We’re going to make a genetically modified (GM) crop that is resistant to insect attack (not really). This plant will grow well without needing to be sprayed with a chemical insecticide, so this is good for the environment. We can do this by transferring a gene from a bacterium to the crop plant. The gene makes a substance that’s poisonous to insects.

Each group needs: 3 whiteboards Scissors (cutting enzyme) Forceps Marker pen 2 pipe cleaners (different colours) Sellotape (joining enzyme) Draw these outlines onto your 3 whiteboards:

Pipe Cleaner Genetic Modification Place a different coloured DNA/pipe cleaner into each cell, and mark the poison gene to be transferred on the bacterial DNA with a marker pen. Extract the DNA from the bacterial cell using forceps and place in the test tube. Cut out the poison gene using scissors marked “cutting enzyme”, and discard the rest of the DNA. Extract the DNA from the plant cell using forceps and place in the test tube. Cut the plant DNA with the enzyme scissors and insert the bacterial gene, joining with sticky tape marked “joining enzyme”. Transfer the modified (“hybrid”) DNA back to the plant cell using forceps. This is now a GM cell. This GM cell can now be grown into a whole GM plant, using micropropagation (recap this technique from last week –L1).

Genetic Modification Write your own notes on the process you have just used. Make sure you use key technical terms. Swap books with your neighbour - read through their work. Make sure they have included the key points. Peer mark - use green pen.

Genetic modification Copy and fill in the blanks. Genes are made up of short stretches of ___. In a _________ ________ organism a ____ from one organism is removed and added to the _______ material of another organism. The GM organism can make ________ directed by the new gene.

Genes are made up of short stretches of DNA Genes are made up of short stretches of DNA. In a genetically modified organism a gene from one organism is removed and added to the genetic material of another organism. The GM organism can make proteins directed by the new gene.

Evaluate the cloning of animals Adult cell cloning One animal can be cloned many times, even after it’s died Animals could be saved from extinction Genetically modified animal could be cloned Very difficult – low success rate Adult with known characteristics is cloned

Homework Google “golden rice” and decide who’s right about it.