Aim #66: How do scientists use biotechnology to manipulate genomes?

1) Biotechnology? The use of organisms to perform practical tasks for humans. Yeast, helps us make bread & wine. Bacteria, help us make yogurt & cheese.

2) Genome Complete set of an organism’s genetic material. The Chromosomes, DNA, & the Genes which are all found in the Nucleus.

3) Gene A gene is a sequence of DNA on a chromosome that codes for ________ protein. one **Remember, not all of the DNA codes for proteins. The parts that do are called genes, the parts that don’t are called non-coding regions.

4) What is DNA Technology? The branch of biotechnology where scientists actually manipulate (alter) the genomes of organisms at the molecular level.

5) Why would altering DNA affect our characteristics/traits? DNA codes for the proteins that determine our traits.

6) What are some examples of DNA Technology? Cloning DNA Fingerprinting Recombinant DNA GMO

7) Scientists often use bacteria & viruses in DNA Technology How do bacteria reproduce? Asexual Reproduction Does that lead to variation in offspring? No, it leads to clones

8) How do bacteria have genetic variation? Although bacteria do not undergo meiosis, they can undergo certain processes that result in genetic recombination (gene mixing), that can lead to variation. a)Conjugation- two bacterial cells temporarily join & Transfer genetic material between them. b)Transformation- some bacteria take up pieces of DNA from the environment. c) Transduction- viruses can transfer its genetic material into the bacteria.

9) Human Genome Project: In 1990, advances in DNA technology enabled scientists to completely sequence the human genome. A rough draft was complete in 2000.

10) Steps of the Human Genome Project: 1)Sequence the DNA (order of the bases). 2)Regions of DNA that code for proteins (genes) must be distinguished from non-coding regions. 3) The functions of the resulting proteins must be determined. 4) Develop a map of the human genome.

Human Genome Project Scientists studied and mapped the human genome (determined the entire nucleotide sequence of DNA).

Why is this so important? 1)Comparing human sequences with those from other species provide insight into evolutionary relationships. 2)Identifying genes will aid in diagnosing, treating, & preventing common ailments.

TED ED Human Genome Project