Using molecular genetics for practical purposes Genetic Technology Using molecular genetics for practical purposes

Must first identify the genome of the organism= all genes within the species Human Genome Project: 1990’s- Thought there were 100,000 genes. Only found 30,000.

Cloning Pieces of desired plant placed into growth medium -Food Supply (Salmon, fruits, veggies, corn) Somatic cell nuclear transfer

Stem Cell Undifferentiated cells (early development) can “switch” on DNA and “tell” cell what to be. May be a cure for Parkinson’s, “growing” organs, tissues for burn treatment, paralysis Controversial 2types: adult and embryonic

Gene Therapy Treat genetic disorder by replacing “bad” gene with a “good” one. Designing medications specific to a person’s genetic code Could cure: Hemophilia, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy

PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction In past genetic tests on small samples used up most or all of the DNA Makes many copies of small amounts of DNA for testing.

DNA Profiling Use to be called DNA Fingerprinting Using genetic code markers to identify people Used for paternity tests and test DNA found at crime scenes. Gel electrophoresis- Bar code of genetic markers.

1970: Bacteria E. coli makes ENDONUCLEASES (enzymes) Cuts viral DNA in the same place EVERYTIME. “Sticky Ends” Results are: smaller pieces of DNA, some the same size GAATTC CTTAAG

Paternity Forensics

Recombinant DNA Most promising for curing disorders. Making human proteins using bacteria: - Insulin: treatment of diabetes - Clotting Factor: hemophilia - HGH: height disorders Combines genes that code for human proteins with the plasmid DNA of E.coli…which now synthesizes the human protein

SAILBOAT

GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. GMO’s