What is Biotechnology Dr. Marcia E. Roye Prepared and presented by Dr. Marcia E. Roye Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology, Associate Dean, Graduate Matters FST, Office: Biotechnology Centre, Ground floor Tel: 927-0304 (office) 977-1828 (centre) ext. 2518-20 (from campus ) Email: marcia.roye@uwimona.edu.jm

Information presented here is available at Dr Roye’s Bulletin Board at: http://thebulletinboard.weebly.com/

Overview What is science? What is biotechnology? Modern biotechnology and genetic engineering Extraction of genes (DNA) at home Plant virus (geminivirus) research in Jamaica HIV research in Jamaica Other scientists in the Biotechnology Centre

Science What is science? The aim of science is the discovery, description and understanding facts of nature (DDUN). Basically there are two types of science: Natural sciences Social sciences An e.g. of social science? An e.g. of natural science?

Introduction What does rum, wine, beer, yoghurt and cheese have in common? Their manufacture depends on living organisms too small to be seem with the naked eye. In biotechnology these tools and techniques are living organisms. Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to make a product. What are the types of the living organisms used in the manufacture of rum, wine, beer, yoghurt and cheese?

Modern Biotechnology Modern biotechnology allows us to manipulate plant and animals in ways that were not possible before. When we cross-breed animals and plants we can only do so with related species. Modern biotechnology through genetic engineering allows us to move human genes to bacteria! Or use bacteria to make human insulin to treat diabetics.

DNA Extraction at Home Purpose: to extract DNA from a variety of cells salt clear dish washing liquid warm water Supplies: clear glass plant or animal tissues--liver Strainer Toothpicks Blender rubbing alcohol

DNA Extraction Cut up a small amount of the cell source (liver tissue). Add it into a blender and fill it with enough warm salty water to cover it. Blend for 5-10 seconds Pour through the strainer into a clear glass

DNA Extraction Gently stir in about 2-3 teaspoons of the soap. Stir very gently, trying not to make bubbles . Slowly pour the alcohol into the glass, pouring it down the side of the glass so that it forms a separate layer on top of the soapy cell mixture. The white stuff is DNA

DNA Extraction The DNA will slowly rise from the watery lower layer up into the alcohol layer above it

We set out to identify viruses associated with crops in Jamaica Geminivirus research We set out to identify viruses associated with crops in Jamaica

Why Study Plant Viruses Plants get sick and need doctors too! ‘Plant doctor’ If you give plants: light water fertilizer The plant will grow This is not true if the plant is infected with a virus

20 yrs and 22 Geminiviruses in Jamaica Crops (5) BGYMV CabLCuJV CabLCuV TDLCV-[JM] TYLCV-[JM] Weeds (17) EuMV JMV MaGMV-[JM:1] MGMV-[JM:2] MaYMV-[JM] MaYMV MaYMJV RhGMYuV TbYCrV SiGMJV SiGMBV SiGMBuV SiGMLigV SiGYVV TbLCuCUV WGMV WGMSTV There are more!!! 20 yrs and 22 Geminiviruses in Jamaica