Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering Definition: alters the DNA of an organism to get the traits desired
Gene Therapy Definition: adding or deleting parts of genes to get rid of genetic disorders
Selective Breeding Definition: selecting two organisms with desired traits to serve as parents of the next generation
Inbreeding Definition: two organisms that have similar characteristics mate but produce offspring with genetic disorders
Hybridization Definition: the crossing of two genetically different organisms resulting in an organism that has the best trait from both parents – offspring is infertile
Cloning Definition: an organism that is used to create a new identical copy of that same organism as an offspring
Gene Splicing/Recombinant DNA Definition: two different organisms’ DNA put together in the same DNA strand. Example – Human DNA is cut by a restriction enzyme. Bacteria DNA is inserted into the cut. This makes a transgenic organism.
Genetically Modified Food Definition: engineering crops to allow them to grow in poor soil conditions, resist disease, tolerate drought, repel insects, etc.
Lab Grown Organs Definition: Using stem cells to create new organs for a transplant
Transgenic Organisms Definition: creating an organism that will exhibit a new trait that can be passed to its offspring
Genetic Screening Definition: testing DNA to rule out genetic diseases and determine the likelihood of developing a genetic disorder
Analyzing Genetic Screening Gel Electrophoresis – a method to separate the fragments of DNA based on size to create a DNA Fingerprint. The DNA fragments are separated in gel and viewed as bands.
How The Information is Used: Forensics – Help solve crimes by matching suspects DNA to the crime scene DNA Medicine – Determining the father of a child by matching DNA bands Evolution – Compare DNA bands of organisms to determine evolutionary relationships
Forensic Example:
Stem Cell Therapy Definition: using stem cells to treat or prevent a disease by transplanting bone marrow or umbilical cord blood