Genetics Unit: Genetics and Technology EQ: What is genetic engineering? What is selective breeding? What is cloning?

How can we make things better? Naturally, organisms evolve in a gradual process caused by genetic variations. These variations are caused by sexual reproduction (genes combining from TWO parents) and mutations. Variations help a species adapt to the environment and can increase chances of survival.

Genes and DNA

Humans and the future… Today, human activities can change genes and traits that certain organisms have. Genetic engineering and selective breeding are (2) examples. Humans also have the power to make an exact copy of an organism called a clone!

Genetic Engineering… (2 methods) New genes are added or spliced into the DNA. A piece of DNA from ONE organism is transferred to another organism. Once new genes are added or existing genes are changed, they become part of the organism’s genes. The “new” genes added cause that organism to pass on that trait to future generations.

Uses of Genetic Engineering Scientists have spliced the DNA of humans into bacteria: Created insulin to help people fight diabetes Created human growth hormone to help children grow properly Development of vaccines to prevent disease.

Uses Also used to produce useful plants: Crops that are resistant to disease (pests and bacteria) Better tasting crops Crops that are resistant to drought or frost “Seedless” plants

Selective Breeding Is when plants and animals with desirable traits are selected by humans to reproduce. This is used to produce offspring with the traits the breeder wants. Examples: Breeding of dogs, racehorses, cats, and cattle. ALSO better and stronger plants Better tasting and more flowers…

Biotechnology Cattle to produce meat with less fat. Animals can be artificially inseminated to generate hundreds of offspring from one farm animal. Can freeze sperm or fertilized eggs Used to help build up populations of endangered species. Use of hormones to control insect populations without harmful pesticides.

Biotechnology Used to help women who cannot get pregnant due to problems with hormones, ovaries, or oviducts. In-vitro fertilization, fertilizes eggs outside the body and then implants them into the uterus. Hormone therapy to regulate menstrual cycle or to be used as birth control. Ultrasounds allow doctors to view the parts of the female reproductive system or a developing fetus. Fetal cells can be extracted (amniocentesis) to analyze for possible birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Cloning… Produces exact copies of an organism. Isolate donor nucleus from a cell that has the FULL number of chromosomes. Capture the nucleus and remove it from the cell. Get unfertilized eggs, Remove the egg's nucleus Insert the donor nucleus Place in uterus, develops into a clone.