Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering Genetic Engineering involves the manipulation of genes for practical purposes. Requires the “building” of DNA from two or more different sources. This new DNA is then called recombinant DNA.

Steps in Genetic Engineering 1. Cutting, by the use of enzymes, a desired portion of DNA from a chromosome that has certain characteristics which are desirable. This desired DNA part is put into a vector.

2. This vector, with the desirable gene, along with the vectors genes are then called recombined DNA. This attachment is by the use of “sticky ends” on the DNA.

3. Make copies of this new recombinant gene by cloning 3. Make copies of this new recombinant gene by cloning. Cloning is typically done in bacteria because they reproduce by binary fission which results in an exact copy of the parent after reproducing.

4. Determining if the desired gene is present in the cloned bacteria by screening for the presence or absence of the this desired gene. Standard practice is the Southern blot technique.

Vector is simply an organism such as a virus, bacteria or plasmid that is used to carry the cut portion of the DNA to another organism. Virus and bacteria are used because of the simplicity of their genetic make up.

Vectors Bacteria Yeasts Plasmids The most common type of vectors are: Plasmids are circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently away from the bacteria chromosomes.

DNA with desired gene is ID. Section of DNA with certain gene(s) is cut using specific enzymes.

Cut DNA combined with other DNA usually a plasmid. The recombinant DNA inserted into bacteria. Exact (?) copies of recombined DNA are reproduced or cloned by bacteria.

Uses of recombinant DNA: 1. Used for medical purposes 2. Vaccines such as insulin for diabetics 3. Agricultural purposes

Gene Therapy Gene therapy is a technique which involves putting a good gene into an organism that does not have this good gene so that the organism will not come down with cancer, mental illness, obesity, diabetes, etc. You are living at the doorstep of a generation which will see huge changes in life due to gene therapy.

You Have seen the Future of Genetic Engineering. Are you in it?