Biotechnology & rDNA

Biotechnology Biotechnology- application of a technological process, invention, or method to living organisms Examples 1. Selective Breeding 5. Southern Blot/Electrophoresis 2. Hybridization 6. Cloning 3. Inbreeding 7. Vegetative Propagation 4. rDNA 8. Stem Cells

Selective Breeding 1. Selective breeding- allow only the organisms with desired traits to produce the next generation

Hybridization 2. Hybridization- cross dissimilar individuals to make the best of both organisms

Inbreeding 3. Inbreeding- breed animals with similar characteristics

4. rDNA Genetic Engineering- 2 or more different pieces of DNA that are inserted into a plasmid vector (DNA carrier such as bacteria) Product: rDNA, or recombinant DNA Vector

Making rDNA: Step 1 Cut section of DNA Restriction enzymes cut between specific base pairs Place DNA into circular piece of DNA called plasmid vector by ‘sticky ends’ Example: Virus or bacteria

Making rDNA: Step 2 Isolated DNA and vector are combined using the enzyme ligase Anneal them: Glue them together! Ligase: enzyme that anneals

Making rDNA: Step 3 Cloning Make copies of the gene Example: Bacteria undergo asexual reproduction because you need exact copies

Making rDNA: Step 4 Add antibiotic resistance to isolated gene Inserted gene No inserted gene Cells die! Cells live

Use of rDNA- produce insulin

Other Uses of rDNA Creation of medicines Vaccines Gene therapy Large quantities, cost effective, reliable Example: Growth hormone & insulin Vaccines Example: Hepatitis B vaccine Gene therapy Replace ‘faulty’ genes with better ones Examples: Immune disorder, cancer, cystic fibrosis Alter Crops More tolerant to climate, ripening speed, better nutrition, inserted pesticides/herbicides Transgenic animals Growth hormone, extra chromosomes, cloning, organ transplants