5. Genetic Engineering Techniques 4.1: DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information. 5. Genetic Engineering Techniques

What is Genetic Engineering? Direct manipulation of genetic information. Allows for direct control of gene expression, and novel combinations of genetic information from different species. Also enables genetic testing for diseases and identity.

Technique: Gel Electrophoresis Separation of DNA molecules based on their size. Utilizes an electrical field and a gel matrix. Smaller DNA molecules migrate through the gel faster than larger molecules. Used to isolate specific genes from within larger samples of DNA, or to visualize differences in DNA sequences.

Transformation The direct introduction of DNA sequences in to prokaryotic cells. The DNA sequences are delivered on plasmid vectors. Used to engineer prokaryotic cells to produce useful proteins. “transfection”: term for process in eukaryotic cells.

Restriction Enzyme Analysis Restriction enzymes: Cut DNA at specific sequences (making “restriction fragments”) This enables the isolation of different segments of DNA, for introduction in to plasmids, sequencing, or a variety of other studies. RFLP Analysis: Using differences in restriction fragment length to determine identity, identify traits, etc.

Polymerase Chain Reaction In vitro DNA replication. Uses: a target sequence of DNA, small primers to bracket the sequence, a heat-resistant DNA polymerase, and a thermal cycler Produces billions of copies of a DNA sequence over a span of hours

5. Genetic Engineering Uses 4.1: DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information. 5. Genetic Engineering Uses

Uses of Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering techniques have many applications. These applications have many ethical considerations.

Genetically Modified Foods Genes for desirable traits are engineered into food crops. Ex. Golden Rice

Transgenic Animals Genes for desirable characteristics can be inserted into livestock and other animals Ex. Fluorescent fish

Pharmaceuticals Genes for therapeutic proteins can be inserted into bacteria to produce large quantities of those proteins Ex. Insulin

Cloned Animals Organisms that do not naturally reproduce asexually can be made to through genome manipulation in the laboratory. Ex. Dolly

Ethical Considerations Questions of ownership Questions of consent Questions of the definition of life, and what should be legally permissible.