Biotechnology Notes Unit 3 IN 81

Define Genetic Engineering Process where DNA is split into fragments and new DNA pieces are inserted Restriction enzymes cut DNA at certain places Carriers are then used to insert DNA splices Now referred to as recombinant DNA or transgenic Animation: http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/dna/animations.html

Applications of recombinant DNA Bacteria: reduce frost damage to crops, produce antibiotics Plants: resistant to herbicides, increase yield in crops Animals: cloning of endangered species, gene therapy, Interesting Fact: About 40 different crops are approved for marketing in the US. That means 60-70% of the foods at your grocery store contain genetically engineered products! They are not labeled.

Stem Cells cells whose job in the body is not yet determined cell “turns on” specific genes in the stem cell to make them specialized For example, stem cells can become skin cells, bone cells, red blood cells, nerve cells, or skeletal muscle cells. Stem Cells

What are they used for? Repairing damaged tissue, replacing organs, treat Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases What’s the big deal? Stem cells must come from aborted or miscarried fetuses Currently banned

Cloning the creation of an organism that is an exact copy of another occurs naturally in nature (identical twins) may be used for cloning stem cells, reviving endangered or extinct species, reproducing a deceased pet or child. How is a clone made? An early stage embryo is split into cells before those cells have differentiated, the cells are then grown separately, and develop into identical embryos and can be implanted into surrogate mothers. Cloning

Conceiving a Clone! Try this science lab as a class: http://library.thinkquest.org/24355/data/createnav.html

Describe DNA fingerprinting Sample of DNA is exposed to restriction enzyme which cuts it into pieces DNA is loaded into a gel and run through electrophoresis machine Gel Electrophoresis Demo

Since DNA is cut at certain sequences, each piece is a different length and weight Pieces that are heavier stay at the top of the gel, lighter will “run” to the bottom Every person is genetically different, so DNA fingerprints are different

DNA fingerprinting applications Can be used to identify or eliminate suspects when genetic material has been collected at a crime scene Can be used to determine paternity of a child, or establish other family relationships Can be used to identify a deceased person

HOW DNA IS USED TODAY http://www.agresearch.co.nz/scied/search/tools/electro/activity_electro_fingerprinting_police.htm