Introduction to Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering

Introduction to Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Biotechnology - humans manipulate how traits pass on – either through breeding or through DNA manipulation

Biotechnology - Then Humans have been manipulating organisms and their genes for years, through: Selective breeding Hybridization Inbreeding Increasing mutations

Selective Breeding Allowing only those organisms with desired characteristics to produce the next generation Pass desired traits onto next generation Done with domestic organisms Ex. Breeding cows that produce the most milk

Hybridization Crossing of dissimilar individuals to bring together the best of both organisms Offspring are often hardier than parents Ex. Can withstand more extreme temperatures, more endurance, need less water, etc.

A Tigon – a cross between a male tiger and a female lion. Some Hybrid Examples A Tigon – a cross between a male tiger and a female lion.

Some Hybrid Examples A Liger – a cross between a male lion and a female tiger.

Some Hybrid Examples A Zorse – a cross between a male zebra and a female horse.

A Mule – a cross between a male donkey and a female horse. Some Hybrid Examples A Mule – a cross between a male donkey and a female horse.

A Beefalo – a cross between a buffalo/bison and cattle. Some Hybrid Examples A Beefalo – a cross between a buffalo/bison and cattle.

A leopon – a leopard and a lion cross. Some Hybrid Examples A leopon – a leopard and a lion cross.

Some Hybrid Examples

A Cama – a cross between a llama and a camel. Some Hybrid Examples A Cama – a cross between a llama and a camel.

Labradoodles – a cross between labradors and poodles. Some Hybrid Examples Labradoodles – a cross between labradors and poodles.

Goldendoodles – a cross between golden retrievers and poodles. Some Hybrid Examples Goldendoodles – a cross between golden retrievers and poodles.

Some Hybrid Examples Many of the wide variations in the colors of flowers is due to hybridization.

Inbreeding Continued breeding of individuals with similar characteristics Ensures that the characteristics that make each breed unique are preserved Done with dogs, cats, horses, etc Does have risk for exposing genetic defects Ex. Hip problems in German Shepherds, and many large dog breeds

Increasing Variation Breeders can increase the genetic variation in a population by incorporating mutations Ex. Color variations in dogs/cats/horses Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variability

Biotechnology - Now Biotechnology today means the use of DNA technology: Recombinant DNA for genetic engineering Transferring genes from one organism to another (creating transgenic organisms)

Recombinant DNA Technology Recombinant DNA is constructed when scientists combine pieces of DNA from two different sources to form a single DNA molecule. Recombinant DNA technology is widely used in genetic engineering, the direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes.

Transgenic Organisms A transgenic organism contains a gene from another organism, typically of another species. Transgenic organisms have been used to produce: human insulin in large quantities (Humulin – made by genetically modified bacteria) human growth hormone (HGH – for some people, without HGH, dwarfism can result) the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates production of red blood cells vaccines

Genetically Modified Food (GM Foods) Today, DNA technology is quickly replacing traditional breeding programs – MANY of our foods are genetically modified in some way Transgenic Plants - Uses Corn has been genetically modified to resist insect infestation Strawberry plants produce bacterial proteins that act as a natural antifreeze Potatoes and rice have been modified to produce harmless proteins derived from the cholera bacterium and may one day serve as edible vaccines.

Transgenic Animals Transgenic Animals - Uses A transgenic pig has been produced that carries a gene for human hemoglobin that could be used in transfusions Growth hormone gene in livestock to grow faster and produce less fatty meat May soon produce supply of human proteins in milk In 2006, genetically modified pigs carried roundworm genes that produce proteins that convert less healthy fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. However, unlike transgenic plants, no transgenic animals are yet sold as food.