Why might scientists want to change the DNA of a species? (lab) Genetic Code Kit

Scientists select certain genetic traits of an organism. By breeding certain species together By adding genes to an organism By creating genetically identical organisms Example- glow in the dark cats!

In bacteria- Can select a gene to add to the bacteria Bacteria have a circle of DNA (plasmid) an enzyme used to break the circle gene is added at a specific site in the DNA gene is then expressed by the bacteria

pGLO in bacteria

1.Must cut DNA with an enzyme at a specific site 2. Must insert gene and bind it to the active gene in the bacteria 3. Reassemble DNA

Can be used to grow chemicals that humans use that would otherwise be very expensive insulin HGH (human growth hormone)

Scientists can now do this with plants and animals as well -make plants that produce their own pesticides -make cats that glow in the dark

There are many ways to select what genes are shown by an organism Cloning Selective Breeding Inbreeding Hybridization

Cloning Mr. Gnacik’s frog… 1)Take a cell from Kermit. 2)Remove its nucleus 3)Take an egg from Mrs. Hoppy 4)Remove its nucleus, insert Kermit’s DNA 5)Implant “fertilized egg” into Mrs. Ribbit 6)Baby Kermit born!

Any method of breeding two species together to get desirable traits in the offspring

Inbreeding- Mating two of the same species together who have desirable traits thing dogs! Hybridization- Mating two different species together to get the best of both species “Grapple”

Good- Can increase endangered populations More efficient ways of farming new corn- uses 50% less water! Bad- Can reduce genetic variety in groups Many new genes’ effects on humans are unknown Ugly- “liger” should this be done just for the sake of trying?

Can compare your DNA to other humans (CSI-style…) Can compare humans to other living organisms

A method of separating DNA out that has been cut by enzymes. Allows researchers to see different sizes of molecules -DNA is run through a gel with electrical current. -Gel has holes of different sizes that slow down larger portions of DNA

Why do so many countries have laws against eating genetically modified foods? (lab) Genetic Code Kit