Chapter 13: Genetic Technology Gel Electrophoresis—Creates a DNA fingerprint Uses restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites DNA fragments are then added to the gel Gel is placed in a chamber, covered with buffer

An electric current runs through the gel Fragments travel through the gel at different rates: Small fragments travel further (lighter) Long fragments do not travel as far (heavier)

Applications Paternity/Maternity Testing Identification of: Criminals Human remains Endangered species

p. 359 in textbook

p. 353 in textbook

Transgenic Organisms Organisms that contain genes from a different organism Applications: Plants that are frost resistant Bacteria that can produce human insulin Animals can be used to study human disease

Bacterial Transformation Desired gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid Bacteria are stimulated to take in the plasmid The bacteria can then produce the desired product Ex. Insulin

Human Genome Project Effort to map and sequence all human genes Has raised ethical concerns Ex. Stem cell research, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms

Applications: Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders Gene therapy (CF & SCID) DNA fingerprinting

Cell Specialization Cells differentiate because of DNA expression and gene activity.  All cells contain the same DNA and the potential to become any type of cell  However, differentiation can not be reversed  All of our body cells have the same chromosomes and DNA

 The parts of DNA that are activated determine the function of specialized cells  Different parts of the genetic instructions are used in different types of cells  Genes are influenced by the cell’s environment Ex. Chemical signals released by other cells Ex. Radiation and other mutagens

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to differentiate into one or more types of specialized cells. Embryonic cells that have not yet differentiated are called embryonic stem cells Stem cells found in organisms (ex. bone marrow) are called adult stem cells

Both types of stem cells can differentiate into specialized cells under the right lab conditions. Applications: Currently: stem cell transplant (bone marrow) for cancer Future: treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other nervous system disorders Future: treatment of Type I diabetes in Children

Ethical Concerns of Research