Biotechnology and its uses Sc.912.L.16.10

A Beginner’s Guide To help understand the basics of gene technology and some of its uses.

What is genetic engineering? Gene technology makes it possible to cross genes that would not normally happen in nature. Like the carnations which use a Blue Gene from the petunia to create their unusual color.

Some problems biotechnologists are working on No more brushing Stopping sheep burping Detecting land mines

No more brushing Problem: Certain bacteria on our teeth produce lactic acid. The build up of the lactic acid leads to the decaying of our teeth. How do we stop this?

No more brushing Solution: Alter the bacteria so it does not produce lactic acid. Of course dentists might say you will still need to visit them even if you do have genetically modified bacteria on your teeth…

Stop that Burping! Problem: Livestock are responsible for about 90 percent of Australia's methane emissions in the agriculture sector. Sheep produce about 25 litres of methane each day. How do we reduce these methane emissions?

Stop that Burping Solution: Develop vaccines which inhibit the growth of the bacteria which produce methane

Plants Detecting Land Mines Problem: Landmines represent a significant problem in the third world, where approximately 26,000 people are killed or injured every year. Another problem is that large areas of land used for agriculture (eg Cambodia 40% and Angola 90%) are unused which can lead to severe consequences for the countries.

Plants Detecting Land Mines Solution: Genetically modify plants to enable easy detection of land mines The thale cress turns red when its roots encounter the byproducts of land mines. (Image: Aresa)

Other applications… Current examples of this include: Canola – herbicide resistant Cotton – Bt insecticide Carnation – blue & long life Soybeans – herbicide resistant Papaya – disease resistant

Bt Corn Pest Resistance: Bt Corn

Agricultural uses -food processors affected by genetic engineering. -shelf-life, storage, food-handling;extended and simplified. -help resist spoilage.

More Agricultural uses -plants transformed-insect,disease, and herbicide resistant. -animals treated engineered hormones-produce more milk, leaner meat.

Medicinal uses… Gene technology can also be used in medicines: Insulin is important for blood sugar metabolism and levels – diabetics do not have enough and therefore need an external supply. Insulin used to be harvested from pigs, from their pancreases, but now all insulin is produced from bacteria with an insulin gene added to them.

Industry and Environment -more efficient use of scarce minerals -greater efficiency in mining. -major concern-waste management. biodegrade a number of waste products-sewage and petroleum products.

Genetically modified organisms are called transgenic organisms. TRANSGENIC ANIMALS Mice – used to study human immune system Chickens – more resistant to infections Cows – increase milk supply and leaner meat 4. Goats, sheep and pigs – produce human proteins in their milk

Transgenic Goat . This goat contains a human gene that codes for a blood clotting agent. The blood clotting agent can be harvested in the goat’s milk. Human DNA in a Goat Cell

Public Concerns…. Some people are worried about various applications of gene technology and raise questions about the safety of GM foods, the risk of developing herbicide resistant weeds and other possible environmental damage.

Safety Issues and Ethics • Avoid accidental release • Genetically modified crops must be safe for consumption and for the environment • Who will have access to an individual's genetic information?