Chapter 1.2 Biology in Your World

Objectives Evaluate the impact of scientific research on the environment. Evaluate the impact of scientific research on society with respect to increasing food supplies. Explain the primary task of the Human Genome Project. Describe the contributions of scientists in fighting AIDS and cancer. Define the term gene therapy.

World Population

Tropical Rain Forests

A typical 4 mile patch of rain forest contains as many as: 1,500 species of flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 125 mammal species, 400 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, 60 species of amphibians 50 different species of butterflies

Approx. 1 acre/sec Gone in 30 years? Lose more than 1,000,000 species Biologists are working to save the environment Rainforests are disappearing

Waste potato products Cattle feed

Methane for power plants Cattle feed Nutrient rich water for crops

Conservation and preservation Now everyday activities Government, industry, and individuals.

Advances Crop disease resistance Herbicide resistance Insect resistance Nutritional content

Understanding the Human Genome Genome – a compete set of the genetic material in an individual “Blueprint of Life” 3 Billion units

Human Genome Project Began in 2000 Scientists can now read every gene Just have to translate them!

Biology is important….. Developing new medicines Fighting diseases like AIDS, cancer, H1N1 flu

AIDS Emerged in early 1980’s Caused by HIV – human immunodeficiency virus Transmitted through contaminated body fluids Attacks and destroys the immune system No vaccine No cure

Cancer Making great progress “Growth Defect” – uncontrolled cell growth Many cancers are preventable Many are treatable. Many are curable!

Emerging Diseases West Nile Virus 1999 Transmitted by mosquitos Humans Horses Birds

Gene Therapy Replacement of an abnormal gene with a healthy gene

Cystic Fibrosis

Muscular Distrophy Muscle degeneration

Hemophilia Bleeding/Blood clotting disorder Queen Victoria Ryan White