DNA technology Gene cloning Gene therapy Biopharmaceuticals Forensics DNA fingerprinting, PCR Genomics Human Genome Project Frankenfoods Genetically modified crops

Recombinant DNA & Plasmids Combining genes from different sources and/or species Circular DNA from bacteria = plasmids Target DNA recombined in plasmid Bacteria rapidly reproduces many clones

How is this possible? Enzymes Used to “cut and paste” Restriction enzymes Cuts DNA into fragments remember DNA lab DNA ligase Pastes fragments from one source into another

Biopharmaceuticals Use recombinant cells to mass produce proteins Bacteria Yeast Mammalian

Growth hormone deficiency Insulin Faulty pituitary and regulation Had to rely on cadaver source Now easily produced by bacteria Insulin Hormone required to properly process sugars and fats Treat diabetes Now easily produced by bacteria

Not always used for good... High doses of HGH can cause permanent side effects As adults normal growth has stopped so excessive GH can thicken bones and enlarge organs

Forensics DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting Requires only small samples (saliva, blood, semen, etc.) left at a crime scene Probability up to 1 in a billion e.g. O.J. Trial, CSI, Law & Order…

PCR Polymerase chain reaction Used to amplify or make many DNA copies of a small sample

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) Use of recombinant plasmids in agriculture plants with genetically desirable traits herbicide or pesticide resistant corn & soybean Decreases chemical insecticide use Increases production “Golden rice” with beta-carotene Required to make vitamin A, which in deficiency causes blindness

Other benefits of GMOs Disease resistance Cold tolerance There are many viruses, fungi, bacteria that cause plant diseases “Super-shrimp” Cold tolerance Antifreeze gene from cold water fish introduced to tobacco and potato plants Drought tolerance & Salinity tolerance As populations expand, potential to grow crops in otherwise inhospitable environments

Where in the world?

Downsides??? Introduce allergens? Pass trans-genes to wild populations? Pollinator transfer R&D is costly Patents to insure profits Patent infringements Lawsuits potential for capitalism to overshadow humanitarian efforts