Restriction Enzymes, Recombinant DNA, Gene Therapy & Genetically Modified Organisms Biology 2011

Restriction Enzymes What they are: – Enzymes obtained from bacteria that cut DNA What they do: – Used to cut DNA at specific regions = restriction sites – They can produce DNA with “sticky ends” – List of enzymes & restriction sites

Restriction Enzymes (cont.) How we use them: – To cut DNA into pieces for gel electrophoresis PCR Gene cloning To insert new DNA into an organism Gene splicing - cutting DNA and inserting new DNA

Recombinant DNA What is it: – DNA from two organisms that is joined together – rDNA How it is done: – DNA from both organisms is cut with the same restriction enzyme to get sticky ends – The pieces of DNA are then joined together using ligase. –

Recombinant DNA (cont.)

Uses of Recombinant DNA Wk MtY&feature=related

Gene Therapy What it is: – Technique for correcting defective genes that cause disease How – A new gene could be inserted into the genome using a “vector” to deliver the DNA – Viruses are often used as vectors

Current Status of Gene Therapy understanding-gene-therapy-treatment- video.htm Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml

Genetically Modified Organisms What are they? – Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques – Transgenic organisms – organisms with DNA from another species

GMO Uses - Insulin Production The gene for human insulin has been inserted into bacteria which are able to produce it. 5wc&feature=related 5wc&feature=related

GMO Crops Crops have been developed that are – Resistant to environmental conditions (freezing, drought) – Resistant to herbicides – Resistant to pests – Higher nutrient content (rice that is higher in iron and beta carotene

GMO animals Pharming - Genetically engineered goats produces milk containing Atryn, a human anticoagulant Glow-in-the-dark fish, cats, mice, plants, bacteria Knockout mice – mice that have genes that are turned off ; provides a model for studying and modeling different human diseases (cancer, obesity, heart disease, arthritis, Parkinsons disease…)