 State that, when genes are transferred between species, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptides translated from them is unchanged because the genetic code is universal

 Vector: a bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another.  Plasmids: circular bits of genetic material carrying 2 to 30 genes  Host Cell: A cell that has been introduced with DNA (or RNA), such as a bacterial cell acting as a host cell for the DNA isolated from a bacteriophage.  Restriction Enzymes: An enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of DNA at restriction sites, producing small fragments used for gene splicing in recombinant DNA technology and for chromosome mapping.

 DNA Ligase: Enzymes the form bonds attaching the DNA fragments of the lagging strand to become one strand.  Sticky Ends: The end of unevenly cut DNA, easily matches with complimentary base over hang EX. 5'-ATCTGACT GATGCGTATGCT-3' 3'-TAGACTGACTACGCATACGA-5'

 Genetic Engineering : Refers to the deliberate manipulation of genetic material.  The genetic code is universal  Possible to move genetic material between species

 For every organism the same RNA codon codes for the same amino acid in an mRNA strand for every species › E.g. UUU,UUC both code for the amino acid phenylalanine › Makes it possible to transfer genetic material from one species to another

 Outline a basic technique used for gene transfer involving plasmids, a host cell(bacterium, yeast, or other cell), restriction enzyme(endonucleases) and DNA ligase › Restriction enzymes(endonucleases) – used to cut a desired section of the DNA

 Insulin › Gene which codes for insulin is put into a plasmid › That plasmid is then put into a host cell(bacterium) › That host cell can now synthesis insulin to be collected and used by diabetics

 More in depth › mRNA that codes for insulin is taken from a human pancreatic cell that produces insulin › DNA copies are next made from the mRNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase › Extra guanine nucleotides are added to create sticky ends › A selected plasmid is cut using restriction enzymes(cut the DNA at specific base sequences) › Extra cytosine nucleotides are added to create sticky ends

› Plasmid and gene are mixed together › The cytosine and guanine nucleotides match together › DNA ligase makes sugar phosphate bonds › Plasmids with human insulin gene is mixed with host cells › Host cell takes in the plasmid and starts producing insulin › Insulin is collected and purified

 State two examples of current uses of genetically modified crops or animals

 Tomatoes › Altered to stay fresher longer – “Flavr Savr” by adding a gene that blocked the enzyme that caused rotting

 Bt Corn › Bacillus thuringiensis has been incorporated into the DNA of the corn, corn now produces a toxin that makes them insect resistant

 Discuss the potential benefits and possible harmful effects of one example of genetic modification

 Benefits › Less checking for ECB- European Corn Borers › Damage caused by ECB is reduced, saving farmer money › Less insecticides needed, meaning less impact on environment and lower health risks for workers  Weaknesses › Kills unnecessary insects

 Define clone › Clone – a group of genetically identical organisms or a group of cells derived from a single parent cell › eandgenetics/cloning/

 Outline a technique for cloning using differentiated animal cells

 Dolly › Udder cells were taken from a donor sheep › Cells were cultured › An unfertilized egg was taken from another sheep › Nucleus was removed from that egg › Egg cells were fused with the udder cells with electricity › Cells became zygotes and then embryos › Embryos implanted into surrogate sheep › Resulting sheep was identical to the sheep that donated the udder cells

 Discuss the ethical issues of therapeutic cloning in humans › Fears of it leading to reproductive cloning › Use of embryonic stem cells involves the creation and destruction of human embryos › Embryonic stem cells are capable of many divisions and may turn into tumors

 "IB Guides." IB Biology Notes. Web. 08 Mar