Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering A laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms

Biotechnology The use of living organisms or their products to modify human health or the environment

Human Genome Project Identify all genes in human DNA Determine sequence of chemical base pairs (TACCGCGTA…) Store information Improve tools for DNA analysis Transfer technology to private sectore Address ethical, legal & social issues related to project

Recombinant DNA Host DNA & a desired gene ( insulin production ) Cut BOTH DNA samples with the same enzyme (cuts at the same base pair sequence) Mix DNA samples together Add another enzyme to “glue” pieces together Re-insert into host cell Cell replicates

Uses for Recombinant DNA: Medical/Pharmaceutical  Insulin production  Human Growth Hormone Agricultural  Disease-resistant crops  Larger livestock Gene therapy  Correct defective genes  Huntington’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, hemophilia

GMO’s or Transgenic Organisms Organisms which have inserted DNA that originated in a different species  Disease models  Cows  Glo-fish

Gel Electrophoresis Use enzyme to cut DNA into small fragments  Fragments will be different sizes Add DNA fragments to a gel plate Apply an electrical charge  DNA fragments begin to travel towards the opposite end Creates a DNA profile

Uses for Gel Electrophoresis Detect genetic diseases Paternity dispute Confirm pedigrees Genetic relationships Crime scene analysis

Cloning Reproductive cloning  Used to generate an animal that has the same nuclear DNA as a current or previously existing animal  Process = somatic cell nuclear transfer

Cloning Therapeutic cloning  Creates cloned embryos in order to create stem cells  Stem cells = cells that have NOT differentiated yet  Stem cells are used to treat diseases, like diabetes, Parkinson’s & Alzeihmer’s