Section 4-5 What is the future of evolution? Genetic Engineering

Artificial Selection and Genetic Engineering Artificial Selection: to change (selectively manipulate) the genetic characteristics of populations of a species. Artificial Selection: to change (selectively manipulate) the genetic characteristics of populations of a species. Artificial selection has led to food crops with higher yields, cows that produce more milk, variation in pets and livestock. Artificial selection has led to food crops with higher yields, cows that produce more milk, variation in pets and livestock. – Ex: corn, most “breeds” of dog and cat Bullmastiff: bulldog and english mastiff Ragdoll : persian & himalayan

Genetic Engineering Gene splicing: isolating, modifying, multiplying, and recombining genes from different organisms. Gene splicing: isolating, modifying, multiplying, and recombining genes from different organisms. Why is it useful? Why is it useful? This allows scientists to place desired genetic traits into species of plants and animals that would never interbreed in nature. This allows scientists to place desired genetic traits into species of plants and animals that would never interbreed in nature. Images borrowed from “Worth1000” website THESE ARE NOT ACTUAL ANIMALS!

Fig. 4-11, p. 75 Phase 1 Make Modified Gene Identify and extract gene with desired trait Identify and remove portion of DNA with desired trait Remove plasmid from DNA of E. coli Insert extracted DNA (step 2) into plasmid (step3) Insert modified plasmid into E. coli Grow in tissue culture to make copies Cell plasmid E. coli DNA Genetically modified plasmid Extract plasmid Genetic Engineering: PHASE 1 Gene of interest Extract DNA

Fig. 4-11, p. 75 Phase 2 Make Transgenic Cell Transfer plasmid copies to a carrier agrobacterium Agrobacterium inserts foreign DNA into plant cell to yield transgenic cell Transfer plasmid to surface microscopic metal particle Use gene gun to inject DNA into plant cell A. tumefaciens (agrobacterium) Host DNA Foreign DNA Genetic Engineering: PHASE 2 E. coli Nucleus

Fig. 4-11, p. 75 Phase 3 Grow Genetically Engineered Plant Transgenic cell from Phase 2 Cell division of transgenic cells Culture cells to form plantlets Transgenic plants with new traits Transfer to soil Genetic Engineering: PHASE 3

GMO’S Genetically modified organisms aka transgenic organisms: products of gene splicing. Genetically modified organisms aka transgenic organisms: products of gene splicing. Gene splicing takes about ½ the time of conventional crossbreeding to develop a new crop or animal and costs significantly less. Gene splicing takes about ½ the time of conventional crossbreeding to develop a new crop or animal and costs significantly less. Products: crops, animals, drugs, pest-resistant plants, useful bacteria Products: crops, animals, drugs, pest-resistant plants, useful bacteria Question: Does anyone use or know someone who uses insulin? Question: Does anyone use or know someone who uses insulin? Question: Do you eat low cholesterol eggs? Question: Do you eat low cholesterol eggs? Question: Did you know some fruits and veggies can be modified to carry vaccines? Benefits??? Question: Did you know some fruits and veggies can be modified to carry vaccines? Benefits???

GMO’S Biopharming: plants and animals used to produce pharmaceutical proteins and chemicals. Biopharming: plants and animals used to produce pharmaceutical proteins and chemicals. As of 2002 plants have been engineered to produce a contraceptive, potent growth hormones, a blood clotter, blood thinners, industrial enzymes and vaccines. Corn is by far the most popular biopharm plant, followed by soybeans, tobacco and rice. Some 400 biopharm products are reportedly in the pipeline, and over 300 open-air field trials have already been conducted in unidentified locations across the United States.(1) As of 2002 plants have been engineered to produce a contraceptive, potent growth hormones, a blood clotter, blood thinners, industrial enzymes and vaccines. Corn is by far the most popular biopharm plant, followed by soybeans, tobacco and rice. Some 400 biopharm products are reportedly in the pipeline, and over 300 open-air field trials have already been conducted in unidentified locations across the United States.(1) 1 USDA Field Trial website. The Information Systems for Biotechnology website is run for the USDA by Virginia Tech University. See

Clone Genetically identical version of an individual in a population Genetically identical version of an individual in a population

Recombinant DNA Technology or DNA Cloning the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element such as a bacterial plasmid.

Reproductive Cloning Reproductive cloning is a technology used to generate an animal that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing animal. Dolly was created by reproductive cloning technology. In a process called "somatic cell nuclear transfer" (SCNT), scientists transfer genetic material from the nucleus of a donor adult cell to an egg whose nucleus, and thus its genetic material, has been removed. The reconstructed egg containing the DNA from a donor cell must be treated with chemicals or electric current in order to stimulate cell division.

Therapeutic Cloning Therapeutic cloning, also called "embryo cloning," is the production of human embryos for use in research. The goal of this process is not to create cloned human beings, but rather to harvest stem cells that can be used to study human development and to treat disease.