Mutations & Genetic Engineering

Mutation A change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism

Substitution A mutation that changes one base Possible outcomes: – New codon codes for the same amino acid – silent – New codon changes the amino acid – missense Sickle cell anemia – New codon codes for a stop codon – non sense

Frameshift Mutations A change in the reading pattern of the DNA Causes: – Deletions Sections of DNA are missing Example: Williams Syndrome ExampleWilliams Syndrome – Insertions Mutations in which an extra base is inserted

Involves changes in the number or structure of chromosomes Deletion- loss of all or part – Cystic Fibrous CysticFibrous Duplication – segment is repeated – Huntington’s disease Huntington’s disease Inversion – orientation is in the reverse direction Translocation – two non homologous chromosomes exchange segments

Genetic Engineering Manipulating an organism’s genome using biotechnology

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Organisms who have been genetically altered using biotechnology These are also referred to as transgenic organisms

Transgenic Organisms Microorganisms – Insulin production – Clotting Factors Plants (GMOs) Plants – Insect resistant – Weather Resistant Mammals – Medicine – Commerical

Cloning Making an exact genetic copy of an organismorganism Why clone? 1.Medical purposes Animal models Stem cells Drug production 2.Reviving extinct or endangered organisms 3.Pet trade

Stem Cells Cells that can divide and differentiate into diverse specialized cells Why study stem cells? 1.They are unspecialized & can reproduce (mitosis) 2. They can be induced to become specific cells with specific functions. Two types: Embryonic Adult

DNA Fingerprinting A method of isolating and making images of a person’s unique DNA sequence Process: Gel ElectrophoresisGel Electrophoresis with help from restriction enzymes

DNA Fingerprints