1. Genetic Technology and Ethics
What can we do and what should we do with DNA knowledge?

2. A. Human Genome Project Began in U.S. in 1990, finished in 2003
Main goals:
Identify and map all the genes in human DNA (20,000 – 25,000)

4. 2. Determine the. base sequence of. the 3 billion bases. that make up
2. Determine the base sequence of the 3 billion bases that make up human DNA

5. Modern Sequencing

6. Store this info in databases
4. Address ethical issues

7. Main benefits:
1. Determining whether or not a person carries a gene for a genetic condition or has the genetic condition
Test for sickle cell anemia

8. 2. development of gene therapy (insertion
2. development of gene therapy (insertion of normal genes into cells to treat genetic diseases)

9. B. Gene Therapy Some genetic diseases are caused by a defective gene
A normal piece of DNA can be made in lab and inserted into a vector (something that will deliver the normal DNA to the person’s cells)
Many times, a virus shell is used as the vector

10. The virus “infects” the person’s cells, injecting the corrected DNA.
Cell now uses corrected DNA to carry out its normal functions.
Cystic fibrosis is treated this way.

11. C. DNA Fingerprinting
gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments based on their size
fragments are then used to compare samples

12. - used in criminal cases and paternity cases

14. Electrophoresis use in forensics
Evidence from murder trial
Do you think suspect is guilty?
blood sample 1 from crime scene
blood sample 2 from crime scene
blood sample 3 from crime scene
“standard”
blood sample from suspect
OJ Simpson
blood sample from victim 1
N Brown
blood sample from victim 2
R Goldman
“standard” 14

15. Genetic Technology and Ethics
What can we do and what should we do with DNA knowledge?

16. Steps of Gel Electrophoresis
GEL ELECTROPHORESIS – technique that uses electricity to separate DNA fragments based on their size (leads to a “DNA fingerprint”)
1. Isolate DNA and purify from cells (skin, saliva, blood, semen, etc.).

17. 2. Cut DNA into pieces using RESTRICTION ENZYMES.

18. 3. Prepare gel.

19. 4. Load DNA into wells using micropipette.

20. 5. Hook gel up to a power supply.

21. 6. DNA will move toward (+) end. Smallest pieces move faster/farther
6. DNA will move toward (+) end. Smallest pieces move faster/farther. Observe and analyze bands.

22. D. Transgenic Organisms (a.k.a. genetically modified organisms – GMOs)
- organisms that contain foreign DNA
- made by recombinant DNA technology

24. Examples of GMOs
Glowing tobacco plant
Fishberries
Glowing dog

25. Examples of GMOs Bacteria that produce human insulin
Using bacterial transformation
Pest-resistant plants

26. E. Bacterial Transformation
A plasmid is cut with a restriction enzyme
(A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA often found in bacteria.)
The human gene (ex. insulin) is inserted into the plasmid.

27. E. Bacterial Transformation
The plasmid is put into bacteria.
As the bacteria reproduces, the human gene is cloned (more copies are made).
As the bacteria makes its own proteins, it also makes human protein.

28. F. Stem Cell Research
stem cells – cells of humans that can develop into different cell types

29. 2 kinds: embryonic and adult
some researchers believe that they can be a source of replacement cells to treat disorders (ex. Parkinson’s disease and burn injuries)
Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells

30. G. Cloning Creating an identical copy of DNA, a cell, or an organism
An adult cell is fused with an empty egg and implanted into a female’s uterus
Problems exist with this technology: using “old” DNA

31. Ethical/Legal/Social Issues
Who should have access to a person’s info?
Who owns/controls genetic info?
Will knowing about a genetic disease increase the rate of abortions?
How reliable is genetic testing?
Should parents be required to treat a child that has a genetic disease?
Will genetic engineering lead to another “class” of people?
Where is the line between medical treatment and enhancement?
Are GMO’s safe for people and the environment?
Does embryonic stem cell research kill babies or simply use human tissue for the good of mankind?
Should people be allowed to choose the trait of their child?

33. Steps of Gel Electrophoresis
GEL ELECTROPHORESIS – technique that uses electricity to separate DNA fragments based on their size (leads to a “DNA fingerprint”)
1. Isolate DNA and purify from cells (skin, saliva, blood, semen, etc.).

34. 2. Cut DNA into pieces using RESTRICTION ENZYMES.

35. 3. Prepare gel.

36. 4. Load DNA into wells using micropipette.

37. 5. Hook gel up to a power supply.

38. 6. DNA will move toward (+) end. Smallest pieces move faster/farther
6. DNA will move toward (+) end. Smallest pieces move faster/farther. Observe and analyze bands.