1. Biotechnology of GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms
How can we use our understanding of DNA, genomes, and gene expression to help solve issues in the world?
To what extent SHOULD we apply this knowledge into action?

2. Universality of the Genetic Code

3. Same Gene, Different Organism

4. Are GMOs “good” or “bad”?

5. Basic Steps of Gene Transfer
1) Isolate gene and vector
A vector is a DNA molecule that can be used to carry the gene of interest to foreign cell
Plasmids are commonly used as vectors (viruses are also used)
2) Digestion of gene and vector by restriction enzymes
Restriction enzymes (also called restriction nucleases) cut out genes of interest, and also cleave vectors to accept foreign genes
3) Ligation of gene and vector
DNA ligase splices gene and vector to form recombinant plasmid
4) Selection and expression of transgenic construct
Recombinant plasmid with newly inserted DNA is inserted into host genome – host will now express inserted gene(s).

6. 1a)
1b)
2a)
2b) 3) 4)

7. Restriction Enzymes (Nucleases) Make Genetic Engineering Possible – discovered late 1960s
“Sticky ends” are complimentary, so can be “re-sealed” by ligase
Nature Link:

8. Gene Transfer through direct uptake of DNA

9. How are bacterial genes transferred to plant genomes?

10. How are viruses used for gene therapy?

11. Bacterial Transformation: inserting non-bacterial genes into bacteria

12. Extra Links:
Do Humans and Bacteria Share Common Genetic Material:
Wings on a Human?
Is it possible to create a designer baby?

13. What are the potential risks and benefits of GMOs?
Higher crop yields and more food
Less land needed for crop rotation and could be used for conservation efforts
Less use of insecticide sprays; health and financial benefits
Increased vitamin content, decreased allergen or toxin content, resistance to virus diseases, drought tolerance, etc.
Non-pest insects could be killed
Consequences of GMO pollen transferring to other crops and organisms that feed on those crops
Toxins from litter could harm decomposers
Cross pollination with other plants in the wild could transfer genes
Pests may develop resistance to genetically modified toxin

14. What are the potential benefits and risks of GMOs?

17. GMO Salmon
7 Questions to Ask:
GMO Salmon Approved:
GMO Salmon Banned:

18. Clones & Cloning
Clones: groups of genetically identical organisms OR a group of cells derived from a single original parent cell
Cloning multicellular organisms requires the production of stem cells (differentiated cells cannot form other types of cells)
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can continuously reproduce AND have the capacity to differentiate
Natural cloning occurs in asexual organisms (Ex: Bacteria), twins, and some plant species
Artificial cloning is done through the artificial production of stem cells from already differentiated cells

19. Somatic-Cell Nuclear Transfer: Cloning Adult Animals Using Differentiated Cells
Stem Cells Link:

20. Cloning Via Embryonic Division