1. Genetic Engineering pp

2. Genetic Engineering 1) Inserting a new a gene 2) Altering a gene
3) Deleting or turning off a gene (gene knockout)

3. Tools Three important tools used for genetic engineering
PCR: takes a single copy of the gene of interest and makes (amplifies) up to a million copies for use
Restriction enzymes: act like scissors to cut and manipulate DNA
Ligase: an enzyme that acts like a welder to seal the cut up DNA

4. PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

5. Restriction Enzymes
Restriction enzymes are naturally found in bacteria and used to fight virus infections
Each enzyme is specific to the DNA sequence it recognizes and cuts
The resulting cut has a “sticky” overhang where foreign can be inserted

6. Ligase
Seals the DNA together by covalently bonding the base pairs at the overhang

7. Applications and Techniques Gene Cloning

8. A plasmid (ring of DNA found in bacteria) and human DNA (donor gene) are cut with the same restriction enzyme to make a sticky end
Donor gene combines with the plasmid (recombinant DNA) and sealed with ligase

10. Plasmid (cloning vector) is inserted back into bacterium so that now the bacteria cell makes that specific protein
EX. insulin for diabetics or the clotting factor for hemophilia
When a bacterial cell divides it makes clones of itself and the new gene

11. Gene Therapy Altering or adding genes to treat a genetic disorder
Expensive and only lasts as long as the cell line Is viable

12. Stem Cells
Stem cells have not yet specialized, so they can become any body cell
Can alter or add DNA first
Useful for replacing tissue or organs or cells that don’t repair after damage such as nerve cells

13. Other Biotech – Organism Cloning
Creating a genetic copy of an organism
Useful for manufacturing tissue and producing more transgenic individuals