2. Biotechnology
Describes the use of living things and biological systems and processes for human benefit.
Another way to say this is:
“biotechnology manipulates living things to develop useful products or ways to solve problems”
The term is quite new but we have been undertaking biotechnology for a long time.
What do we mean by living things? Biological process? Brainstorm about the old new and old applications for biotechnology – old is wine, cheese, bread – all use microbes for fermentation. New will include GM food, genetic testing, therapy. Discuss the common thread of the new as being genetic modification.

3. Biotechnology
New biotechnology uses gene technology or genetic modification.
Gene technology allows scientists to manipulate the outcomes of normal functioning genes to meet the needs of society.

4. Gene technology Manipulating genetic material
alter DNA to suppress or enhance its activity
Combine genetic material from different genes
Why are we modifying DNA?
How can we modify DNA?
What are the applications?
What is it about the DNA that we are considering modifying it? Recap: DNA (which is in the genes) is common to all living things and carries the coded information for the production of proteins. Proteins make up the structure and perform functions of all living things. So by identifying genes and their functions using gene technology we might be able to make great improvements in three key areas: Health, Food, Fuel and this can be done by turning the genes on or off or adding to them.
The other things we will look at over today’s session and on Friday is ‘ How can we modify DNA – we will look at some tools and techniques, and then what are the applications – which a few of you covered in your research papers.

5. Gene manipulation There are a number of techniques:
Cut and recombine with another piece of DNA
Amplify DNA (copying a sequence)
Visualise and sort DNA fragments
Probe for particular genes
DNA sequencing
The one we are going to look at today is the cutting and pasting of DNA.

6. Cutting and pasting DNA
Isolate a section of DNA and then insert it into the DNA of a different organism
To cut – use Restriction Enzymes
To cut a section of DNA we use molecular scissors called Restriction Enzymes. These enzymes are naturally found in bacterial cells and their function in bacteria is to cut up the DNA of viruses – defense mechanism. When they cut you can have blunt ends (they cut straight across) or you have these sticky ends.

7. Cutting and pasting DNA
To recombine DNA – DNA ligases
To recombine DNA we use a different enzyme and this is called DNA ligase. The sticky ends will have a set of complimentary base pairs exposed and the DNA ligase will join these with a piece of DNA that has a matching set of base pairs. The end result is called Recombinant DNA.

8. Recombinant DNA What can we use this for?
Insulin production for Type 1 diabetic patients.
Lack of insulin
Can only be treated with injections of insulin
In the past insulin was taken from the pancreases of cows and pigs and purified for human use.
Now use bacteria and genetic engineering
One really important application of being able to cut and paste DNA is for insulin production for Type 1 diabetic patients. In these patients they lack insulin (insulin is a hormone that regulates our blood sugar levels.) For people with Type 1 diabetes because they cannot make their own insulin they need to inject it. Previously purified cow and pig insulin was used, but that was expensive and had biological implications for patients.

9. Recombinant DNA for insulin