1. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Learning Target:
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

2. Genetic Engineering
I Can… Describe, in general terms, how the genetic information of an organism can be altered to give the organism new genetically based traits.
I Will…
List examples of cloning of organisms occurring in nature.
Briefly describe the steps of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) in cloning mammals
Connect the structure of DNA and process of protein synthesis with reasons why genetic engineering is possible.
List the steps necessary to produce a transgenic organism

3. KEY CONCEPT: Genetic Engineering
DNA sequences of organisms can be changed.
Entire organisms can be cloned
New genes can be added to an organism’s DNA
Genetic engineering produces organisms with new traits
Principles of genetics and cellular chemistry can be used to produce new foods and medicines in biotechnological processes.

4. Clone:
genetically identical copy of a gene or an organism
Cloning occurs in nature:
Plants
Clone themselves from roots, stems and leaves
Plant tissue contains many stem cells that can develop into many types of cells

5. Cloning occurs in nature:
Bacteria:
Clone themselves during asexual reproduction through binary fission

6. Cloning occurs in nature:
Simple Animals:
Clone themselves during asexual reproduction through budding e.g. Hydra
Clone themselves during regeneration e.g. sea star

7. Cloning mammals – more difficult
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
Haploid nucleus removed from unfertilized egg gamete cell
Diploid nucleus from somatic cell inserted into the egg cell
Stimulated (chemicals and electricity) to go through mitosis and start dividing
Embryonic bastocyst (mass of cells) implanted in uterus
Develops into cloned offspring 23 46

8. First clone of an adult mammal:
Dolly the sheep (1977)
Many other mammals cloned since
Biotechnology
companies
clone beloved
pets

9. Rainbow –
Somatic cell DNA
CC –
Cloned/Carbon Cat
Egg donor–
Anonymous
Allie –
Surrogate mom
Many Factors affect gene expression – Epistasis, Inactivation, Methylation, …
Epigenetics

10. Cloning: Controversial
Pros
Creation of personal stem cells
Organ transplant
Treat diseases
Spinal cord injuries
Save endangered species
Cons
Low success rate
Expensive
Health issues in clone
Reduces biodiversity
Ethic of “creating” life
When does life begin?

11. How and why can we do this?
Genetic Engineering:
Changing and adding genes to an organism’s DNA to give it new traits
Clones genes not whole organisms
How and why can we do this?
DNA is UNIVERSAL!
DNA – 4 common nucleotides (A,T,G,& C)
DNA – Common double helix structure
RNA – Common 4 nucleotides (A, U, G, & C)
Codons – code for 20 common amino acids the make proteins

12. Genetic engineering is based on:
Recombinant DNA
DNA that contains genes from more than one organism
Engineer crops to be resistant to cold or insects
Engineer crops to produce vitamins or medicines
Engineer bacteria to produce medicines or enzymes

13. Bacterial plasmids are often used to make recombinant DNA
Plasmid - closed loop of DNA in bacteria separate from the bacterial chromosome
Will replicate on its own within the cell

14. Transgenic organism - has one or more genes from another organism inserted into its genome
Transgenic bacteria used to make human insulin:
Gene inserted into plasmid
Plasmid inserted into bacteria
Bacteria expresses gene

15. Transgenic plants are common in agriculture:
Transgenic bacteria infect a plant
Plant expresses foreign gene
Many crops are now genetically modified (GM / GMO -organism)

16. Scientists have concerns about some uses of genetic engineering:
Possible long-term health effects of eating GM foods
Allergies
Diseases
Possible effects of GM plants on ecosystem and biodiversity
Keystone species cascade effect
New vulnerabilities of engineered organism

17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Learning Check :
List 4 reasons why genetic engineering is possible
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

18. Learning Check :
Name: ___________________
Learning Check :
Name: ___________________
List 4 reasons why genetic engineering is possible
List 4 reasons why genetic engineering is possible
Learning Check :
Name: ___________________
Learning Check :
Name: ___________________
List 4 reasons why genetic engineering is possible
List 4 reasons why genetic engineering is possible