1. DNA technology Gene cloning Gene therapy Biopharmaceuticals Forensics
DNA fingerprinting, PCR
Genomics
Human Genome Project
Frankenfoods
Genetically modified crops

2. Recombinant DNA & Plasmids Combining genes from different sources and/or species
Circular DNA from bacteria = plasmids
Target DNA recombined in plasmid
Bacteria rapidly reproduces many clones

3. How is this possible? Enzymes Used to “cut and paste”
Restriction enzymes
Cuts DNA into fragments
remember DNA lab
DNA ligase
Pastes fragments from one source into another

4. Biopharmaceuticals Use recombinant cells to mass produce proteins
Bacteria
Yeast
Mammalian

5. Growth hormone deficiency Insulin
Faulty pituitary and regulation
Had to rely on cadaver source
Now easily produced by bacteria
Insulin
Hormone required to properly process sugars and fats
Treat diabetes
Now easily produced by bacteria

6. Not always used for good...
High doses of HGH can cause permanent side effects
As adults normal growth has stopped so excessive GH can thicken bones and enlarge organs

7. Forensics DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting
Requires only small samples (saliva, blood, semen, etc.) left at a crime scene
Probability up to 1 in a billion
e.g. O.J. Trial, CSI, Law & Order…

8. PCR Polymerase chain reaction
Used to amplify or make many DNA copies of a small sample

9. Genetically modified organisms (GMO)
Use of recombinant plasmids in agriculture
plants with genetically desirable traits
herbicide or pesticide resistant corn & soybean
Decreases chemical insecticide use
Increases production
“Golden rice” with beta-carotene
Required to make vitamin A, which in deficiency causes blindness

10. Other benefits of GMOs Disease resistance Cold tolerance
There are many viruses, fungi, bacteria that cause plant diseases
“Super-shrimp”
Cold tolerance
Antifreeze gene from cold water fish introduced to tobacco and potato plants
Drought tolerance & Salinity tolerance
As populations expand, potential to grow crops in otherwise inhospitable environments

11. Where in the world?

12. Downsides??? Introduce allergens?
Pass trans-genes to wild populations?
Pollinator transfer
R&D is costly
Patents to insure profits
Patent infringements
Lawsuits
potential for capitalism to overshadow humanitarian efforts