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Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering. What is G enetic Engineering?. The use of technology to alter the genome of an organism This may involve the transfer of DNA from one species to another. How is DNA altered?. Restriction enzymes – Chemical scissors to cut DNA at specific sequences

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Genetic Engineering

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  1. Genetic Engineering

  2. What is Genetic Engineering? • The use of technology to alter the genome of an organism • This may involve the transfer of DNA from one species to another

  3. How is DNA altered? • Restriction enzymes – Chemical scissors to cut DNA at specific sequences • DNA ligase – chemical glue to attach DNA fragments

  4. Recombinant DNA • The altered DNA strand which contains sequences from at least 2 different sources. • Any two pieces of DNA that have been cut with the same restriction enzyme can be fused together. • Organisms that contain recombinant DNA are called genetically modified organisms or GMOs.

  5. Types of Genetic Engineering • All types of genetic engineering begin by using restriction enzymes to create recombinant DNA 1) Plasmid Method – recombinant DNA is inserted into bacterial cells that will manufacture the new proteins

  6. Types of Genetic Engineering (cont) 2) Vector Method – Recombinant DNA is inserted into a virus which then infects target cells and incorporates new genes into the host genome - “virulence” genes are removed from virus, so it does not cause disease in the host cell

  7. Application of Genetic Engineering • Plasmids • Bacteria are used to manufacture synthetic insulin • Antifreeze genes from cod added to many plants, including tomatoes, to improve cold tolerance • Bacterial genes added to corn and soy beans so plants can produce their own pesticide (Bt crops) or plants can be given resistance to pesticides (RR crops) • Vectors: Used for gene therapy in mammals • Experimental success treating muscular dystrophy, and some types of blindness and deafness. • Also many setbacks; no product currently available for sale

  8. Video Clip: Food Inc. • Questions: • Who is Monsanto? • What is their product? • How is this product helpful to famers? • What problems are associate with this product?

  9. Food for Thought… • Who has the legal rights to designer DNA sequences? • From an evolutionary standpoint, should gene therapy be supported? • Germline therapy – social implications? • Ecologically, there are potential problems with using GMO crops • GMO food labeling • Transgenic animals for human transplant or other products

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