Download GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms

Biotechnology of GMOs:
Genetically Modified Organisms
• How can we use our understanding of DNA,
genomes, and gene expression to help solve
issues in the world?
• To what extent SHOULD we apply this
knowledge into action?
Universality of the Genetic Code
• http://education.seattlepi.com/humans-bacteriashare-common-genetic-codes-4511.html
Same Gene, Different Organism
• https://vimeo.com/179820030
Are GMOs “good” or “bad”?
Basic Steps of Gene Transfer
• 1) Isolate gene and vector
– A vector is a DNA molecule that can be used to carry the
gene of interest to foreign cell
– Plasmids are commonly used as vectors (viruses are also
used)
• 2) Digestion of gene and vector by restriction enzymes
– Restriction enzymes (also called restriction nucleases) cut
out genes of interest, and also cleave vectors to accept
foreign genes
• 3) Ligation of gene and vector
– DNA ligase splices gene and vector to form recombinant
plasmid
• 4) Selection and expression of transgenic construct
– Recombinant plasmid with newly inserted DNA is inserted
into host genome – host will now express inserted gene(s).
1a)
1b)
2a)
2b)
3)
4)
Restriction Enzymes (Nucleases) Make Genetic
Engineering Possible – discovered late 1960s
• “Sticky ends” are
complimentary,
so can be “resealed” by ligase
• Nature Link: http://www.nature.com/scitable/spotlight/restriction-enzymes18458113
Gene Transfer through direct uptake of DNA
How are bacterial genes transferred to
plant genomes?
How are viruses used for gene
therapy?
Bacterial Transformation: inserting nonbacterial genes into bacteria
Extra Links:
• Do Humans and Bacteria Share Common Genetic
Material: http://education.seattlepi.com/humansbacteria-share-common-genetic-codes-4511.html
• Wings on a Human?
http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask357
• Is it possible to create a designer baby?
http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask140
What are the potential risks and benefits of
GMOs?
•
•
•
•
Benefits
Higher crop yields and more
food
Less land needed for crop
rotation and could be used for
conservation efforts
Less use of insecticide sprays;
health and financial benefits
Increased vitamin content,
decreased allergen or toxin
content, resistance to virus
diseases, drought tolerance,
etc.
Risks
• Non-pest insects could be
killed
• Consequences of GMO pollen
transferring to other crops and
organisms that feed on those
crops
• Toxins from litter could harm
decomposers
• Cross pollination with other
plants in the wild could
transfer genes
• Pests may develop resistance
to genetically modified toxin
What are the potential benefits and
risks of GMOs?
GMO Salmon
• 7 Questions to Ask:
http://time.com/4120648/fdaapproved-aquabounty-gmosalmon/
• GMO Salmon Approved:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/1
1/20/business/geneticallyengineered-salmon-approved-forconsumption.html?_r=0
• GMO Salmon Banned:
https://www.washingtonpost.com
/news/to-yourhealth/wp/2016/01/29/fda-bansimports-of-geneticallyengineered-salmon-for-now/
Clones & Cloning
• Clones: groups of genetically identical organisms OR a
group of cells derived from a single original parent cell
• Cloning multicellular organisms requires the production
of stem cells (differentiated cells cannot form other
types of cells)
• Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can continuously
reproduce AND have the capacity to differentiate
• Natural cloning occurs in asexual organisms (Ex:
Bacteria), twins, and some plant species
• Artificial cloning is done through the artificial
production of stem cells from already differentiated
cells
Somatic-Cell Nuclear Transfer: Cloning
Adult Animals Using Differentiated
Cells
(Differentiated
cells)
Stem Cells Link:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/stemcells/scintro/
Cloning Via Embryonic Division