Download Prediction practice - unlinked

3.5 Genetic modification &
biotechnology
Gel electrophoresis
• Used to separate fragments of DNA or proteins according to
size (uses an electric field to separate charge molecules)
DNA is all negatively charged so
everything moves in the same
direction.
Small fragments move faster, so
in a given time they will move a
greater distance.
PCR
• Used to copy a small DNA sample.
• PCR is rarely used to copy the entire genome – usually specific
sequences are identified and copied.
• Detail is in topic 2.7.
DNA profiling
• Comparing samples of DNA
• Samples are collected and then broken into fragments using
specific enzymes (restriction endonucleases) before being
separated using gel electrophoresis. This produces a banding
pattern unique to an individual.
Genetic modification
• Gene transfer between species
• Examples include:
• Production of human insulin using E. coli
• GM crops
• Goats that produce spider silk proteins in their milk
Cloning
• Clones are groups of genetically identical organisms with one
parent.
• Follow this link and complete the activity
• http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/cloning/clickandclone/
Investigating factors which
affect rooting of stem cuttings
• Choose one of the following to investigate:
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Whether the stem is cut above or below the node
Length of cutting
Whether the end of the stem is left in the air to callus over night
How many leaves are on the cutting
Whether the cutting is placed in compost or water
Temperature of the environment surrounding the cutting
Whether a plastic bag is covering the cutting
If there are holes in the plastic bag over the cutting
Techniques
- Gel electrophoresis & DNA amplification (PCR), DNA profiling (inc. application for
paternity/forensic testing)
- Gene modification (one ex. Must be production of human insulin)
- Transgenic plants (possible ex. Inc. herbicide resistant plants, salt tolerant tomato
plants, Synthesis of beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) in rice etc.)
- Cloning (ex. Dolly)
Discussions – must be balanced!
- Ethical issues surrounding gel electrophoresis/PCR? Regulation? DNA data bases?
Privacy? Ethical issues of DNA profiling? Can genetics determine behaviour…?
- Ethical issues? - genetic modification/transgenic plants (ex. GM crops/designer
babies) Consequences of introducing ‘new’ organisms into a ‘natural’
environment/cross breeding/does introducing a new species affect the existing
ecosystem? If so how?
- Ethical issues?- cloning
Future?
- Do you think there is a future for genetic modifications/biotechnology?
- Any form of scientific research always involves risks, in term of genetic
modification/biotechnology is it possible to assess/control these risk and are the
risks worth the reward?
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/genetherapy/gtdoctor/
WARNING!
This game (above) is very silly but quite fun and a nice way to go through gene
therapy….