Download Genetic Engineering

Science 10 Unit 1
GENETICS
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
I. Gene Therapy
• Researchers are testing new techniques called GENE THERAPY to
treat mutated genes. This is still a risky, new area and is not yet a
perfect solution to gene mutations.
Gene Therapy
What are the potential gains for gene
therapy?
Could cure genetic diseases, such as
cancer, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's,
Alzheimer’s disease etc
What are the potential risks?
Could cause an unwanted immune
system reaction, target the wrong
cells, cause infection by the virus used
in therapy, or cause tumors
What are the prospects for gene
therapy in the future?
Promising- easier said than done, yet
increasingly achievable
1. Activity: Use Gene Therapy as a Space Doctor!
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/genetherapy/gtdoctor/
3. Project- Genetic Disease Research Project
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
II. Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms
1. What is genetic engineering?
• Genetic engineering is altering the genetic makeup of an
organism by CUTTING DNA from one organism and INSERTING
FRAGMENTS into a host.
• The end result is RECOMBINANT DNA, or DNA made from two or
more different organisms.
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
• Genetic engineering changes the ALLELE
FREQUENCY of a population by ARTIFICIAL MEANS
• E.x. Scientists have made a glow in the dark plant.
They did this by removing the fire fly gene from a
firefly and inserting it into the plant cell using cut
and paste enzymes.
• An organism that has DNA from another
organism is called TRANSGENIC (“trans” means
across, “gene” means race)
Public Opinion of GMO’s
Your turn to do some research:
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What does the general public think of GMO’s?
What science do they have to back their claims?
Are there any untrue or invalid claims about GMO’s?
What are the possible dangers of GMO’s?
What are the possible benefits of GMO’s?
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
2. The Process of Genetic Engineering
The steps:
• a. The desired DNA segment must be ISOLATED. This is done by
CUTTING it out of the DNA strand
• RESTRICTIVE ENZYMES are used to cut the DNA at very specific sites
• Like “scissors”, leave behind “jagged” STICKY ENDS of DNA.
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
• b. Next, the DNA segment is put into a vehicle (VECTOR) that will
transmit the DNA to the host cell
• A vector can be a BACTERIUM or VIRUS, a pipette or a metal
bullet covered with DNA
• The vectors do the “dirty work” in that they insert the DNA into
the host genome
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
• C. The DNA is then transferred to the host= TRANSGENIC
ORGANISMS
2.2. Uses of Biotechnology
3. What are the uses for genetic engineering?
• Grow human hormones in bacteria cultures
• Artificial sweeteners using bacteria to make amino acids
• Study human diseases by inserting human DNA into mice
• Replace incorrect DNA sequences
• Replace harmful bacteria on plants
• Nitrogen bacteria in the soil & plants to make fertilizer
• Improve transport of fruits
• Resist diseases
• Increase protein production
CLONES!
• Mouse clone activity