GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

GENETIC ENGINEERING Transfer of gene/s from one organism to

another/manipulation of DNA/modifying genes of organisms

Can involve gene transfer between organisms from different kingdoms

Organism receiving the gene is thus genetically modified and is known as a transgenic organism

To satisfy your own needs or desires

Humans select organisms/parents with desirable phenotypes and interbreed them to produce offspring with desirable phenotypes e.g. race horses.

Can occur using organisms from the same or different species within a kingdom

Similarities and differences between artificial selection and natural selection

ARTIFICIAL SELECTION – link with evolution

BIOTECHNOLOGY Field of study that uses living organisms

i.e. plants, animals and microbes e.g. yeast and bacteria and their biological processes to develop technology and products aimed to improve the quality of life.

The latest advancements in technology To promote research

SATISFY HUMAN NEEDS THROUGH GENETIC ENGINEERING USING BIOTECHNOLOGY

Stem cell Research Genetic Modification Cloning

STEM CELL RESEARCH Undifferentiated, active dividing cells can

give rise to any other cell types SOURCES: - Embryonic stem cells,

- Blood in umbilical cord/cord blood

- Placenta - Bone marrow

Uses: To replace damaged / diseased cells To treat various disorders / diseases.

GENETIC MODIFICATION Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) Genetically Modified Foods (GMF’s) Examples: in plants (wheat, maize etc.)

in animals e.g. insulin production

Genes for desirable traits are isolated and inserted into plant cells that will develop into plants with desirable traits e.g. herbicide resistant, pest resistant crops or

Using genetically modified bacteria to carry the gene into plants

GENETIC MODIFICATION – genetically modified crops

GENETIC MODIFICATION – insulin production

CLONING Process where genetically identical DNA,

cell or entire organism is producedExample of process: Remove nucleus (2n) of somatic donor cell Place nucleus into ovum (nucleus removed)

of recipient Ovum with new nucleus stimulated by

means of chemical substances or electric currents to divide

Ovum develop into embryo Cloned embryo transferred into a recipient

CLONING OF ‘DOLLY’ THE SHEEP

REFER TO ACTIVITY (IN WORD DOC)

VIEWS FOR & AGAINST GENETIC ENGINEERING