Sc.912.L.16.10

To help understand the basics of gene technology and some of its uses.

Gene technologymakes it possible to cross genes that would not normally happen in nature.

Like the carnations which use a Blue Gene from the petunia to create their unusual color.

No more brushing

Stopping sheep burping

Detecting land mines

Problem: Certainbacteria on our teethproduce lactic acid.The build up of thelactic acid leads to thedecaying of our teeth.

How do we stop this?

Solution: Alter the bacteria so it does not produce lactic acid.

Of course dentists might say you will still need to visit them even if you do have genetically modified bacteria on your teeth…

Problem: Livestock are responsible for about 90 percent of Australia's methane emissions in the agriculture sector.

Sheep produce about 25 litres of methane each day.

How do we reduce these methane emissions?

Solution: Develop vaccines which inhibit the growth of the bacteria which produce methane

Problem: Landmines represent a significant problem in the third world, where approximately 26,000 people are killed or injured every year.

Another problem is that large areas of land used for agriculture (eg Cambodia 40% and Angola 90%) are unused which can lead to severe consequences for the countries.

Solution: Genetically modify plants to enable easy detection of land mines

The thale cress turns red when its roots encounter the byproducts of land mines. (Image: Aresa)

Current examples of this include: Canola – herbicide

resistant Cotton – Bt insecticide Carnation – blue &

long life Soybeans – herbicide

resistant Papaya – disease

resistant

Pest Resistance: Bt Corn

-food processors affected by genetic engineering.

-shelf-life, storage, food-handling;extended and simplified.

-help resist spoilage.

--plants transformed-plants transformed-insect,disease, and herbicide insect,disease, and herbicide resistant.resistant.

-animals treated engineered -animals treated engineered hormones-produce more milk, hormones-produce more milk, leaner meat.leaner meat.

Gene technology can also be used in medicines:

Insulin is important for blood sugar metabolism and levels – diabetics do not have enough and therefore need an external supply.

Insulin used to be harvested from pigs, from their pancreases, but now all insulin is produced from bacteria with an insulin gene added to them.

-more efficient use of scarce minerals-greater efficiency in mining.-major concern-waste management.

biodegrade a number of waste products-sewage and petroleum products.

TRANSGENIC ANIMALS

1. Mice – used to study human immune system

2. Chickens – more resistant to infections

3. Cows – increase milk supply and leaner meat

4. Goats, sheep and pigs –

produce human proteins in their milk

Human DNA in a Goat Cell

This goat contains a human gene that codes for a blood clotting agent. The blood clotting agent can be harvested in the goat’s milk.

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Transgenic Goat

Some people are worried about various applications of gene technology and raise questions about the safety of GM foods, the risk of developing herbicide resistant weeds and other possible environmental damage.

• Avoid accidental release

• Genetically modified crops must be safe for consumption and for the environment

• Who will have access to an individual's genetic information?