BIOTECHNOLOGY NOTES

CLONING

Genetically identical copy of an organismo Mitosiso Asexual reproductiono Twins

Plants; using cuttings or tissue culture Animals

o Splitting embryo cells and placing them into surrogate mothers- each piece of the cell develops into identical individuals

o Adult cell uses somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) POS:

o Higher success than selective breeding o Save endangered, extinct species,o Clone human cells to cure diseases

NEG:o Not enough is known about cloningo The possibility of misuseo Defects; miscarriages, still birtho Expensive procedures

Ethicso Animal/ human rightso Interfering with natureo Clones typically have many defectso Creating life only to destroy it

FORENSIC ANALYSIS

The application of scientific knowledge and methodology to solve problems and criminal investigations. (Many areas)

DNA Profilingo DNA fingerprinting; used to identify individuals only needs a few skin cells, a hair

root or a tiny amount of blood or saliva Advantages

o Can be applied to any human sample o Sensitive testingo Very accurate

Disadvantageso Not infallibleo Can give incorrect resultso Prone to errorso Evidence can be planted easily at crime scenes

Ethicso Holding someone’s DNA; violation of privacy

EMBRYOTIC STEM CELLS

Stem cells can divide infinitely; skin cells are an example, eye cells Embryo stem cells can be taken from umbilical cord, or from donated embryos from

abortion and IVF; embryotic stem cells haven’t been specialised into a role, therefore can turn into any cell

TRANSGENISIS

Process of inserting a foreign gene into an organism

Desirable trait can be exhibited It can benefit humans and our environment Methods

o DNA micro-injectiono Embryonic stem cell gene transfero Recombinant DNA example

Benefitso Ecofriendlyo Pest resistant traits; lesser need for herbicides and harmful chemicals

Disadvantageso Not sure if safeo Genetic mutations may occuro Disruption to ecosystem

BACTERIA FOR WASTE

Creation of bacteria to break down waste.

Redesign or create bacteria cells which have desired traits Bacteria is a powerful play in the breakdown of toxic and non-toxic water Can break down materials in sewage and convert to use in electricity Neg large quantities of waste needed to be useful Pos Can promote sustainability