GENETIC MODIFICATIONIsabella NaranjoNicole SenzMaria Clara Narvaez

Genetic modification is the use of modern biotechnology techniques to change the genes of an organism (animal or plant).

It is used to change an organism to have more favorable traits.

GM includes using genes form one organism and inserting them into another but this is not necessary to create a GMO.

GMO can mean that an organism’s own genes are modified.

Gene transfer The genetic code is universal All organisms use the same genetic

code. if a gene is transferred from one species

to another it should still be transcribed and translated into the same protein.

There are some exceptions.

Gene transfer techniqueStage 1: restriction enzymes are used to

cut out the useful gene that is going to be transferred. Leaves sticky ends on the sides of the gene.

• Stage 2: Prepare a vector for the transferred gene by using plasmids (DNA molecules found in bacteria). Plasmids are cut by the same restriction enzyme which leaves on them the same sticky ends as the ones on the gene.

Stage 3: The gene is glued into the plasmid using DNA ligase. This plasmid is called a recombinant DNA and it can be used as a vector. In this stage the gene is copied and combined with the DNA.

Stage 4: The recombinant DNA is introduced into the host cell. Many cells remain untransformed but some cells are transformed to contain the recombinant DNA. Transformed cells must be separated from untransformed cells.

Stage 5: The transformed cells are isolated and introduced into a fermenter to be cloned. The bacteria with the recombinant DNA grows by asexual reproduction and then the next step is to isolate and purify the product (downstream processing)

ExamplesGenetically modified crops GOLDEN RICE:It is a variety of rice, which was genetically modified to

produce beta-carotene and developed as a fortified food to be grown in areas where there is a shortage of dietary vitamin A.

Golden rice was created by transforming rice with two beta-carotene biosynthesis genes:

psy (phytoene synthase) from daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)

crtI from the soil bacterium Erwinia uredovoraThe psy and crtI genes were transformed into the rice

nuclear genome and placed under the control of an endosperm-specific promoter, so they are only expressed in the endosperm.

In animals The first transgenic animals were

produced by injecting DNA into eggs, implanting the eggs in animals and then waiting weeks or months to see if any offspring had incorporated the extra DNA.

1. Pigs enriched with Omega32. Body parts grown in mice.

Advantages

Helps in the process of bioremediation which is the process of cleaning up waste and pollution with the help of living organisms.

Helps lowering the overall usage of herbicide and pesticide. Today, genetic engineering can produce sustainable

agriculture. In humans, genetic engineering is used to treat genetic

disorders and cancer. It also helps in supplying new body parts Increased production in regions of food shortage. production of crops with specific dietary requirement such as

vitamins and minerals. GM animals produce similar effect including higher meat

yields..

Disadvantages GM foods are considered un-natural and

unsafe for human consumption. There is a risk that the genes go into the

environment where they may go to other organisms causing unknown effects.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF BT MAIZE

Less pest damage. Less land needed for crop production. Less use of insecticide sprays.

POTENTIAL HARMFUL EFFECTS OF BT MAIZE

Humans or animals that eat the genetically modified maize might be harmed by the bacteria DNA in it.

Insects that are not pest could be killed. Populations of wild plants might be

changed

PRODUCTION OF INSULIN

BIBLIOGRAPHY http://tiffanybiology.blogspot.com/

2011/10/448-outline-basic-technique-used-for.html

http://www.slideshare.net/JonathanOLeary/ib-biology-genetics

http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Food-and-Agriculture/WhatIsGM.aspx