Genetic TechnologyUsing molecular genetics for practical purposes

Must first identify the genome of the organism= all genes within the species

Human Genome Project: 1990’s- Thought there were 100,000 genes. Only found 30,000.

Cloning

Pieces of desired plant placed into growth medium-Food Supply (Salmon, fruits, veggies, corn)Somatic cell nuclear transfer

Stem CellUndifferentiated cells (early development)

can “switch” on DNA and “tell” cell what to be.

May be a cure for Parkinson’s, “growing” organs, tissues for

burn treatment, paralysisControversial

◦2types: adult and embryonic

Gene Therapy

Treat genetic disorder by replacing “bad” gene with a “good” one.

Designing medications specific to a person’s genetic code

Could cure: Hemophilia, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy

PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction

In past genetic tests on small samples used up most or all of the DNA

Makes many copies of small amounts of DNA for testing.

DNA Profiling Use to be called DNA FingerprintingUsing genetic code markers to identify peopleUsed for paternity tests and test DNA found

at crime scenes.Gel electrophoresis- Bar code of genetic

markers.

1970: Bacteria E. coli makes ENDONUCLEASES (enzymes) Cuts viral DNA in the same place EVERYTIME.

“Sticky Ends”

Results are: smaller pieces

of DNA, some the same

size

GAATTCCTTAAG

Paternity Forensics

Recombinant DNAMost promising for curing disorders.Making human proteins using bacteria:

- Insulin: treatment of diabetes- Clotting Factor: hemophilia

- HGH: height disordersCombines genes that code for human

proteins with the plasmid DNA of E.coli…which now synthesizes the human protein

SAILBOAT

GMO’s

GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE.

This relatively new science creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide.