Principles of Genetic Engineering

What is genetic engineering

Genetic engineering, also known as recombinant DNA technology, means altering the genes in a living organism to produce a new genotype.

Various kinds of genetic modification are possible: – inserting a foreign gene from one species into

another – altering an existing gene so that its product is

changed– changing gene expression so that it is translated

more often or not at all.

Selective Breeding

Changing gene expression so that it is translated more often or not at all.Humans have been doing this for centuries.

Cloning

A clone produces two organisms with exactly the same genes.Plants are easily cloned by vegetative propagation; cuttings, layering, etc.Animals can also be cloned. The diploid nucleus of and egg cell is replaced with the haploid nucleus of a body cell. Doesn’t work very well – too many genes are turned off.

Making Recombinant DNA – Gene Splicing

1) Isolate pieces of DNA with desirable gene.2) Inserting DNA into host plasmid which is bacteria or a virus.3) Cloning vector.4 )Selecting clones with desired genes.

Step 1: Isolating the gene

Proteins called “restriction enzymes” are used to cut the DNA into small pieces.

Step 2: Inserting gene into vector

Vector – molecule of DNA which is used to carry a foreign gene into a host cell.

Step 3: Cloning Vector

All genetically identical because of asexual reproductionhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlqD4UWCuws

Outcomes of Genetic Engineering

Safety of Genetic Engineering

New kinds of organisms– New diseases– Epidemic

Healthcare– Insulin production for diabetics– Interferon– Fixing genetic defects

• Producing hormones or enzymeshttp://www.iptv.org/video/detail.cfm/3761/exm_20030905_ge_fullhttp://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/photos/12-bizarre-examples-of-genetic-engineering/mad-science