Biotechnology

Cloning Production of genetically identical copies

of DNA, cells or organisms Asexual reproduction

Gene therapy – genes used to modify a human Transgenic organisms

Steps of Genetic Engineering Cohen and Boyer

1973 1st successful GE experiment frog rRNA into E. coli

Steps: Cleave DNA Recombinant DNA Clone DNA Screen DNA

Recombinant DNA rDNA – contains DNA from 2 or more

sources Vector (plasmid or virus) used to transfer

gene of interest to host cell Restrictive enzymes and DNA ligase

are used to cut and seal the ends of the gene of interest.

Bacteria cells do not have introns. For successful genetic engineering exp.,

the gene must not introns. RNA transcriptase can make DNA from mRNA

= cDNA (DNA without introns)

Polymerase Chain Reaction Creates copies of small segments of DNA Uses DNA polymerase and nucleotides Only needs small sample Can be used to study phylogeny of human

populations

DNA fingerprinting Usually follows PCR Add restrictive enzymes to sample of DNA

to make many different sized fragments Gel electrophoresis is used to separate the

fragments If two banding patterns match, likelihood

the DNA came from same person Used in convicting criminals, detecting

cancer, viral infections or genetic disorders, identifying remains of bodies

Biotechnology products Genetically modified in order to produce a

product desired by humans!!!

Transgenic Bacteria Insulin, clottng factor VIII, human growth

hormone, t-PA, hepatitis B vaccine Frost resistant strawberries, root

protection from insects Enhancing ability to degrade substances

Clean up oil, remove sulfur from coal, clean up toxic wastes

Self destruct when job is done

Transgenic plants Foreign genes are placed in immature

plant embryos or protoplasts (plant cells with cell wall removed) Pomato (potatoes and tomatoes) Cotton, corn and potatoes resistant to pests Soybeans – herbicide resistant Producing human proteins (hormones, clotting

factors and antibodies)

Transgenic Animals Insert genes into the eggs of animals Can be done by hand or by vortex mixing

bGH – bovine growth hormone – makes larger fish, cows, pigs, rabbits, sheep

Gene pharming – use of transgenic farm animals to make pharaceuticals Genes that code for medical proteins are put

into animal DNA and appear in milk

Genomics Study of genomes – genes Human genome project – sequenced the

base pairs in the DNA of the human chromosome.

HapMap Project Goal – catalog common sequence differences

that occur in humans, find risk for specific illnesses

Haplotypes – patterns of sequence differences

Genetic profile Identify the complete genotype of an

individual, including mutations DNA chip produced by a quick swab Can help with the way we live our lives,

preventive measures

Proteomics Study of the structure, function and

interaction of cellular proteins Human proteome – translation of genes

into proteins

Bioinformatics Application of computer technologies to

the study of the genome Goal – find cause/effect relationship

between genetic profiles and genetic disorders caused by multifactorial genes.

Gene Therapy Insertion of genetic material into human

cells for the treatment of a disorder. Ex Vivo Gene Therapy

Cells are removed, manipulated, then replaced Used in treatment of SCID and

hypercholesterolemia In Vivo Gene Therapy

Directly insert healthy genes to replace faulty ones

Cystic fibrosis, VEGF, gene p53 and cancer