Chapter 13: Genetic TechnologyGel Electrophoresis—Creates a DNA fingerprintUses restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites

DNA fragments are then added to the gel

Gel is placed in a chamber, covered with buffer

An electric current runs through the gel

Fragments travel through the gel at different rates:Small fragments travel further (lighter)

Long fragments do not travel as far (heavier)

ApplicationsPaternity/Maternity TestingIdentification of:

CriminalsHuman remainsEndangered species

p. 359 in textbook

p. 353 in textbook

Transgenic OrganismsOrganisms that contain genes from a different organism

Applications:Plants that are frost resistantBacteria that can produce human insulin

Animals can be used to study human disease

Bacterial TransformationDesired gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid

Bacteria are stimulated to take in the plasmid

The bacteria can then produce the desired product Ex. Insulin

Human Genome Project

Effort to map and sequence all human genes

Has raised ethical concernsEx. Stem cell research, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms

Applications:Diagnosis of Genetic DisordersGene therapy (CF & SCID)DNA fingerprinting

Cell SpecializationCells differentiate because of DNA expression and gene activity.

All cells contain the same DNA and the potential to become any type of cell However, differentiation can not be reversed

All of our body cells have the same chromosomes and DNA

The parts of DNA that are activated determine the function of specialized cells Different parts of the genetic instructions are used in different types of cells

Genes are influenced by the cell’s environment Ex. Chemical signals released by other cellsEx. Radiation and other mutagens

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to differentiate into one or more types of specialized cells.

Embryonic cells that have not yet differentiated are called embryonic stem

cellsStem cells found in organisms (ex.

bone marrow) are called adult stem cells

Both types of stem cells can differentiate into specialized cells under the right lab conditions.

Applications:Currently: stem cell transplant (bone

marrow) for cancerFuture: treatment of Parkinson’s,

Alzheimer’s and other nervous system disorders

Future: treatment of Type I diabetes in Children

Ethical Concerns of Research