Genetic Engineering: Redesigning Life 8.3. Genetic Engineering.
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Transcript of Genetic Engineering: Redesigning Life 8.3. Genetic Engineering.
Genetic Engineering:Redesigning Life
8.3
Genetic Engineering
Heirloom Varieties
Biopharming
Biopharming
• genetically engineered host organisms are used to make pharmaceuticals or other medically-important proteins
• proteins can be isolated from milk (e.g., cows, goats) or seeds (e.g., safflowers) and used
Transgenic Organisms
Why transgenic (GM) animals and plants?
• usually cheaper to maintain than transgenic bacteria
• have the ability to produce larger more complex proteins
Transgenic Plants
• GM canola and other field crops are usually engineered to resist herbicides, reducing the farmer’s costs
• great potential to provide food in developing countries, but cost of seeds can be prohibitive
Knockout Mice
• engineered to have at least one gene turned off
• useful for studying effects of specific genes on human health
Societal Concerns?
• interbreeding and/or competition with native plants or animals
• may contain toxins that harm consumers (e.g., GM safflower)
• regulation? patents?
Biotechnology & Health
8.4
Genetic Screening
Ontario Newborn Screening
• metabolic disorders
• endocrine disorders
• blood disorders
• cystic fibrosis
Hereditary Disorders
• early identification of some hereditary disorders can help to allow for treatment to minimize symptoms through:
• controlled diet
• providing missing proteins
• surgery
Gene Therapy
• offers the possibility of correcting the genetic defect
• germ-line gene therapy
• somatic gene therapy