Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

What is Selective Breeding?

It’s when animals or plants are purposely bred to achieve desirable traits

How does selective breeding work with organisms?

Manipulates natural variation among them.

What are polyploid plants?

Plants are exposed to radiation, which causes them to create seeds with extra chromosomes → next generation has seed generation

Polyploid Plant Examples

• Wild Corn → Normal corn we eat now

• Natural Peace → Artificial Peach we eat now

Genetic Modification

The alteration of the DNA of any organism (plant or animal)

How do you know if an organism has had genetic modification?

Any organism that has its DNA modified is considered a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

Genetic Modification: Plasmid Transformation-

Bacteria’s chromosome (plasmid) can easily be cut & pasted to add in new genes

Genetic Modification: Recombinant DNA-

When new genes are added to an organism, its DNA is now called recombinant

Genetic Modification: Transgenic-

Refers to any organism with new DNA

Crispr

An enzyme used to cut out genes from DNA

What can a Crispr be programmed to do?

To cut out specific nucleotide sequences

What is cloning?

Process of making an exact genetic copy of an organism

How does cloning work?

DNA from one organism is put into the empty egg of another organism, then born

Genetic Testing: Gel Electrophoresis-

Gel & electricity used to separate DNA into individual gene pieces. Useful for ID: parents, disorders, crime suspects

Genetic Test: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-

Makes hundreds of copies of a single gene. Used for medical diagnostics, cloning, and forensics

Benefits of GMO’s: Humans-

GMO Bacteria is created by them in order to make antibiotics and other medicines for them.

Benefits of GMO’s: Plants-

Genes for pesticide and herbicide resistance, along with genes to increase size, nutrients, and production. 

Benefits of GMO’s: Animals-

Faster and larger growth, increased milk & meat production, also genes for allergy resistance. 

What unusual thing can be programmed into taking medicine?

Bacteria