Chapter 9 Biotechnology and DNA Technology

Biotechnology

the use of microorganisms, cells, or cell components to make a product

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology:

the insertion or modification of genes to produce desired proteins

Vector

a self-replicating DNA molecule used to transport foreign DNA into a cell

Clone

population of genetically identical cells arising from one cell; each carries the vector

selection

selecting for a naturally occurring microbe that produces a desired product

mutation

mutagen causes mutations that might result in a microbe with a desirable trait

site-directed mutagenesis

a targeted and specific change in a gene

shuttle vectors

exist in several different species and can move cloned sequences among various organisms

transformation

cells take up DNA from the surrounding environment

electroporation

electrical current forms pores in cell membranes to facilitate transformation

(E.coil is really go at it )

protoplast fusion

removing cell walls from two bacteria allows them to fuse: recombination may then occur between the DNA derived from the “parent” cells

microinjection

uses a tiny micropipette

Genomic libraries

collections of clones containing different DNA fragments

complementary DNA (cDNA)

made from mRNA by reverse transcriptase

subunit vaccines

made from pathogen proteins in genetically modified yeasts

Gene therapy

to replace defective or missing genes

Gene editing

using CRISPR to correct genetic mutations at specific locations

Bioinformatics

understanding gene function via computer-assisted analysis of DNA sequences

proteomics

determining proteins expressed in a cell

reverse genetics

an approach to discovering gene function from a genetic sequence

southern blotting

DNA probes detect specific DNA in fragments (RFLPs) separated by gel electrophoresis

genetic testing

screening of parental or fetal tissue for several hundred possible genetic diseases

DNA fingerprinting

used to identify pathogens

Nanotechnology

the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits and mechanical devices built at the molecular level

Ti plasmid

occurs in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Gene for polyphenyl oxidase, which causes browning, is deleted.

Bt cotton and Bt corn

Plants have toxin-producing gene from Bacillus thuringiensis; toxin kills insects that eat plants

Genetically modified tomatoes, raspberries

Antisense gene blocks pectin degradation, so fruits have longer shelf life

Pseudomonas syringae, ice-minus bacterium

Lacks normal protein product that initiates undesirable ice formation on plants.

RoundUp (glyphosate)-resistant crops

Plants have bacterial gene; allows use of herbicide on weeds without damaging crops

Aedes aegypti

Male mosquito with a gene that causes larvae to die; used to control spread of Zika virus.

Atlantic salmon

Salmon grow faster with a gene from Chinook salmon and promoter from another fish (pout).

GloFish®

Brightly colored fluorescent aquarium fish with the color-protein genes from marine invertebrates.