Ch. 10 Biotechnology - OpenStax Concepts of Biology

Biotechnology

The use of artificial methods to modify the genetic material of living organisms or cells to produce novel compounds or to perform new functions.

Applications of biotechnology

medicine (vaccines, antibiotics), agriculture (crops), industry (fermentation, oil spills, biofuels, laundry detergent)

Detergent

Breaks open cells

Salt or enzymes

Get rid of proteins

Alcohol

Precipitates DNA

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate charged molecules (like DNA) on the basis of size and charge

PCR

A technique used to rapidly increase the number of copies of specific regions of DNA for further analyses.

Uses for PCR

Crime scene analysis, paternity, comparison of organisms, sequencing

Cloning

The creation of a perfect replica or genetically identical copy.

Reproductive cloning

The re-creation of a whole organism that is identical to the original.

Molecular cloning

Copying short stretches of DNA.

Insulin

A medicine that molecular cloning has been used to produce.

Pet cloning

A reason why people would want to do reproductive cloning

They can become any type of cell in the body and therefore restore function.

The reason why embryonic stem cells have been of interest in medicine.

Leftover from IVF fertility procedures

Where embryonic stem cells for research come from

All all stem cells embryonic?

No, some come from adults, ex. bone marrow stem cells that are often transplanted.

Leukemia, brain and spinal cord injury, heart patients

Medical uses for stem cells.

Molecular cloning - legal or illegal?

Legal

Stem cell research/therapy - legal or illegal?

Legal

Reproductive cloning of animals - legal or illegal?

Legal

Reproductive cloning of humans - legal or illegal?

Illegal

Genetic engineering

Using recombinant DNA technology to modify an organism's DNA to achieve desirable traits.

Genetically modified organism (GMO)

An organism that receives recombinant DNA.

Transgenic

What the "host" is called if the foreign DNA that is introduced into this now genetically modified organism comes from a different species.

Example of genetic diagnosis

Identification of the BRCA gene for breast cancer.

Gene therapy

The introduction of a non-mutated ("good") gene at a random location in the genome to cure a disease by replacing a protein that may be absent in these individuals because of a genetic mutation.

For medical research/treatments

Reasons for making transgenic animals.

For making crops that are disease, herbicide, and pest resistant, or that have a better shelf life or nutritional value.

Reasons for making transgenic plants

Corn, potatoes, tomatoes

Examples of transgenic crops

Bt corn

Corn engineered with bacterial genes for pest resistance.

FlavrSavr tomatoes

Tomatoes engineered with a modification to increase shelf life and flavor.

Genomics

The study of entire genomes of organisms.

To identify causes of diseases (cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis), microbes that can clean up pollutants, higher crop yields and plants that can adapt to climate change.

Reasons for mapping genomes

Whole genome sequencing

A process that determines the DNA sequence of an entire genome.

Model organisms

Organisms in which it is easier to study information that can be applied to humans and other organisms.

PKU test for newborns, BRCA breast cancer gene, etc.

An example of predicting disease risk at the individual level

Pharmacogenetics

Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of drugs on the basis of an individual's genome.

Mitochondrial genomics

Used for tracing genealogy.

Forensic analysis

Used to match suspects with crime scenes, etc.

Proteomics

Used for cancer detection, such as CA-125 protein for ovarian cancer.

Is everyone ok with biotechnology/ genetic engineering?

No, some people have ethical and safety concerns.

Could GMO crops that produce higher yield, more nutritious food with the same resources be an answer to starvation?

Yes, it is possible.