Biology: Topic 11 (Biotechnology)

What is Biotechnology?

manipulation of organisms to produce foods, drugs, or other goods

Genetic Engineering

directly working with genes to achieve a goal

Gene Editing

Using designed molecules to directly change DNA  of a living organism. Can modify genes in fully grown organisms or modify egg cells and grow a GM organism.

Herbicide Tolerance

Make plants resistant to herbicides

Insect Resistance

Make plants toxic to insects

–The Bt gene produces a protein toxic to insects

–Bt gene is inserted into many crop plants

•Called Bt plants

What is CRISPR?

one powerful method

Part of gene editing technology

Reproductive Cloning

Using an organism’s DNA to make a genetically identical individual

Gene Therapy

Treats or prevents diseases caused by missing or mutated alleles.

Works by introducing new copy of an allele.

Turning on/off genes to avoid disease.

Replacing mutated alleles with healthy allele.

Genetic Modification

AKA “GMOs”, “transgenic”

Have had genes changed by genetic engineering.

Made by inserting a new gene into an egg cell and then letting that egg cell grow into a new individual

What are some examples of gene editing?

Has been used to modify livestock, pests, crops, and human cells. Cured two babies with cancer in 2015.

All organisms use ___and turn the info into protein in almost exactly the ______ way. Thus, a bacterium can make a human protein.

DNA ; same

Describe GMOs in medicine production.

Many medicines are now produced by GM organisms.

Human genes inserted into an organism, organism produces human protein that can be used as medicine. Includes insulin, blood proteins, antibodies, vaccines, and more. May be produced by bacteria, yeast, plants or animals.

What are the biggest concerns about GM food safety?

1) DNA is not toxic but new proteins might be

2) glyphosate residue in food

3) Herbicide→ mixed data about whether residue in food is harmful

4) damage to ecosystem

Genetic Testing

Testing whether someone has alleles linked to diseases

–Can allow people to prepare before the onset of own symptoms or before the birth of an affected baby

Vaccine

Pathogen or part of a pathogen injected to train immune system. Immune system mounts quicker and stronger defense on next exposure, dos NOT change / effect DNA.

DNA profiling

Deriving identity info from DNA.

Uses: paternity testing, solving crimes, match DNA from crime scene, etc…