Unit 3: Biotechnology and Our Genes

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

The collection of techniques used to help infertile couples have children.

Bioinformatics

The use of computers and software to acquire, store, analyze, and visualize the information from genetics.

Biotechnology

The use of recombinant DNA technology to produce commercial goods and services.

Clones

Genetically identical molecules, cells, or organisms, all derived from a single ancestor.

DNA Microarray

A series of short nucleotide sequences placed on a solid support (such as glass) that have several uses, such as detection of mutant genes or differences in the pattern of gene expression in the normal and cancerous genes.

Gene Therapy

Procedure in which normal genes are transplanted into humans carrying defective copies, as a means of treating genetic disease.

Genetic Counseling

A process of communication that deals with the occurrence of risk of a genetic disorder in a family.

Genome

The set of DNA sequences carried by an individual

Genomics

The study of the organization, function, and evolution of genomes.

GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)

A general term used to refer to transgenic plants or animals created by recombinant DNA techniques.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

A procedure in which gametes are collected and fertilized in a dish in the laboratory; the resulting zygote is implanted in the uterus for development

Pluripotent

The ability of a stem cell to form any fetal or adult cell types.

Restriction Enzyme

A bacterial enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sites

Recombinant DNA Technology

A series of techniques in which DNA fragments from an organism are linked to self replicating vectors to create recombinant DNA molecules which are replicated or clones in a host cell.

Transgenic

Refers to the transfer of genes between species by recombinant DNA technology; transgenic organisms have received such a gene.

The Process of Cloning

transfer the DNA from an animal's somatic cell into an egg cell that has had its nucleus and DNA removed. The egg develops into an embryo that contains the same genes as the cell donor. Then the embryo is implanted into an adult female's uterus to grow.

How is DNA sequencing used?

The sequence tells scientists the kind of genetic information that is carried in a particular DNA segment which can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Process of DNA sequencing

(1) purify and copy the DNA (amplify); (2) read the sequence; and (3) compare to other sequences

What is biopharming?

also known as plant molecular farming, refers to the use of genetically modified plants to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies and vaccines to treat cancer, inflammatory diseases and other life-threatening or debilitating conditions.

What are DNA microarrays used for?

a tool used to determine whether the DNA from a particular individual contains a mutation in genes.

How are stem cells used to treat diseases?

Stem cells are first specialized into the necessary adult cell type. Then, those mature cells replace tissue that is damaged by disease or injury.

How are transgenic organisms and plants created?

the genome of an organism or cell has been altered by the introduction of one or more foreign DNA sequences from another species by artificial means.

What are DNA profiles used for?

to connect suspects to crime scenes, to exonerate people who were wrongly convicted, and to establish or exclude paternity. - allows people to be recognized through their genetics

Summarized process of DNA fingerprinting

• Step 1: sample collection. ...

• Step 2: DNA extraction. ...

• Step 3: DNA amplification. ...

• Step 4: DNA analysis. ...

• Step 5: data comparison and interpretation.

How do you analyze the patterns of DNA fingerprinting?

If the patterns match, it likely means that the DNA originated from the same organism. The more similar of a pattern, the closer the organism is related.

What did we learn from the Human Genome Project?

identified the full set of human genes, sequenced them all, and identified some of the alleles, particularly those that can cause disease when they get mutated.

What are some causes of infertility ?

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity can affect fertility. In addition, exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can be directly toxic to gametes (eggs and sperm). Age also plays a factor as older couples may be more prone to infertility. STDs, genetic disorders, other diseases, or poor ovulation can also lead to infertility.

How does infertility differ in men and women?

Male infertility means a man is unable to impregnate a fertile female while female infertility means a woman cannot conceive or bring a pregnancy to full term.

Process of IVF

mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then a procedure is done to place one or more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, in a uterus, which is where babies develop