Genomics and Biotechnology

Biotechnology

the use of natural biological systems to create a product or achieve some other end

Cloned Genes

pieces of DNA that has been copied many times, used to alter the genome of viruses or cells

• through asexual means

genome

all DNA in a cell/organism

GMO’s

any organism that has genes from genetic technology

Transgenic Organisms

have a gene from another species inserted in its genome

Uses of gene cloning

producing large quantities of genes protein product (insulin), to create GMO’s, or perform gene therapy

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)

rDNA contains DNA from two or moer different sources

vectors

pieces of DNA that foreign DNA can be added to, made from rDNA

plasmids

small, circular DNA usually found in bacteria, rDNA usually in this form

Restriction Enzyme

assist to put foreign DNA into vector, cut DNA in specific locations

• found naturally in bacteria

DNA ligase

assist to put foreign DNA into vector, ligase attached to DNA ends together; seals the foreign DNA into the sport where the restriction enzyme made the cut

foreign and vector DNA make what?

stick ends that can complimentary base pai

DNA sequencing

determines the order of the nucleotides in a segment of DNA, identifies alleles and sequences, done with dyes on nucleotides

• help develop disease treatments

• can help show evolutionary relationships

PCR

can make billions of copies of segment of DNA in hours

• only targeted sequence

• uses heat not helicase

DNA analysis

used to use restriction enzymes put into gels to give us DNA fingerprints

STR (short tandem repeat)

Used for DNA analysis, short sequences that repeat over and over

• number of repeats vary by person

• used instead of restriction enzymes for DNA analysis

• can be used for ancestry, criminal forensics, crime scenes,

Genome editing

new advance in DNA technology, targets specific sequences, CRISPR most common

CRISPR

technology that allows precise modifications to DNA sequences, enabling targeted gene editing and regulation.

• first discovered in prokaryotes

• Cas9 is needed

• identifis invading nucleotide sequenes in DNA of invading virsus and makes a double stranded break

Cas9

used in labs to edit genes directly, creates a cut and inactivates genes, can insert new nucleotides

• With CRISPR it can be used to treat diseases like sickle cell or cancer

Genetically Modified Bacterua

crops can be frost resistant and pest-resistant due to the introduction of specific genes. These modifications enhance crop yield and sustainability.

Genetically Modified Plants

• “Bt” plants contain foreign gene from Bacillus Thuringiensis (its own pesticide)

• Apples that have gene prevent browning so there’s less spoilage

• increase in food quality (golden rice: has vitamin a content)

• plants can be engineered to make proteins: hormones, clotting factors, antibodies

Genetically Modified Animals

can happen by inserting genes into eggs

• used to make animals have more offspring

• used to give desirable traits: size, meat, disease resistance

  • ex) Transgenic Atlantic salmon has genes from Chinook salmon and pout fish, to increase size and how fast it grows