Biotech

Chapter Overview

  • Chapter Title: Ch. 15 Biotechnology

  • Subject: Biology

  • Instructor: Ms. Oliver

Section 15.1: Changing the Living World

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the uses of selective breeding.

  • Explain how people increase genetic variation.

Everyday Phenomenon

  • Selective Breeding in Action: Humans have used selective breeding to produce various breeds of dogs and plants with desirable traits.

Key Concepts

  • Selective Breeding: Allows breeders to produce animals with wanted characteristics for the next generation by selecting desirable traits.

  • Biotechnology Definition: The application of technological processes to living organisms (e.g., selective breeding).

  • Inbreeding: Continual breeding of organisms with similar traits to preserve desired characteristics.

    • Examples: Dog breeds retain unique characteristics through inbreeding.

    • Risk: Increases likelihood of genetic defects due to recessive alleles.

  • Polyploidy: Organisms with multiple sets of chromosomes, induced by a drug inhibiting chromosome separation during meiosis.

    • Impact: While fatal in animals, it can yield larger, stronger plants.

Section 15.2: The Process of Genetic Engineering

Learning Objectives

  • Explain how scientists copy the DNA of living organisms.

  • Explain the role of recombinant DNA.

  • Describe transgenic organisms.

Everyday Phenomenon

  • Definition: Genetic engineering involves altering the DNA of organisms.

DNA Fragmentation and Analysis

  • Restriction Enzymes: Cut extracted DNA into manageable fragments for analysis.

  • Gel Electrophoresis: Technique for separating DNA fragments by size.

    • Process: DNA sequences can be read and reassembled to reflect genomic structure.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

  • Purpose: Amplifies specific DNA sequences when the initial sample is small.

  • Functioning: Involves heating DNA to separate strands, adding primers, and using DNA polymerase for replication, yielding billions of copies rapidly.

Recombinant DNA Technology

  • Techniques: Scientists insert DNA from any source into living cells, utilizing enzymes like DNA ligase for joining DNA molecules.

  • Outcomes: Enables gene modifications in living organisms.

CRISPR Technology

  • Definition: A technique using Cas9 enzyme and RNA to edit DNA sequences.

    • Process: Targets and cuts specific DNA locations, allowing for precise gene editing when combined with new DNA sequences.

Transgenic Organisms

  • Definition: Organisms possessing genes from other species, produced through the insertion of recombinant DNA.

  • Identification: Genetic markers help identify transformed cells.

Cloning

  • Definition: A method for producing genetically identical cells from a single cell.

  • Process: Involves nuclear transfer from a donor cell into an enucleated egg cell, developing into an embryo for implantation.

  • Example: Dolly the sheep demonstrated successful cloning, but with challenges including health risks and low success rates.

Cloning Pros and Cons

  • Benefits: Organ transplant production, preservation of endangered species.

  • Disadvantages: High failure rates, cloned organisms may not be as healthy, reduced genetic diversity.

Section 15.3: Applications of Biotechnology

Learning Objectives

  • Explain benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture and industry.

  • Describe medical advancements through biotechnology.

  • Discuss the identification of individuals via DNA techniques.

Genetic Modification in Agriculture

  • Definition: Since 1996, plants and animals have been genetically modified (GM).

  • GMO Statistics: As of 2016, 89% of corn in the U.S. genetically modified to produce Bt toxin (insect-resistant).

Animal Genetic Modifications

  • Hormones from recombinant DNA increase milk production in cows.

  • Genetic modifications in pigs enhance meat quality and omega-3 content.

  • Salmon production utilizes growth hormones for rapid growth.

  • Spider genes in goat cells produce silk for various applications.

Biotechnology in Health

  • Genetic Testing: Identifies genetic disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis); available for hundreds of conditions.

  • Transgenic Animals: Used as research models for human genetic disorders; facilitate drug testing and understanding of diseases.

  • Golden Rice: Engineered to produce vitamin A from daffodil genes for nutritional benefit.

  • Treatment with Genetically Engineered Products: Includes human growth hormones, insulin, and cancer therapies.

Gene Therapy

  • Process Overview: Altering genes to treat diseases using stem cells from bone marrow.

  • Example Procedure: Involves cloning a healthy gene, using a virus for delivery, and injection back into the patient to produce missing proteins.

  • Current Successes: Notable progress in treating disorders like SCID and LCA.

Environmental Applications

  • Genetically Modified Mosquitoes: Released to suppress Zika virus transmission, demonstrating application in disease control.

DNA Technology for Research

  • Microarray Technology: Studies gene activity levels across many genes simultaneously using fluorescent markers for comparison.

DNA Fingerprinting & Forensics

  • Unique Genomes: DNA fingerprinting identifies individuals based on genetic variation, helping in criminal resolution and paternity testing.

  • Process: Involves restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, and identification using DNA probes.

Section 15.4: Ethics and Impacts of Biotechnology

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss privacy issues in biotechnology.

  • Examine pros and cons of transgenic organisms.

  • Explore ethical concerns surrounding biotechnology.

Ethical Considerations

  • Privacy Concerns: Genetic information can reveal sensitive personal data; maintaining confidentiality is debated.

GMO Foods Debate

  • Arguments for GMOs: Safer plants, higher yields, reduced land use, lower food costs, and minimized pesticide usage.

  • Arguments against GMOs: Long-term safety unverified, potential threats to beneficial insects, economic barriers for small farmers, and calls for mandatory labeling.

Philosophical Questions

  • Modification Justification: Ethical consideration on whether possessing technology to alter genetic traits justifies its application.