Title: Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
Instructor: Ms. Karen Crystel L. Apostol, LPT
Grade Level: 12th Grade
Explain processes of transcription and translation
Discuss principles and techniques of recombinant DNA technology
Explain applications, advantages, and disadvantages of genetic engineering
DNA, RNA, and Proteins
DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis
Processes in Genetic Engineering
Applications and Relevant Issues in Recombinant DNA
Structure of DNA:
Ideal genetic material due to stability and ability to store genetic information.
Contains nitrogenous bases, pentose sugar, and phosphate group.
DNA is a polynucleotide chain with a sequence of bases determining its uniqueness.
Discovery of DNA:
Friedrich Miescher isolated nuclein, laying the foundation for DNA discovery.
Key scientists: Rosalind Franklin (x-ray crystallography), James Watson, Francis Crick (DNA structure), Erwin Chargaff (base pairing rules).
Involves direct manipulation of genes to express desired traits.
Recombinant DNA Technology: Techniques to isolate and manipulate DNA segments.
Essential for cell division, growth, and repair.
Models of Replication:
Semi-conservative, conservative, dispersive.
The Meselson-Stahl experiment confirmed semiconservative replication.
Converting mRNA into amino acids.
Main steps: tRNA charging, initiation, elongation, termination.
Agriculture: Development of crops like Bt corn for pest resistance.
Bioremediation: Using organisms to degrade environmental contaminants.
Pharmaceuticals: Production of human proteins via transgenic organisms.
Health Concerns: Potential allergic reactions, effects on immunity, and environmental impacts.
Biodiversity: Risks of gene transfer and effects on wild species.
Ethics: Debates about modifying natural organisms and potential social implications.
Genetic Engineering presents opportunities and challenges in various fields including agriculture, medicine, and environmental sustainability.