Yesterday: Genetic Disorders and Gene Therapy Today: Genetic Engineering

Yesterday:Yesterday:Genetic Disorders Genetic Disorders

and and Gene TherapyGene Therapy

Today:Today:Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering

What does Genetic Engineering mean to You?

Overview of Genetic Engineering

• What are the differences between cloning, recombinant DNA, and genetic engineering?

• What are the tools we use for genetic engineering?– Plasmids– Restriction Enzymes– DNA Ligase

Cloning Involves Making Identical Copies

“Cloning” can mean several things:– To make many identical copies of a

DNA molecule or a particular stretch of DNA (DNA cloning or molecular cloning).

– To replicate an entire organism (reproductive cloning).

Recombinant DNA

• Recombinant DNA is when two or more pieces of DNA that don’t normally go together are combinedcombined.

Genetic Engineering

• Genetic Engineering is the process of using recombinant DNA technology to genetically alter or create new organisms.

Recombinant DNA Technology Tools

• Plasmid Vectors– To move DNA from one organism to

another.

• Restriction Enzymes– “Molecular Scissors” to cut DNA in

specific places.

• DNA Ligase– DNA “glue” to stick pieces of DNA

together.

PlasmidsSmall, circular pieces of “extra” DNA found in bacteria.

Plasmids often carryantibiotic resistance.

Plasmids

Restriction Enzymes:Molecular Scissors

A restriction enzyme (RE) is a specialized protein that cuts DNA in a very specific place.

Different REs cut at different places along the nucleotide sequence.

Cell DNA

DNA Ligase (Glue)

Recombinant DNA

DNA fragment ligated (inserted) into vector creating recombinant DNA molecule.

Today• Gene Therapy Vector Engineering

Project.– Use paper models to simulate the

process of engineering your recombinant gene therapy vector.

• DNA sheet for the therapeutic gene to treat the genetic disease you were assigned.

• DNA sheet for the vector you chose to treat the disease.

Materials

• In lab folder (one per group):– Activity Instruction Sheet (WHITE)– Answer/Data Sheet (WHITE)– Restriction Enzyme Sheet (GREEN)

• Get from me (one per group):– Vector DNA sheet (PINK)– Therapeutic DNA sheet (BLUE)

• Other: scissors/glue stick