Biotechnology

Technology involving the DNA, genes, and, proteins of different organisms.

(Chapter 9)

DNA Fingerprintingw/ Gel Electrophoresis Selective Breeding

Biotechnology- Why?

• Mutations cause “genetic variability” - differences. • These differences in DNA between individuals can be

used to ….

– Engineer more productive crops and animals– Treat/Cure genetic disorders (like cancer)– Identify individuals by their DNA “Fingerprint”– Clone genes (or organisms)

Mutations- Types

1) Point Mutation:- A change in a single nucleotide

Ex: Substitution (of one nucleotide for another)

Normal Point Mutation

Biotechnology- Types

1) Selective Breeding/Hybridization:– Choosing to breed individual plants or

animals with the most desireable traits.

Ex: – Dogs breeds: all came from wolves– Corn used to be smaller

Biotechnology- Types

2) Cloning: - making an identical copy of a gene or an entire organism.

Ex: Plants, Sheep, and Cats have all successfully been cloned.

Biotechnology- Types

3) Transgenic Organisms: - Plants or animals whose genes have been replaced with genes from another organism.

Ex: Bacteria: genes can be added to quickly produce proteins - such as insulin – needed to treat diseases.

Biotechnology- Types

4) Genetic Engineering: - intentionally changing the genes of an organism

Ex: Gene Splicing – replacing one gene with another

(transgenic crops)

Biotechnology- Types

5) Restriction Enzymes: - These enzymes found in bacteria can cut DNA between certain base sequences creating DNA “fragments” (pieces)

Ex: DNA Fingerprinting: the fragments created by Restriction Enzymes can be used to identify individuals.

Biotechnology- Types

6) Gel Electrophoresis: - Process uses electricity to separate DNA pieces in to bands at different distances from an electric source.

Ex: Used in DNA Fingerprinting

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Electric Source

PositiveElectrode- Attracting electrons

Band A

Band B