Genetic Technologies

Genetic TechnologiesMrs. StewartHonors BiologyStandards:TSW evaluate the scientific and ethical concerns surrounding DNA/genetic technologies

Evaluate DNA fingerprinting, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.Objectives:Purpose of genetic technologiesProcessing DNA from the scene of a crimeImprove food cropsDetermine if a person carries the gene for a particular disorderDetermine if a person has the gene that will cause a particular disorder before symptoms beginIdentify the father of a childResearch treatments and cures for genetic diseasesDNA technologiesDNA identificationEvery person shares 99.9% of the same DNA.

.01% variations can be used to identify an individualTwo kinds of fingerprints

What is dna fingerprinting?A technique used by scientists to distinguish between individuals by using the .01% variations in their DNANon-coding regions of DNA contain repetitive sequences. Each person has a different number of these varying sequences.

(VNTR = Variable Number Tandem Repeats)Steps in DNA identificationCopy the DNA billions of times = PCRCut it with restriction enzymesSort the DNA using gel electrophoresisPCR animation

Gel Electrophoresis Virtual LabsUsing Fragments to identifyWas the suspect at the crime scene?

Paternity testingBy comparing the DNA profile of a mother and her child, it is possible to identify the biological father.

Paternity test

Using dna fingerprinting for identification

Accuracy of DNA profiling

13 different locations for VNTR are analyzed

The probability that 2 individuals (not identical twins) all the same VNTR is 1 in 100 billion

There are only ~6.5 billion people on the planetRecombinant DNAWhat good are bacteria?

Protein Factories!!

All they do is produce their proteins, each and every day!

Bacterial cell

How could we utilize this?If we give the bacteria the gene sequence we desire, it will make the proteins we wish!

Recombinant dnaWhen DNA from two different organisms are joined

Other applications for recombinant Dna technologyVaccines!We can inject the protein from a virus without giving you the actual virus.

Example: The newest flu vaccines!

Human Genome projectHuman genome projectBegan in early 90s. By 2003, the sequencing was completeCoded the entire human genome onto computers for analysis and study

What did we learn?Only about 2% of our genome codes for proteinsThe genome is smaller than we thought!Estimated that we have 100,000 protein-coding genesWe actually have about 20-25,000 protein coding genes

How do we use the info?Carrier screeningsGenetic diagnostic testingCancer and other genetic disorders research

Genetic EngineeringGenetic engineeringGene therapyCloningReproductiveTherapeuticGM crops

Gene Therapy

cloningReproductive cloningCreates an entire copy of an organism

Therapeutic cloningCreates only a part of an organism like an organ for transplantation

GM cropsAdding genes to plants to:Make resistant to wee-controlling chemicalsResistant to plants

Yield more crops because they are better protected

controversyProsHigher crop yieldsHelp alleviate world hunger problemsConsWhat if resistance transfers to weeds?Safe to eat?Increase population size