dna technology chapter 13. what’s so great about it? genetic engineering brings dna technology and...
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Transgenic Organisms Transgenic organisms contain a donor gene and express it as their ownTRANSCRIPT
DNA Technology
Chapter 13
What’s so great about it?
Genetic engineering brings DNA technology and molecular genetics together for practical purposes
Transgenic Organisms
Transgenic organisms contain a donor gene and express it as their own
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA or protein fragments by their length and charge (positive/negative)
Dr. Kary Mullis
1993 – Dr. Kary Mullis discovered the PCR procedure, for which he was awarded the Nobel prize.
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can be used to quickly make copies of segments of DNA when the original sample is small
The results of PCR can then be used to make a DNA fingerprint
Human Genome Project
The goal of the Human Genome Project is to determine the nucleotide sequence of the entire human genome and to map the location of all genes
This information might then be used to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent human genetic disorders
Human Genome Project - 1980
An international team of scientists began the project to map the human genome.
Human Genome Project - 2000
J. Craig Ventor, along with Francis Collins, jointly announce the sequencing of the entire human genome.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy refers to treating genetic disorders by correcting a defect in a gene or by providing a normal form of a gene
It is hoped that gene therapy can be used to cure genetic disorders in the future
Gene Therapy
1990 – Gene Therapy was used for the first time on patients
DNA Technology Benefits
DNA technology is used to produce medical products that are often safer and less expensive than those produced by conventional means
DNA technology is used to produce disease-resistant, pest-resistant, and herbicide-resistant crops
Perhaps these crops will improve the quality and quantity of the human food supply
FlavrSavr Tomatoes
The FDA approved the first genetically engineered food – FlavrSavr tomatoes engineered for better flavor and longer shelf life
Current Research
Current research involves efforts to isolate genes from nitrogen-fixing bacteria and to transplant them into plants
Such transgenic plants may be able to grow in nitrogen-poor soil without the addition of fertilizers
Resolution?
Many safety, environmental, and ethical issues involved in the new DNA technology have not been resolved
Dolly the Sheep
1997 – Dolly the sheep is the first adult animal clone
Her relatively early death in February 2003 fuels the debate about the ethics of cloning research and the long-term health of clones
Cloning