Biotechnology

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Biotechnology is the use of organisms or their products to improve human health and food production.

Forensics

*Forensics uses scientific techniques to collect DNA evidence for the legal system.

*DNA Fingerprinting is the identification of a person using his DNA. *It is 99% accurate! *It is performed by cutting DNA with enzymes  and separating the fragments. *Electrophoresis uses electrical charges to  separate DNA.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE

*Recombinant DNA technology uses the natural process of transcription and translation to alter organisms. *The fragment of DNA that contains the desired   gene is cut and inserted into  the genome of a   microscopic biological agent like a bacteria or virus. *The bacteria or virus now contains recombinant DNA. *The vaccine for hepatitis B, human insulin, growth   hormone, and clot-

dissolving medicine have all   been created in this manner.

*Gene therapy- is used to help cure diseases. (replaces bad genes with good ones)

*Stem Cells- cells found in the human body that have yet to become a specialized type of cell.

 *They have the amazing ability to become  any type of cell.  *They may come from: -adult bone marrow -umbilical cord blood -human embryos 

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Cloning

Clone- a member of a group of genetically identical cellsMay be produced by asexual reproduction (mitosis)

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Cloning organismsA body cell from one organism and an egg cell from another are fusedThe resulting cell divides like a normal embryoCould allow a childless couple to have a child, create tissues, or cure diseases.

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Human Genome Project

Started in 1990Research effort to sequence all of our DNA (46 chromosomes)Over 3.3 billion nucleotidesMapping every gene location (loci)Conducted by scientists around the world

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Benefits of Human Genome Project

Improvements in medical prevention of disease, gene therapies, diagnosis techniques …Production of useful protein products for use in medicine, agriculture, bioremediation and pharmaceutical industries.Improved bioinformatics – using computers to help in DNA sequencing …

Biotechnology in Agriculture

*Recombinant DNA technology has greatly improved crops. (better quality and more bountiful products)*Plants now resist many herbicides, insects, and even frost.*Rice has now been genetically engineered to overcome Vitamin A and iron deficiency.

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Herbicide Resistant Crops

Soybeans:  Roundup ReadyCorn:  Roundup Ready, Liberty Link Cotton:  BXN, Roundup Ready Canola:  Liberty Link, Roundup Ready

+ CP4 EPSPS = Roundup  gene  Ready

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Biotechnology Breakthroughs

Insulin (1982)First commercial biotech productReliable, inexpensive source of insulinRiceEnriched with beta-carotene and ironBananasContaining edible hepatitis vaccine

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Biotechnology Breakthroughs

Potatoes with higher solid contentGarlic that lowers cholesterolFruits and vegetables that reduce risks of cancer and heart disease

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Environmental Benefits

Reduced pesticide useLower energy requirementsCleaner waterLess soil erosion

1) Forensics and DNA Fingerprinting2) Medicine3) Stem Cell Research4) Cloning5) Agriculture