Genetic EngineeringJunior Science

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson you should be able to

• Define Genetic Engineering

• Outline the basic process of genetic engineering

• Know three applications: one plant, one animal, one micro-organism

• Formulate an balanced opinion on the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms

Genetic Engineering

• Genetic Engineering is deliberately changing genes to produce desirable characteristics

Genetic Modification

• Cisgenic

• Transgenic

Steps in Genetic Modification

1. DNA extractionselected gene is extracted from organism.

2. Gene cloningthe gene is cloned thousands of times so that it can be successfully inserted into cells.

3. Gene designthis is done by placing the inside a different organism.

4. Transformationthis is where a new gene is delivered into the nucleus of a plant cell and inserts into a chromosome.also means to genetically change a living organism by delivering the desired DNA into the nucleus of plant cells.3 methods of delivering DNA into the nucleus of plant cells: injection, gene guns, and agrobacterium.

GENE Gun

• A - Particles coated in DNA

• B - Particles fired at plant by "biolistic" gun

• C - New DNA enters cell, new gene is built into chromosome

Agrobacterium

• A - Desired gene isolated and placed into DNA section called a plasmid

• B - Plasmid transferred into bacterium

• C - Bacterium infects plant cells, transferring desired gene into chromosome

Backcross breeding

• the gene is crossbred with non-modified plants, making a new line of plants

Testing and Monitoring

• scientists check to see if the inserted genes work, and monitor the future offspring of the plants.

Why Genetic Modification?

• Reduce the need for pesticides.

• Make plants herbicide resistant.

• Improve look and taste

• Increase nutritional value

• Help alleviate world hunger

GM Barley

GoldenPromise

Mavthorpe

Modification occurred in a gene which improves it tolerance to soil salinity.Maythorpe barley was irradiated (gamma radiation) causing a single gene mutation

Golden Rice• Modified to produce greater amounts of beta-carotene

which humans need to make Vitamin A.

• Vitamin A is needed for good vision, helps immune and reproductive systems.

The mutation altered the colour of the rice giving it a yellow colour hence ‘Golden Rice’

The Flavr SavrTM Tomato

Types of GM Crops

Agricultural Consumer Non-Food

GM Crops

The 1st Generation GM crops are designed to resist what scientists call

“biotic stress”

(Pests and Weeds)

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) CornBt corn – corn that contains a chemical normally found in a soil bacterium

(Bacillus thuringiensis) that is toxic to insects but not to humans.

GM Crops

The 2nd Generation crops under development, will focus on

“Abiotic stress”

(non-biological factors such as drought and floods, heat and cold, salinity and acidity)

GM Crops reaching our tables?

ProductsCorn

CanolaPotatoesTomatoes

SquashSoybeans

FlaxCottonseed oil

Sugarbeets

Derived ProductsCorn syrup

TofuCanned foods

Soya sauceAnimals that feed

on GMOs…….

AND MORE

Details can be found at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/mh-dm/ofb-bba/nfi-ani/e_novel_foods_and_ingredient.html

2011 data show that there are 160 million hectares of planted GM crops.

Global Producers

GM Position

• What is you view on GMO’s?

• Do you agree with the science behind GMO and their future in our food chain.

• Are we messing with nature?

• Will the future impacts be positive or negative down the line?

Michaelmas Exam 2019

• Organisation of Life - Micro-organisms and Health etc• Human Reproduction• Genetics• Evolution• Atomic bonding

Plus • Cells and Microscope• Digestion and Enzymes• All Energy and Sankey Diagrams• Rates of Reactions• Atomic Structure and Periodic Table