BIOTECHNOLOGY

Genetic Engineering

GENETIC ENGINEERING Allows scientists to manipulate the DNA

(genome) of living things. Selective Breeding (original genetic

engineering)Crossing organisms w/desired traitsSelecting traits in animals – used inbreeding

Domestic animals; dogs, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, etc.

Growing seeds from plants that had traits prefered Example: the brassica family original plant:

BRASSICA ANCESTRAL PLANT

Any guesses?

TODAY’S BRASSICA PLANTS

INTRODUCING MUTATIONS Mutations are the ultimate source of

biodiversity! When mutations are isolated, they can

then be introduced into populations. Now that we can analyze & manipulate

DNA this can be done on the molecular level!This can be done between different species!

Example: can use bacteria and viruses to insert DNA

THE GOOD & THE BAD Benefits: Recombinant DNA has

applications in agriculture, industry, medicine & forensics.

Draw backs: There are ethical, legal, safety and social issues surrounding genetic engineering.

HOW DO SCIENTISTS STUDY AND WORK WITH SPECIFIC GENES?

They use the smallest scissors! To cut DNA into smaller pieces Called Restriction Enzymes

It’s like using the “search” function. Copy the following DNA sequence in your BFF.

GTACTAGGTTAACTGTACTATCGTTAACGTAAGCTACGTTAACCTA

Look carefully to find this specific series:GTTAAC

When you find it, divide the sequence in half between the T and A.

How many occurrences? How many fragments of DNA?