Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering(Genetics)(Genetics)

Genetic EngineersGenetic Engineers use use scientific methodsscientific methods to to research genes found in the cells of plants and research genes found in the cells of plants and animals to develop animals to develop better productsbetter products medicines and medicines and services.services.

Genetic EngineeringGenetic Engineering is a laboratory technique is a laboratory technique used by scientists to used by scientists to change the DNAchange the DNA of living of living organisms.organisms. (Human, Animal, Plant, and Microorganism) (Human, Animal, Plant, and Microorganism)

ProjectsProjects of Genetic Engineers of Genetic Engineers

Identification and treatment of certain types Identification and treatment of certain types of diseases and illnesses (Gene Therapy) of diseases and illnesses (Gene Therapy)

Genetic Finger Printing (Forensics)Genetic Finger Printing (Forensics)Genetically Modified Food (GMOs)Genetically Modified Food (GMOs)CloningCloningMapping of the Human GenomeMapping of the Human Genome

Do you believe we humans are an alien genetic engineering project ?

Gene therapy is the insertion of genes into an individual's cells and tissues to treat a disease

Sickle Cell Disease

Cystic Fibrosis

Parkinson’s Disease

Cancer (some Forms)

Arthritis

Stem Cell Research

Color Blindness

AIDS ????

Identification and treatment of certain Identification and treatment of certain types of diseases and illnessestypes of diseases and illnesses

Gene therapyGene therapy is the insertion of genes into an is the insertion of genes into an individual's cells and tissues to treat a disease, individual's cells and tissues to treat a disease, such as a hereditary disease in which a such as a hereditary disease in which a deleterious mutant allele is replaced with a deleterious mutant allele is replaced with a functional one. Although controversial, Gene functional one. Although controversial, Gene Therapy can also be used for human genetic Therapy can also be used for human genetic enhancement changing ones genetic formula enhancement changing ones genetic formula and function towards a desired goal of and function towards a desired goal of "enhancement". Although the technology is still "enhancement". Although the technology is still in its infancy, it has been used with some in its infancy, it has been used with some success and scientific break throughs continue success and scientific break throughs continue to move Gene Therapy towards mainstream to move Gene Therapy towards mainstream medicine. medicine.

Genetic Finger Printing (Forensics)Genetic Finger Printing (Forensics)

Gel Electrophoresis

DNA of the Cookie Thief

DNA ofMr. Pearson

Did Mr. Pearson steal the cookies?

NO - the DNA is not a match.

Genetically Modified FoodGenetically Modified Food

Genetically Modified FoodGenetically Modified Food

Golden Rice should help alleviate vitamin deficiencies causing eye diseases and blindness. (added protein)

Plants resistant to pests (Insects) – No need for pesticides

Drought Resistance Or larger food production

Companies that make Genetically Companies that make Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)Modified Organisms (GMO)

~Better Yield

~Faster Maturity

~Stronger Cotton Fibers

~Less Loss of Crops

Most Interesting FactMost Interesting FactFood Properties of the

genetically modified variety

Modification Percent in US

Soybeans Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate

herbicides

Herbicide resistant gene taken from

bacteria inserted into soybean

89%

Corn, field Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides, Insect resistance - using Bt proteins some previously used as pesticides in organic crop production.

New genes added/transferred into plant genome.

60%

CloningCloning

Dolly the Sheep (First Clone)

CloningCloningCloningCloningCloningCloningCloningCloning

Mapping of the Human GenomeMapping of the Human Genome

Tools of the Genetic EngineerTools of the Genetic EngineerGel Electrophoresis

Pipetteman

Separating genes based on their size – using Electricity

Need to dye the genes to see them – sometimes they are nasty chemicals

Tools of the Genetic EngineerTools of the Genetic Engineer

Eppendorf Tubes

Tiny amounts of material (microliters)

Centrifuges (spin wicked fast)

Adding and/or Removing GenesAdding and/or Removing Genes

23 Pairs of Chromosomes23 Pairs of ChromosomesGene