DNA

Technology
Biology

Essential Question
How

are technologies used to

manipulate the genetic code?

Objective:

We will describe how

techniques such as DNA fingerprinting,
genetic modifications, and chromosomal
analysis are used to study the genomes
of organisms.

Genetic Engineering
Genetic

engineering is the process of

manipulating genes for practical
purposes.
It uses recombinant DNA (DNA from
two or more different organisms) to
transcribe and translate different genes
into proteins
This works because DNA is universal.

Steps in
Genetic
Engineering
1.

DNA is cut by
restriction enzymes

2.
3.

4.

Restriction enzymes are

bacterial enzymes that
bind to specific short
sequences of DNA

Recombinant DNA is
produced.
The gene is cloned when
bacteria are allowed to
reproduce
Cells undergo selection
and then are screened
for desired gene.

Confirming a Cloned Gene

1.
2.

DNA from each bacterial clone colony is cut with

restriction enzymes.
DNA fragments are separated by gel
electrophoresis

3.
4.

Gel electrophoresis is a technique that uses an electric

field within a gel to separate molecules by their size

DNA is transferred to filter paper (blotted). A probe

is added.
Only DNA fragments that contain the gene of
interest bind to the probes and form visible bands.

Gel Electrophoresis

Human Applications

The Human Genome Project (2001)

Identified all 3.2 billion base pairs of DNA that

makes up the human genome (30,000 to
40,000 genes that code for proteins)

Genetically Engineered Drugs

Vaccines

Genes that encode the surface proteins of

harmful viruses are inserted into harmless
viruses to create antibodies to fight the
infection

Human Applications

DNA fingerprinting

Shows patterns of dark

bands on a photographic
film that is made when an
individuals DNA restriction
fragments are separated
by gel electrophoresis
Can be compared to
establish relation (paternity
cases), determine guilt
(forensics), or identify
genetic disorders

Genetically Modified Crops

Pros

Resistant to insects
Resistant to droughts
Resistant to weedkillers
More nutritious

Cons

May give rise to more

resistant weeds and pests
Can be cause of allergies
Legal concerns with gene
flow between GM crops
and organic farms

Transgenic Animals and Cloning

Transgenic

Animals

Animals who have had

human genes added to
their genomes to produce
complex human proteins

Cloning

Creating herds of
genetically identical
animals for
pharmaceutical research
Few have survived long,
many developmental
problems

Remember
These

are Cornell notes, so

3 questions in the left hand column

Honors-

2 must be Costas level 2 or 3

Regulars- 1 must be Costas level 2 or 3

Summary at the bottom of the page