GENETIC ENGINEERING AND THE USE OF

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY

GOALS

Understand the concept of genetic engineering

Understand key terms and concepts related to the science of engineering

Take a closer look at how Genetic Engineering has incorporated itself into our society.

SHORT REVIEW* DNA stores an organism's genetic information and controls the production of proteins !

*These proteins form the basis for the structural framework of life!

PROGRESSION OF MEDICAL SCIENCE

*Genes can now be changed by genetic engineering.

GENETIC ENGINEERING: WHAT IS IT?

*Scientists insert the genetic instructions to make a specific protein in a cell’s DNA.

*The cell will manufacture the protein , which will affect a particular characteristic.

*The cell will then pass its new information on to its offspring.

HOW IS THIS DONE?

Molecular biologists have discovered many different enzymes that change the structure of DNA in living organisms.

Some of these enzymes can cut and join strands of DNA.

Using such enzymes, scientists were able to cut specific genes from DNA and build customized DNA using these genes.

INCORPORATING THE CUSTOMIZED DNA INTO LIVING ORGANISMS

VECTOR: A vehicle for transferring genetic material into a cell. (Example : Bacterium producing insulin )

FREEZING TOMATOES!

*Genetic Engineers believe that we can improve the foods we eat by doing this!

-Tomatoes are sensitive to frost

-This shortens their growing season.

ANTIFREEZE PROTEIN

-Some fish, on the other hand, survive in very cold water.

-Scientists identified a particular gene which enables a flounder to resist cold.

-They then used the technology of Genetic Engineering to insert this ‘anti-freeze’ gene into a tomato.

-This makes it possible to extend the growing season of the tomato!

THIS IS JUST ONE SIMPLE WAY GENETIC ENGINEERING IS BEING USED!!

-Other ways include:

Eliminating Genetic Diseases Medicine Genetically Modified

Organisms-Animals-Food