BIOTECHNOLOGY

Chapter 9

Biotechnology

•Scientist change an organism’s DNA to give it new traits.

•Possible because all organisms have the same Genetic Code

What are the benefits?

•Medicines•Agriculture Advancements

Gene Therapy

•Gene Therapy - the replacement of faulty genes in humans• Attempts to replace

defective or missing genes or add new genes to treat a disease.

Gene Therapy

•Diseases currently Treated with Gene Therapy:•Cystic fibrosis•Hemophilia •Cancer

Restriction Enzymes

•“Cuts” DNA•Act like molecular “scissors”

•Lets scientist take out and insert a new gene

Genetic Engineering

•Restriction enzymes cut out a specific gene

•Gene is inserted into new organism

Transgenic Organism (Genetically Modified Organism)

•Has one or more foreign genes inserted in it’s DNA

Example Transgenic Organism

•Transgenic bacteria used to make insulin

•Human insulin gene is cut out of human DNA

•Insulin inserted into Bacteria DNA

•Bacteria makes the Human protein the gene coded for

Uses of Transgenic Organisms

•Transgenic plants used in agriculture

•Creates crops resistant to frost, diseases, drought, and insects

•Food produced more quickly and cheaply

Uses of Transgenic Organisms

•Medical: Bacteria with human DNA make human proteins or vaccines•Corn with hepatitis vaccine inserted

•GMO mosquitos that help reduce number of mosquitos that carry Zika virus

•Bioremediation: GM

bacteria that break down

oil, mercury, radioactive

waste etc.

Concerns about Genetic Engineering

• Possible long-term health effects of eating GM foods

• Possible effects of GM (genetically modified) plants on ecosystems and biodiversity

Current Events in Biotech

• http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/11/20/genetically-modified-salmon-it-could-be-whats-for-dinner/

What do you think?

1. What is the issue in the news about salmon?

2. How is this related to what you just learned?

3. What is your personal opinion about this salmon? Explain why?

4. Will you eat this salmon?