Practical Application of DNA Technology

What is DNA Technology?DNA technology refers to a wide range techniques used to study, improve, create, or manipulate the genetic material.

What Are Some Techniques in DNA Technology?

You find a healthy person willing to donate some pancreatic cells.Microtubes

Refrigerated Centrifuge

Restriction EnzymeTo isolate the insulin gene from the numerous genes found in the DNA obtained from the cells, the DNA must be cut into many tiny fragments.

Gene AmplificationYou can make many copies of each DNA fragment by gene amplification using a technique polymerase gene amplification.

Gel ElectrophoresisPlacing the DNA fragments on a gel subjected to an electric field. The fragments move at different speeds and separate from each other along the length of the gel.Technique: gene isolation

Gene MappingFinding the exact location of a gene in the 46 chromosome of the human cell.

Recombinant DNA TechnologyYou introduce the insulin gene into a bacterium. Bacteria contain circular DNAs called plasmids.

Refers to the process of creating a DNA molecule by joining together DNA or segments of DNA obtained from two different species.

Gene CloningAllowing the transformed bacterial cell to reproduce itself. In the process, more bacteria will posses the human insulin gene.

Given favorable conditions, the bacterial colony will express the gene by producing insulin.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

DNA technology has important uses in basic research and potential applications in medicine, industry, agriculture, and forensics.

Practical Applications

MEDICINEIt has been used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, correction of genetic disorders, and manufacture of hormones and other pharmaceutical products.

Newborn ScreeningSimple test done on infants with 48 hours after delivery.Congenital metabolic disorder• Phenylketonuria• Congenital hyperthyroidism• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia• Galactosemia• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)

Gene TherapyDetectible genetic disorders may be corrected through a procedure called gene therapy.Involves:1. Extraction of a few cell from the patient2. Addition of functional genes in a cells of the

patient that carries defective ones3. Reintroduction of the corrected cells into the

patient

ImmunizationTo five a vaccine to prevent infection by a diseases.

AGRICULTURE• Increased milk production in cows.• Diseases resistance• Insect resistance• Herbicide tolerance in crops• Delayed ripening of fruit.

FORENSICSTommie Lee Andrew