Biotechnology Topic1. Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology Topic 1
Genetic Engineering

1. BIOTECHNOLOGY What is ? 1

2. the use of biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society Biotechnology is 2

3. the use of biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society Biotechnology is 3

4. GENETIC ENGINEERING 4

5. GENETIC ENGINEERING direct manipulation of an organism’s DNA using biotechnology. 5

6. GENETIC ENGINEERING It allows scientists to add, remove, or modify genes to achieve desired traits. Also called genetic modification (GM). 6

7. KEY CONCEPTS 7

8. GENE A unit of DNA that carries instructions for traits. 8

9. GENOME The complete set of genes in an organism. 9

10. RECOMBINANT DNA DNA created by combining genetic material from different organisms. 10

11. STEPS IN GENETIC ENGINEERING Identify and isolate the desired gene Insert the gene into a vector Transfer into Host Organism Gene Expression Selection & Cloning 11 1 2 3 4 5

12. Scientists locate the gene of interest responsible for a trait The gene is isolated using restriction enzymes (molecular scissors). Example: Human insulin gene. STEP 1: GENE IDENTIFICATION & ISOLATION 12

13. The gene is placed inside a vector (carrier), usually a plasmid. Plasmid is cut open with the same restriction enzyme. The desired gene is inserted and joined with DNA ligase (enzyme glue). STEP 2: INSERTION INTO A VECTOR 13

14. The recombinant plasmid is introduced into a host organism (often bacteria). The host takes up the new DNA through a process called transformation. STEP3: TRANSFER INTO HOST ORGANISM 14

15. The host organism begins using the new gene as if it were its own. The protein coded by the gene is produced (e.g., bacteria making human insulin). STEP 4: GENE EXPRESSION 15

16. Scientists select organisms that successfully took up the gene. These organisms are cloned to produce large quantities. Results in mass production of useful products. STEP 5: SELECTION & CLONING 16

17. Production of insulin, vaccines, and growth hormones. Gene therapy to treat genetic disorders. Applications of Genetic Engineering 17 Genetically modified (GM) crops resistant to pests, drought, or disease. Nutrient-enriched crops Enzymes for food production (cheese, detergents). Biofuels from genetically engineered microbes.

18. BENEFITS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING Improves food supply and nutrition. 18 Provides new medicines and treatments. Boosts industrial efficiency. Helps protect the environment

19. RISKS AND ETHICAL ISSUES Possible unintended side effects 19 Ethical debates on “playing God” with DNA Environmental risks Concerns about GMOs and food safety.

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