Transcript Changing the Living World

Changing the Living
World:
Manipulating DNA
Tools
o Restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA into
small usable pieces
o Gel electrophoresis separates the DNA
o Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to
make copies of DNA
o http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Changing the Living
World:
Genetic
Engineering
What is it?
o Transfer of DNA sequences from one
organism to another
o Can include entire genes
o Shows that some genes from animals and
plants can work in each other
Transgenic organisms
o Organisms that contain genes from other species
o Gene from one organism can be inserted into
cells from another organism
o Why do we use this?
o Use bacteria to produce important substances (insulin)
o Bacteria reproduce quickly and are easy to grow
Cloning
o Clone – member of a population of genetically identical
cells that is produced from a single cell
o 1997 – Ian Wilmut cloned a sheep (Dolly)
o Nucleus of egg cell removed
o Cell then fused with cell taken from another adult
o Fused cell then divides and embryo placed in surrogate to
develop
Cloning ethics
o Ethical and moral issues for humans leave some
opposing the work for humans
Transgenic animals and plants
o Animals used to improve food
supply
o Mice produced with genes to
make their immune system act
like a humans
o Allows scientists to study effect of
diseases
o Genetically modified crops may
not need insecticide spray
o Crops that can resist weed killing
sprays