What is the link?

E – Describe the process of genetic engineering C – Explain the advantages and disadvantages and interpret data A – Evaluate the technology Objectives

The tools of gene technology Restriction endonucleases – allow DNA to be cut Reverse transcriptase – copies DNA DNA ligase – rejoins DNA

Recombinant DNA DNA LigaseRestriction endonuclease Sticky ends

Inserting genes Plasmids can be cut open with restriction endonucleases If a gene is cut out with the same enzyme they will have complementary sticky ends DNA ligase seals up the gap in between by forming a phosphodiester bond

How do you know if a cell has been transformed? Radioactive probe –Complementary to DNA –DNA hybridises with the probe –Those cells are selected and grown up to obtain a pure culture of those cells Antibiotic resistance –Cells which have taken up the plasmid will grow on the medium

Agricultural: Flavr savr tomato ripens slower Golden Rice produces more vitamin A Applications Industrial: Enzymes produced cheaply in large amounts (chymosin) Medical: Hormones (growth hormone, insulin)

Conversion of mRNA to cDNA, using reverse transcriptase. Activity: –Now that you know the correct sequence complete the cut and stick worksheet to put the synthesis of cDNA into the correct order –Add any extra details about the process which is occurring

Conversion of mRNA to cDNA, using reverse transcriptase. Activity: –Now that you know the correct sequence complete the cut and stick worksheet to put the synthesis of cDNA into the correct order –Add any extra details about the process which is occurring

cDNA cDNA is DNA formed from an mRNA template using reverse transcriptase –Requirements are: primers dNTPs Reverse transcriptase DNA polymerase Reverse transcriptase works first followed by DNA polymerase (RNAase can be used to digest unwanted RNA)

Reverse Transcriptase

mRNA  cDNA Four basic reagents are needed to produce cDNA: mRNA as template, dNTPs, reverse transcriptase and primers.

Owner of a biotechnology company

Environmental activist

Government official responsible for issuing public announcements on the technology

Archbishop of Canterbury responsible for the moral decisions of 60% of the UK.

Less pesticides need to be used for resistant crops. Hormones can be produced that will not be rejected when put in to humans Not that different from selective breeding but less inbreeding necessary No idea what will happen when new genomes are released into the environment No one knows the health risks of GM foods Flavr savr tomatoes do not require chemicals to stop ripening. Better for health? Multinationals think they are God creating and patenting life No one has the right to mess with teleos Genetic “mistakes” are made on purpose Is this paving the way to eugenics, selectively breeding humans

E – Describe the process of genetic engineering D – Explain the advantages and disadvantages C – Evaluate the technology Objectives