Bio Unit 7 Notes: Biotech & GMOs

Biotechnology: the use of organisms to develop or make useful products

GOAL: Change an organism’s DNA to give it new traits Benefits can include: healthier, stronger, faster growing, new variety, needed or desired traits Possible because ALL organisms use the same genetic code

Artificial Selection: selectively breeding organisms for a desired trait

Artificial Selection Is An Ancient Method Crops & Animals have been bred by farmers to be Larger Healthier Or just to have a specific look or taste

Artificial Selected Organisms Are Common

Genetic Engineering: directly changing an organisms DNA

Human Genome Project Sequenced and indentified all of the DNA Mapped where every gene is on each chromosome

Proteomics Study of all the proteins REMEMBER: All DNA is transcribed but not all of it is translated to make proteins

Genetic Engineering Is New And Controversial

Genetic Engineering Changes The DNA Recombinant DNA = DNA that contains genes from more than one organism Transgenic Organisms = Organisms that contain genes from other species in their DNA Also referred to as GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms

Other Biotech - Cloning Creating a genetic copy of an organism Useful for: manufacturing tissue Producing more transgenic individuals

Other Biotech – Gene Therapy Altering or Adding genes to treat a genetic disorder Many treatments are still being tested Useful for: Diabetes Cancer Hemophilia Eventually any genetic disorder

Other Biotech – Stem Cells Stem cells have not yet specialized, so they can become any body cell Useful for replacing tissue or organs Useful for: Growing new organs Repairing G0 cells that normally don’t repair after damage