1. Introduction to Genetics and Biotechnology
Honors Genetics
Ms. Gaynor

2. Myths About Genetics

3. What is Genetics?
the study of how genes act to produce the characteristics of a living organism.
This course will be divided into 3 areas of study:
classical genetics
how traits are inherited
molecular genetics
how DNA encodes traits
genomics
how all an organism's genes function and interact.

4. What will we study in Honors Genetics class?
DNA and its function!
We’ll mostly talk about eukaryotic cells (like yours) but we will also talk about prokaryotic (bacterial) molecular genetics.
Topics will include
DNA (gene) interactions
Chromosomal inheritance
Cancer
Biotechnology
Mutations
GMO’s, stem cells and cloning

5. Central Dogma of Biology
Where does it all START?
Central Dogma of Biology
TRAIT

6. Did you know?
Scientist named Mendel 1st started studying genetics in 1800’s.
BUT…DNA’s structure was discovered in 1953.
Study of heredity called GENETICS evolved QUICKLY from the days of Gregor Mendel to DNA in LESS THAN 100 YRS!
Discovery of the DOUBLE HELIX launched era of Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology 

7. What came next in 1980’s?
BIOTECHNOLOGY
use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment.
I LOVE GENETICS!

8. How do we use Biotechnology?
Biotechnology helps us:
Manipulating (change) DNA
Allows us to replicate (clone) cells/ whole animals
Turn genes “on” and “off”
Biotechnology is continually expanding….
I’m called Copy Cat. What’s Your Name?

9. Why is Biotechnology (Genetic Engineering) Important?
Biotechnology has been used for
Paternal/Maternal testing and Gene therapy
Forensic science/Criminology
Medicines and therapies
Gene Mapping
Evolutionary relationships
GMO’s
Increased insect & viral resistance
nutritional enhancement (new traits)

10. Biotechnology has 4 Applications in Major Industrial Areas
health care (medical)
Ex: hormone (insulin) production, genetic testing, gene therapy and cloning
crop production and agriculture
Ex: GMO foods, beer/milk products
non food (industrial) uses of crops and other products
Ex: Biodegradable plastics and biofuels
Environmental uses
Ex: bioconversion of waste using genetically altered bacteria in cleanup of oil spills

11. Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics are New and Expanding Fields
studies genome (DNA) sequences
Proteomics (DNA  mRNA  protein)
studies protein (amino acid) sequences that lead to traits and characteristics
All life has a common origin, and genes with similar functions in different organisms are similar in structure and DNA sequence.

12. Human Genome Project *Completed April 2003
3 billion base pairs long
~13 yrs to complete
~$3 billion dollars

13. How do scientists study Genetics?
Use MODEL ORGANISMS
An organism whose genetic material has been altered by genetic engineering techniques
Model organisms for genetic study meet certain criteria:
easy to grow
short life cycle
produce many offspring
relatively inexpensive
easy to manipulate/mutate
“KNOCK OUT” or “TURN OFF” genes then look for consequences

14. What are some common MODEL organisms?
E. Coli bacteria
Yeast
Nematode (round) worms called C. Elegans
Fruit Fly called Drosophila melanogaster
Common Mouse

15. Why not use HUMANS? Too big ~40,000 genes on 46 chromosomes
100 trillion cells (excluding RBC’s)
5-6 feet tall
~40,000 genes on 46 chromosomes
6 FEET of DNA
Lifespan is long (40-75 years on average)
New generation ~every 25 years
Hard to mutate! Wait…it’s not ethical either!
HUMANS ARE NOT AN EXPERIMENTAL ORGANISM 

16. E. Coli bacteria (prokaryote)
Commonly found in human digestive system
4288 genes on 1 chromosome
Rapid growth
Simple food needs
VERY easy to manipulate its DNA
Use their plasmids

17. Yeast (unicellular, eukaryote)
Very small and easy to find
4000 line up to make 1 inch!
Reproduces easily
6000 genes on 6 chromosomes
31% are equivalent to human genes
Its ENTIRE genome of DNA was completely sequenced in 1996.

18. C. Elegans (Round worm) (multicellular, eukaryote)
Very small
1 mm long!
Hermaphrodites (male & female parts)
Life span: 2-3 weeks
New offspring EVERY 3 days
19,099 genes
Many equivalent to human genes
Taught us about:
Cell suicide (apoptosis) and cell health, animal development

19. Fruit Fly called Drosophila melanogaster (multicellular, eukaryote)
Small
4 mm long!
Life span: 2-3 months
New offspring EVERY 10 days
13,600 genes
Many equivalent to human genes
Its ENTIRE genome of DNA was completely sequenced in 2000.
Lots of mutations to study!

20. Zebrafish (eukarytic, vertebrate)
Vertebrate (like mice)
Closer to humans than fruit flies or worms
These fish lay 100’s of translucent eggs OUTSIDE the female’s body
Can see developmental mutations easily!

21. Common Mouse (multicellular, eukaryote)
CLOSEST relative to human among the “MODELS”
Vertebrates & mammals like humans
Life span: 2 years
New offspring EVERY 9 weeks
~40,000 genes (same as humans)
~99% are equivalent to human genes

22. Common Mouse (multicellular, eukaryote)
CLOSEST relative to human among the “MODELS”
Vertebrates & mammals like humans
Life span: 2 years
New offspring EVERY 9 weeks
~40,000 genes (same as humans)
~99% are equivalent to human genes

23. Human Disease Genes ALSO Found in Model Organisms
Flies, worms, and yeast share genes with humans for DISEASE, such as:
Cardiac Disease
Deafness
Pancreatic Cancer
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Skin Cancer
Wilson’s Disease
Colon Cancer
Leukemia
Cystic Fibrosis

24. We Live in the Age of Genetics
Genetics is the core of biology.
Helps to understand the functions and malfunctions of a biological system.
Next up…the study of different cell types!