1. DNA and Humans
What can we do with DNA?

2. DNA DNA stands for: Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA is in the nucleus of EACH of our cells
It is the genetic information that makes us what we are.

3. DNA DNA stands for: Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA is in the nucleus of EACH of our cells
It is the genetic information that makes us what we are.

4. What’s it made of? DNA is a double helix (see picture on left)
If you straighten it out, DNA looks like a ladder.
2 parts:
Backbone
Nitrogen base

5. DNA Structure
There are 4 possible bases: A, T, C, G The bases always come in pairs. A pairs with T (A-T) G pairs with C (G-C)

6. If I gave you one strand of DNA, what would the other strand read
If I gave you one strand of DNA, what would the other strand read? Remember how they pair up!
A A T C C G T
The complementary strand would read TTAGGCA

7. DNA doubles in mitosis in a process called replication
DNA doubles in mitosis in a process called replication. The two sides of DNA split apart and new bases fill in the blanks.
The complementary strand would read TTAGGCA

8. Discovering DNA Use your separate handout for this section.
This is a picture of Rosalind Franklin and her x-ray of DNA.

9. Discovering DNA
Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA in They’re pretty much a big deal!

10. Genetic Engineering Manipulating genes within organisms.
Scientists can change one gene in an organism, and we can even put genes from one organism into another!

11. Genetic Engineering Manipulating genes within organisms.
Scientists can change one gene in an organism, and we can even put genes from one organism into another!

12. Genetic Engineering
A GMO (genetically modified organism) is an organism in which the DNA has been altered.
2000 reasons why GMOs are safe to eat (Forbes article):

13. Genetic Engineering
A GMO (genetically modified organism) is an organism in which the DNA has been altered.
2000 reasons why GMOs are safe to eat (Forbes article):

14. ~45% of US corn and ~85% of US soybeans are genetically engineered
Genetic Engineering
~45% of US corn and ~85% of US soybeans are genetically engineered
People get worried about eating GMOs, but they are as safe or safer to eat than conventional or organic foods!
2000 reasons why GMOs are safe to eat (Forbes article):

15. When would genetic engineering be useful? (USEFUL, not “cool”)
In food?
In diseases?
In humans?
In non-human organisms?
2000 reasons why GMOs are safe to eat (Forbes article):

16. Genetic Disorders
A genetic disorder is an illness caused by abnormalities in DNA.
These are usually congenital diseases. “Congenital” means you’re born with it.
Most are very rare.

17. Genetic Disorders They come in different ways. Some are dominant:
Huntington’s disease
Marfan syndrome

18. Huntington’s Disease
People with this disease usually start seeing symptoms between years old.
Problems with mood or mental ability
Loss of coordination
Mental and physical abilities decline, requires full-time care
No cure

19. Marfan Syndrome
This syndrome affects connective tissue. It is congenital.
Elongated arms, legs, fingers
Tall and thin body
Chest deformed
Flexible joints
Can be fatal
(problems with
heart)

20. Genetic Disorders Some are recessive: Cystic fibrosis
Sickle cell anemia

21. Cystic Fibrosis
The body makes a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and pancreas (can be deadly)
People with this used to have a life expectancy of about 14; now they can expect to live into their 40s.
Other symptoms: salty skin, constant cough, poor growth, difficulty digesting

22. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a dominant gene. A man heterozygous for cystic fibrosis marries a woman without it. What percent of their children will have this disease?

23. Genetic Disorders Many are linked to the X chromosome Hemophilia
Red-green color blindness
Muscular dystrophy

24. Hemophilia
Blood doesn’t clot normally. (Bleed for longer, easier to bruise.) Life-threatening.
A recessive gene carried on the X chromosome.
A mother who is a carrier for hemophilia has children. What percentage of her SONS will have hemophilia?

25. Genetic Disorders
Many of disorders are due to multiple factors (which makes genetics tricky to follow)
Asthma
Down syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Cancers
Cleft palate
Diabetes
Heart disease
Infertility

26. Humans and DNA
What do we use DNA for? Designer babies? Super powers? Is it right to alter DNA? Always? Never? Sometimes?