1. MILLER-LEVINE BIOLOGY BOOK
Genetic
Engineering
MILLER-LEVINE BIOLOGY BOOK
PAGES

2. BREEDING TECHNIQUES

3. Description: Selective Breeding:
 The oldest and most obvious way of improving species
 Select a few individuals to serve as parents for the next generation
 Cross individuals with a desired trait
Example(s): Luther Burbank produced 250 new varieties of fruit in addition to the daisy and Burbank Potato

4. Description: Inbreeding:
Technique used to maintain a stock of similar organisms
Individuals with similar characteristics are crossed so the traits will appear again in next generation
PROBLEM: Increased risk of recessive genetic defects.
Example(s): Purebred dogs

5. Description: Hybridization:
A cross between dissimilar individuals of different, but related species
Offspring are often hardier than either parent
Example(s): Commercially grown corn

6. Description: Mutagens:
A breeder might not want to wait for a beneficial mutation to appear naturally. They catalyze this!
Mutagens include radiation and chemicals. They cause mutations
With luck and time, breeders end up with “good” mutants
Example(s): Useful bacterial strains. Some bacteria can digest oil are are useful in cleaning up oil spills.

7. GENETIC ENGINEERING
ARTIFICIALLY ALTERING GENETIC MAKE-UP, OFTEN USING DNA FROM ONE ORGANISM IN ANOTHER

8. Restriction Enzymes: STEP 1: ISOLATE THE DESIRED GENE
Proteins that cut DNA sequences at specific regions
More than 75 are known
Each one recognizes a specific site of 4-6 nucleotide pairs and cuts
Make it possible to cut DNA into fragment that can be isolated, separated and analyzed

9. STEP 2: COMBINE THE GENE(S) WITH DNA FROM RECIPIENT ORGANISM
DNA Recombination:
Insert desired gene into organism--often bacterial plasmid (small circular pieces of bacterial DNA)
DNA now consists of parts from different kinds of organisms
This is “recombinant DNA”

10. DNA Insertion: STEP 3: INSERT COMBINED DNA INTO NEW ORGANISM
It is easiest to transfer DNA into bacterial cells
Mix plasmids in with millions of bacteria in a salt solution
Altered plasmids will carry foreign DNA into bacterial cells
Bacteria are isolated and grown into large colonies to magnify the amount of the gene (DNA cloning)
Using different techniques, recombinant DNA can be inserted into yeast cells, animals and plants

11. DETERMINING THE NUCLEOTIDES ON DNA, USING GEL ELECROPHORESIS
GENETIC SCREENING
DETERMINING THE NUCLEOTIDES ON DNA, USING GEL ELECROPHORESIS

12. DNA Sequencing: READ NEW SEQUENCES OF DNA
Only one strand is used in DNA sequencing
Many copies of the strand are needed and produced via DNA cloning
Add radioactive phosphorus to DNA
Divide DNA into 4 groups that undergo different chemical treatments that break DNA into pieces
DNA pieces are separated by gel electrophoresis and banding patterns are analyzed to reveal sequence of bases

13. ORGANISMS THAT CONTAIN FOREIGN GENES
TRANSGENIC ORGANISMS
ORGANISMS THAT CONTAIN FOREIGN GENES

14. Description: BACTERIA:
Organisms that contain foreign genes are transgenic
When a gene coding for a human protein is inserted into bacteria, the recombinant cells may produce large amounts of the protein
Example(s): Human growth hormone, Insulin to treat diabetes, Interferon to block growth of viruses and treat cancer

15. PLANTS:
Description:
DNA can be injected into plant cells directly or attached to plasmids of certain species of bacteria that infect plant cells
Example(s):
The goal is to produce plants that manufacture natural insecticides and fertilizer
Firefly gene inserted into tobacco plant and it glowed!

16. Description: ANIMALS:
DNA can be introduced into reproductive cells by injection, among other techniques
Example(s):
Scientists introduced growth hormone gene from rainbow trout into carp. The new fish were bigger and faster growing.
Another goal is to produce farm animals that are resistant to disease.

17. The production of genetically identical organisms from single cells
CLONING
The production of genetically identical organisms from single cells

18. Description: CLONED ANIMALS:
The nucleus of an egg cell is removed and replaced with a nucleus taken from an adult organism
The egg is grown inside a foster mother
The newborn is a genetic copy of the adult from which the nucleus was taken
Example(s):
In 1997 “Dolly” the sheep was cloned. Cows and mice have been cloned as well.

19. Genetic Engineering to treat disease
GENE THERAPY:
Transgenic Humans
Genetic Engineering to treat disease

20. Are you FOR or AGAINST GENETIC ENGINEERING?
GENETIC ENGINEERING IN HUMANS:
Description:
Transgenic humans can be produced by inserting foreign genes into human cells
Remove cells from an individual and grow them in culture. Transform with a corrective gene and reinsert
Viruses can be modified so they cannot cause disease
Now that you have some scientific background you can make and support your arguments.
Are you FOR or AGAINST GENETIC ENGINEERING?
Example(s):
Cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease and sickle-cell anemia are examples of genetic disorders that could be treated in this manner

21. Legislative Analyst - presents the necessary scientific background required to understand the genetic engineering application and the proposition – the law that is being proposed. Paper and presentation should include:
Description of proposition
Explanation of SCIENCE background relevant to proposition
Proponent - presents the argument in favor of the proposition and the science supporting the proposition.
Paper and presentation should include:
Position (YES on proposition)
Explanation of SCIENCE in support of proposition
Relevant ethical issues related to proposition
Opponent - presents the rebuttal to the argument in favor of the proposition and the science against the proposition.
Position (NO on proposition)
Explanation of SCIENCE against of proposition