DNA Technology

• Bio.3.3.1• Summarize the process of gel

electrophoresis as a technique to separate molecules based on size. Students should learn the general steps of gel

• – using restrictions enzymes to cut DNA into different sized fragments and running those fragments on gels with longer fragments moving slower than faster ones.

• Interpret or “read” a gel.• Exemplify applications of DNA

fingerprinting - identifying individuals; identifying and cataloging endangered species.

• Bio.3.3.2• Generalize the applications of

transgenic organisms (plants, animals, & bacteria) in agriculture and industry including pharmaceutical applications such as the production of human insulin.

• Summarize the steps in bacterial transformation (insertion of a gene into a bacterial plasmid, getting bacteria to take in the plasmid, selecting the transformed bacteria, and producing the product).

• Bio.3.3.3• Identify the reasons for establishing

the Human Genome Project.• Recognize that the project is useful in

determining whether individuals may carry genes for genetic conditions and in developing gene therapy.

• Evaluate some of the science of gene therapy. (e.g. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency and Cystic Fibrosis)

• SCID, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, is a primary immune deficiency. The defining characteristic is usually a severe defect in both the T- & B-lymphocyte systems

SCID

• SCID is often called "bubble boy disease". SCID became widely known during the 1970's and 80's, when the world learned of David Vetter, a boy with X-linked SCID, who lived for 12 years in a plastic, germ-free bubble.

• Treated T cells with correct DNA• Accidentally interfered with anti-leukemia

gene

Cystic Fibrosis

• A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

• clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and

• obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

• In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

• http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2012/120316.html

• Critique the ethical issues and implications of genomics and biotechnology (stem cell research, gene therapy and genetically modified organisms).

Genomics

• Genomics is the study of the genomes of organisms. The field includes intensive efforts to determine the entire DNA sequence of organisms and fine-scale genetic mapping efforts.

• Thus, genomics is the study of all the genes of a cell, or tissue, at the DNA (genotype), mRNA (transcriptome), or protein (proteome) levels."

Human Genome Project

• identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA,

• determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA,

• store this information in databases, • improve tools for data analysis, • transfer related technologies to the private sector,

and • address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that

may arise from the project.

Gene therapy

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any human gene therapy product for sale.

• Genes may not reproduce• Immune response to viral vectors

• Nanotechnology + gene therapy yields treatment to torpedo cancer. March, 2009. The School of Pharmacy in London is testing a treatment in mice, which delivers genes wrapped in nanoparticles to cancer cells to target and destroy hard-to-reach cancer cells. Read BBC article.