Genetic Engineering vs. DNA Biotechnology Based on knowledge of Human
Genome Project Craig Venter & Celera Genomics Over 6 bill. Nucleotide bases in 20-
30,000 genes! Established nucleotide sequence of
genes (genomics) and proteins made (proteomics) & how they interact
Changing Traits - Gene Manipulation Inducing mutations to DNA Selective Breeding
Select parents with desirable phenotypes– “mass selection”
hybridization offspring express “hybrid vigor”
Liger Information An average adult male liger can weigh over 900 pounds.
An adult male Siberian tiger can grow to an average weight of 500 pounds,
An adult African lion can average 450 pounds.
The reproductive process that creates a liger leaves out the growth inhibitor gene present in the male lion and the female tiger, and the result is an enormous offspring that has the best physical and mental characteristics of the parents.
It is important to note that there are no documented cases of ligers appearing naturally in the wild. Lions and tigers do not share territory and the chances of contact between the two groups is slim due to their differing natures.
Direct gene manipulation – Genetic Engineering
Changing actual gene code of organism Recombinant DNA - Combining DNA
from 2 different organisms Creates a chimera or transgenic organism Requires recognition of coding sequences of
gene, including promotors, terminators, transcription factors and enhancers
Tools Genomic maps of DNA Genomic libraries Restriction Enzymes/Restriction
Endonucleases (DNA scissors) cut at known sequences in specific places (pallindromes)
Ligase Cloning vector
Surrogate mothers, bacterial plasmid, yeasts, or viruses
Benefits of Genetic Engineering
Make drugs easily & cheaply, i.e. insulin Make vaccines New and useful chimeras – genetically
engineered crops for disease or insect resistance, increased yield
Save DNA from endangered species Customized Rx – metabomics
Risks? Genethics? Moral and ethical implications of genetic
engineering Cloning a super race Frankenfoods Bringing back the dead What are YOUR concerns?
Gene Therapy & cloning How to transfer the correct gene into an
affected individual? Cloning vectors Bacterial plasmids Viruses yeasts
DNA Fingerprinting Comparison of DNA found in blood samples, tissue
samples, etc. to identify individuals for classification, criminology, paternity suits, etc.
Can determine diseases & genetic defects Tracing family history & evolution
RFLP Analysis Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphism Extract DNA & make copies
PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction “digest” with restriction enzymes Separate fragments in gel
electrophoresis compare - 5 banding images is a match