Genetic use of biological resources

• Genetic engineering

  Genetic engineering is the science of manipulating genetic material, modifying it and using it to help with such things as medicine and food science. How this is carried out is fairly simple to explain. Take for example the creation of bacteria that can produce human insulin to help people with diabetes
• Recombinant DNA


  We have already discussed DNA earlier in this course, but here is a brief recap of some important information. A gene is a small section of a strand of DNA that allows the production of a single protein type. Each sequence of three base pairs (a triplet) codes for one specific amino acid
• Restriction Enzymes (endonucleases)


  The enzymes act to cut DNA at specific points
• DNA Ligase


  These are enzymes that act to join the cut ends of the DNA together ultimately producing recombinant DNA
• Genetic modification of plants


  the process by which a gene can be transferred from the DNA of one species and introduced into a bacterium or virus. Bacteria and viruses are very simple organisms, far more simple than plants or animalsWith plants, therefore, genetic modification is a two- stage process:1.Introduce the new gene to a single plant cell (or a small number) as described above.2.Grow an entire plant from those few cells. This way every new cell will have the recombinant DNA.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of using genetic modification

  Advantages:Increased resistance to pestsIncreased resistance to pathogensIncreased heat and drought resistanceIncreased tolerance of extreme conditionsIncreased crop yieldsPotentially increased nutritional contentDisadvantages:We do not know the long term side effects of eating genetically modified cropsWe do not know the environmental impactWe do not know if the genetic modification will stay within the modified plants or spread naturally to non-GM cropsIn essence, we do not know categorically, if it is safeA small number of huge biotechnology companies control the patents and control the markets for seeds. This kind of cartel is generally very unhealthy for competition and for the consumer getting the best deal
• Cloning

  →What is cloning?Cloning is the process of producing identical copies of an organism, or a group of cells, through asexual reproduction. This can be accomplished through several methods, including the use of stem cells or the duplication of genetic material.→What are the different types of cloning?There are several different types of cloning, including:Reproductive cloning: This involves creating an exact genetic copy of an organism through the transfer of genetic material into an egg cell.Therapeutic cloning: This involves creating an identical copy of a specific group of cells, such as stem cells, for medical purposes.Gene cloning: This involves copying a specific gene for research or therapeutic purposes.→What are the benefits of cloning in biology?The benefits of cloning in biology include:Studying the genetics of organisms and the role of specific genes in development and disease.Creating new treatments for diseases by producing identical copies of cells with specific genetic information.Preserving endangered species by producing identical copies through cloning.
• Stem cells

  Stem cells are cells that have not undergone differentiation. A cell which has not yet become specialised is called undifferentiated.An embryo develops from a fertilised egg. Cells at early stages in the development of the embryo are stem cells.If embryonic stem cells are removed from the embryo they will differentiate into any cell type.Some adult stem cells remain in the bodies of adults. These are found in limited numbers at certain locations in the body. Adult stem cells can be found in:nosebraineyesbloodheartliverbone marrowskinmuscle
• Transgenic animals


  involves useful human genes being implanted into animals in order that they can grow and develop something useful to us. This could be a body part as below, or it could be a chemical or other substance we need.