Ch. 14

• Cloning is the production of genetically identical copies of DNA, cells, or organisms through asexual means
• Gene Cloning involves creating identical copies of the same gene, which can be used for comparison or to create a product
• Gene Therapy uses cloned genes to modify clones
• Transgenic organisms undergo gene therapy for any organism besides humans
• Two procedures used to clone DNA are recombinant DNA technology and the Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology involves DNA from two or more different sources and requires a vector like plasmids or viruses
• Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific bases called recognition sequences and can create blunt cuts or sticky ends
• DNA Ligase seals the phosphate sugar backbone of two sticky ends
• For human genes to be expressed in bacteria, they must have regulatory regions, lack introns, and need a vector like a plasmid
• The Polymerase Chain Reaction is a DNA photocopy machine that involves denaturing DNA, adding primers and bases, and DNA polymerase like Taq
• Gel Electrophoresis sorts DNA based on size, with the smallest moving fastest
• DNA fingerprinting uses STRs to create unique patterns for identification
• PCR applications include detecting viruses/cancer, crime scene connections, and evolutionary relationships
• Biotechnology Products from GMOs include drugs, promoting plant health, degrading substances, and serving as a source for manipulating other bacteria
• Genetically Modified Bacteria produce drugs, promote plant health, and degrade substances for bioremediation
• Genetically Modified Plants are used for pest resistance, higher nutrient content, and production of human proteins
• Genetically Modified Animals are created by microinjecting DNA into eggs and can be used for gene pharming and cloning
• Applications of Transgenic Animals include altering sex with SRY DNA and creating knockout mice for testing treatments
• Gene Therapy is an accepted therapy for treating disorders using genetically modified bacteria as vectors
• Ex Vivo Gene Therapy involves inserting genes into cells removed from the body and then returning them
• In Vivo Gene Therapy delivers genes directly into the body for treatments like cystic fibrosis
• Genomics is the study of complete genetic makeup, with 3 billion base pairs in the human genome including introns and intergenic sequences
• Sequencing the Genome involves identifying polymorphisms like SNPs and studying functional genomics to understand gene expression
• Eukaryotic Genome structure includes complex genes with introns and intergenic sequences like repetitive DNA elements and transposons
• CRISPR is a tool for cutting DNA in a specific location, used for genome editing and gene expression control
• CRISPR consists of Cas9 as scissors and guide RNA for cutting in the right place
• Functional Genomics aims to understand the role of the genome in cells, while Comparative Genomics compares human genomes to other organisms
• Proteomics studies cellular proteins and their interactions, aiming to identify protein functions and develop individual-specific drug treatments
• Bioinformatics applies computer technologies to biological information, using tools like BLAST for gene function and metagenomics for studying genetic material from environmental samples