chapter 13/14: biotechnology

• cloning


  attach a gene to a small circular piece of DNA called a plasmid.

  Cut gene and plasmid with restriction enzyme.

  Insert gene into plasmid and seal strands together with DNA ligase enzyme.

  Put recombinant plasmid into bacteria to make copies or express gene
• biopharming


  Use cloned genes to produce medically useful molecules.

  Can be produced in bacteria, animals or plants.
• gel electrophoresis


  Move DNA through gel-like material using electric current.

  Separates different pieces of DNA based on size.
• pcr


  Make many copies of (amplify) a specific piece of DNA.

  Uses small single stranded DNA primers which determine piece to be copied.
• rflp


  restriction fragment length polymorphism Cut DNA with restriction enzyme - produces different pattern of pieces in different people.
• codis


  Based on STR (short tandem repeats) - areas of junk DNA that vary in length in different people

  Amplify - by PCR

  13 different loci make it possible to distinguish between any 2 people (other than identical twins)

  Useful for criminal investigation or paternity (child should get about half their pattern from each parent).
• bt-crops


  Resistant to insects

  Express Cry protein which forms a pore in gut of insect that eats the plant, killing the insect.
• ht-crops


  Herbicide tolerant

  Farmers can spray herbicide to kill weeds without affecting their crops.
• gmo mosquitoes


  Male has sterile gene that prevents larvae from growing.

  Decrease mosquitoes which carry disease.
• potential problems


  are these GMOs safe long term?

  Will they spread into the environment?

  Can we trust the companies that make them?
• transgenic mice


  Express human disease gene in mice

  Use as a model to study disease or test treatment