Bio 3.3.1: DNA Used for Comparison and Identification
Gel Electrophoresis separates molecules on size, steps:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
- 1.Permeable gel with a row of holes on one side
- 2. Different DNA samples are placed in hole using pipette
- 3. Electric current is sent through the gel, with the opposite side as positive (DNA is negatively charged)
- 4. Larger parts of DNA cannot get far through the gel and the smaller parts can. Several bands will be formed on the gel.
- 5. The bands are visible under UV light
- 6. These bands can be used to compare genetic similarity to determine the parent/sibling
- DNA Fingerprinting is used for identifying individuals and identifying and cataloging endangered species through their fingerprints
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Bio 3.3.2 Transgenic Organisms Benefitting Society
- Transgenic Organism- Genetically engineered to provide positively towards society
- Golden Rice is modified to provide vitamin A, Goats Milk is modified to treat rare blood clotting and provide "spider silk" which is the strongest substance known to man, vaccine producing bananas (an easy way to give a vaccine is through eating the vaccine inside a banana), yeas, bacteria, and fungi are modified to make chymosin which helps make cheese, Blue Roses are modified with pansy genes to create a blue color
- Bacterial Transformation Steps:
- 1.Foreign DNA is joined into a plasmid
- 2. Recombinant plasmids are mixed with bacterial cells
- 3. Some bacterial cells take in the recombinant DNA
- 4. The culture is treated with an antibiotic
- 5. Antibiotic resistant cells survive
- Bacterial Transformation Virtual Lab:
Bio 3.3.3: Ethical Issues of DNA Technology
- Human Genome Project- International study of the entire human genetic material
- Reasons for it- Allows us to identify which genes increase the risk of developing a certain condition, Medecine can be made to fit an individual, and to discover more about genes and DNA
- The project is also useful in determining whether individuals may carry genes for genetic conditions and in developing gene therapy
- Gene Therapy- Use of DNA as a pharmaceutical agent to treat diseases
- Gene Therapy hasn't worked as planned as it would usually be worse than before.
- Some people feel that DNA technology is wrong to genetically alter something that was born the way it is and we should not mess with 'mother nature'
- Human Genome Project Lab Link: