Genetic Engineering
Chapter 11: Biotechnology
Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) is a process that
uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an
organism.
Examples-
Pesticide-Resistant Rapeseed Plants. Rapeseed is a flowering plant used to
make certain types of vegetable oil. ...
Plants That Fight Pollution. ...
Golden Rice. ...
Faster-Growing Trees. ...
Bigger, Longer-Lasting Tomatoes. ...
Insecticide Corn. ...
Non-Crying Onions. ...
Cloning Example.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology comprises altering
genetic material outside an organism to obtain
enhanced and desired characteristics in living
organisms or as their products.
This technology involves the insertion of DNA
fragments from a variety of sources, having a
desirable gene sequence via appropriate vector
Goals of recombinant DNA Technology
Some of the goals of this technology are mentioned below:
Isolation and characterization of genes.
Desired modification in isolated genes.
Artificial synthesis of new genes.
Modification of organisms’ genome.
Interpretation of hereditary diseases and related cures.
Enhancement of the human genome.
Application of Recombinant DNA Technology
The following highlights the application of r DNA technology in
brief -
To produce recombinant HB vaccines.
For producing human insulin.
To facilitate better crop production.
For producing growth hormones in humans to treat dwarfism.
For better gene therapy.
To acquire DNA fingerprinting.
To diagnose several types of diseases.
Tools of Recombinant DNA
technology
Plasmid
Restriction enzyme( Molecular Scissor)
Lygase enzyme
Vector DNA (Carrier)
Example of restriction enzyme: Eco RI, Hind III, Bam HI
Plasmid
A plasmid is a small circular
DNA molecule found in bacteria
and some other microscopic
organisms.
Plasmids are physically
separate from chromosomal
DNA and replicate
independently.
Types:
1. F and F’ plasmid
2. R plasmid
3. Col plasmid
Gene cloning
Components
Desired gene or DNA segments
Cloning vector
Enzymes
Host
Techniques
Vector mediated gene cloning
Cloning by PCR method
(polymerase chain reaction)
Reproductive cloning
PCR machine
Animal Cloning
Dolly with Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, who led the research which produced her
Credit: Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh