Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

• Genetic engineering is a technology that manipulates an organism's DNA by inserting the DNA of another organism (exogenous DNA).
• It modifies an individual's genome deliberately.
• Genetically engineered organisms are useful for studying gene expression, investigating cellular processes, studying disease development, and selecting beneficial traits for humans.

Recombinant DNA

• Recombinant DNA is formed when genes from one organism are inserted into another.
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or transgenic organisms result from this process.
• Recombination is the process of inserting a foreign gene into a host to create many copies of a specific gene.

Biotechnology

• Biotechnology uses living cells to produce products like pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages.
• It uses organisms (like bacteria) to protect the environment.
• Biotechnology utilizes DNA science for diagnostic materials and research.
• It helps meet basic human needs like food, clothing, shelter, health, and safety.

Transgenic Organisms

• Transgenic organisms contain genes from different organisms (often unrelated).
• Examples of sources include viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, or animals.

How Transgenic Organisms are Created

• The DNA sequence that produces the desired protein.
• A vector to transfer the DNA sequence into the host's genome.

Vectors

• Vectors transmit a disease or parasite from one plant or animal to another.
• Examples: plasmid, viruses.

Plasmids

• Plasmids are circular DNA.
• Bacteria commonly exchange plasmids.
• Plasmids used in genetic engineering can carry genetic material.

Viruses

• Viruses are effective agents.
• They are made up of nucleic acid and protein.
• They multiply only inside host cells.

Applications in Agriculture and Industry

• Genetic engineering increases crop yields, lowers costs, & improves food quality.
• It enhances food security and medicinal value in crops.

Applications in Medicine and Research

• Genetic engineering is used to produce: insulin, human growth hormones, follistim, human albumin, monoclonal antibodies, antihemophilic factors, vaccines, etc.

The Human Genome Project

• The Human Genome Project mapped the entire human genome.
• This information is critical for understanding human genetics & for improving healthcare.

Gene Therapy

• Gene therapy uses genes to treat or cure diseases.
• It can involve adding new copies of a broken gene or replacing a defective one.
• The first gene therapy involved treating severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

Pharmacogenomics

• Pharmacogenomics examines how genes affect drug responses.
• It helps doctors select the best drugs and dosages for patients.

Special Creation

• Supernatural beings created life.

Panspermia

• Life on Earth originated from extraterrestrial beings.

Spontaneous Origin

• Life evolved from inorganic materials.

Oparin-Haldane Hypothesis

• Life evolved gradually from inorganic materials, like amino acids.
• It's a theory about how life formed.

Miller-Urey Experiment

• An experiment testing the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis.
• It showed how inorganic compounds can produce organic ones under early Earth conditions.

Tracing Earliest Life Forms

• Organic compounds developed through atmospheric processes and water.
• RNA - organic compounds self-assembled into a self-replicating molecule

RNA

• RNA - molecules self-assembled into a self-replicating molecule.
• Pre-cells - RNA enclosed itself in a membrane, protecting it.
• Primitive Cells - pre-cells functioned more.
• Modern Cell - Cells evolved to fit their survival.

Stromatolites

• Stromatolites are rock formations.
• They look like living mats of microbes.
• Stromatolites date back to 3.5 billion years.

Dating Techniques

• Absolute Dating - determines the exact age of fossils or rocks using radiometric dating or half-life.
• Relative Dating - estimates the relative age of rocks using principles like superposition, original horizontality, or cross-cutting relationships.

Geologic Time Scale

• Geologic time scale - a representation of Earth's history, with life forms.
• Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs - divisions of geologic time.
• Major Eras - Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic.

Theories of Evolution

• Evolution - is the process of gradual developmental modification.
• Theory of Special Creation, Panspermia, Spontaneous Origin - possible theories on how life began.

Lamarckism

• Inheritance of Acquired Traits: traits developed during an organism's life are passed down to offspring.
• Use and Disuse: use of an organ strengthens it and disuse weakens it.
• New Needs: new needs lead to new structures/behaviors.

Darwinism

• Natural Selection: organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Survival of the Fittest: favorable traits improve an organism's chance to survive & reproduce.

Evidences in favour of Lamarkism

(No detailed information as no evidence listed in the text)

Geometric Increase

• Population growth is exponential (geometric).

Limited Resources

• Competition for food, space, and other resources drives evolution.

Variations

• Differences in physical traits within a species.

Adaptations

• Traits that help organisms survive.

Speciation

• The formation of new species.

Survival of the Fittest

• Organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive & reproduce.

Natural Selection

• Populations adapt & change over time due to certain characteristics.