Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA

Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material for all living things, transmitting hereditary instructions from parents to offspring.
• DNA has a double helix structure composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases.
• James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the DNA structure in 1953.

RNA and DNA

• RNA (ribonucleic acid) is similar to DNA, but with uracil instead of thymine.
• RNA is involved in DNA transcription and translation.

Chromosomes and Genes

• A chromosome is a segment of DNA that contains multiple genes.
• A gene is a fundamental, physical and functional unit of heredity, responsible for an organism's physical and inheritable characteristics.

Genetic Engineering vs. Classical Breeding

• Classical breeding practices focus on mating organisms with desirable qualities, without direct manipulation of genetic material.
• Genetic engineering involves manipulating or changing an organism's genetic material using varied technologies.

Recombinant DNA and GMOs

• Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been changed through genetic engineering, containing genetic material from two different species.
• A GMO (genetically modified organism) is an organism to which new genes have been added.
• Genetic modification can be completed by inserting new genetic material, direct replacement of genes, removal of genes, or mutation of existing genes.

Process of Recombinant DNA

• The process involves cutting or cleaving DNA by restriction enzymes, selecting a vector, ligating the gene of interest with the vector, transferring the recombinant plasmid into a host cell, and selecting cells that contain the gene of interest.

Applications of Recombinant DNA

• Recombinant DNA technology has been exploited in agriculture, medicine, and bioremediation.
• In bioremediation, GMOs are introduced into a site to neutralize environmental contaminants.
• Examples of organisms used in bioremediation include Pseudomonas putida and Nitrosomonas europaea.

Benefits and Risks of GMOs

• Benefits of GMOs include improved nutritional value, new traits, and increased crop yields.
• Risks of GMOs include adverse health reactions, unknown effects, limited biodiversity, and cross-pollination leading to 'super weeds'.

Learn about DNA, the genetic material for all living things, its structure as a double helix composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases, and the role of RNA in transmitting hereditary instructions. Explore the relationship between chromosomes, genes, and heredity.