Introduction to Biotechnology

Introduction to Biotechnology

• Course title: Introduction to Biotechnology
• Instructor: Dr/ Mohamed Salah Basiouny
• Email: [email protected]
• Office number: 234
• Semester: Spring 2024-2025
• Lecture: 3

Genetic Engineering

• Definition: Multiple techniques to alter, repair, or enhance genetic material (mostly DNA).
• Process:
  • Isolating a desired gene fragment from a chromosome using restriction enzymes.
  • Inserting the fragment into a DNA vector (often a plasmid).
  • Introducing the recombinant DNA into a host organism.
  • Replication and reproduction of the host organism carrying the new gene
  • Harvesting the desired protein.

Recombinant DNA Technology

• Definition: A group of techniques using to cut up and join genetic material (especially DNA from different species.)
• Purpose: Introduce the resulting hybrid DNA into an organism, leading to new combinations of heritable genetic material.

Genetic Engineering (Specifics)

• Refers to: The direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organism's characteristics (phenotype).
• Methods: Using restriction enzymes such as EcoRI.
• Important processes:
• Using restriction enzymes to snip a gene of interest.
• Inserting the gene into a plasmid (complementary sticky ends).
• Transferring the plasmid into a bacterial cell.
• Letting bacterial cells replicate; purifying the human protein produced by the plasmid.

Plasmids

• Definition: Small, circular pieces of DNA separate from the chromosome, and capable of independent replication.
• Properties:
  • Not part of the main chromosome.
  • Can replicate independently.
  • Found in bacterial cells.
  • Circular pieces of DNA

Transgenic Organisms

• Types:
  • Yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
  • Plants (e.g., Safflower)
  • Bacterium (e.g., Ecoli)

Golden Rice

• Definition: Genetically modified rice fortified with beta carotene.
• Purpose: Increases vitamin A content in rice
• Problem Addressed: Vitamin A deficiency in children, causing health issues.
• Genetic Modification process: Mixing genes from bacteria and daffodils into rice genome.
• Current Status: Regulatory issues prevent widespread use.

Cloning

• Definition: Exact genetic replica of a cell or organism.
• Types:
  • DNA (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • Cells (tissue cultures, stem cells)
  • Whole organisms (e.g., sheep)
  • Plants: bananas potatoes grapes

Animal Cloning

• Techniques: Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
• Process:
  • Collecting a mammary cell from a donor animal.
  • Removing the nucleus from an egg cell.
  • Inserting the donor mammary cell nucleus into the egg cell.
  • Electrically fusing the egg and the mammary cell together.
  • Growing the embryo in culture and implanting it into the uterus of a surrogate mother.
  • Growing the embryo.

Plant Tissue Culture

• Definition: Culture of plant tissues in a controlled environment to produce new plants.
• Application: Creating clones of plants.

Animal Cell Culture

• Definition: Growing animal cells in a lab environment.
• Application: Studying cells, potentially creating stem cells.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of biotechnology, focusing on genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Explore techniques for altering genetic material and the processes involved in creating recombinant DNA. Test your knowledge on the roles and applications of these innovative biotechnological methods.