7.2 Production and Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms (modified) 2021 PDF

UNIT 3: Molecular Genetics Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of DNA Chapter 6: Gene Expression Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology  7.2 Production & Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms Recall: Humans have been modifying the DNA of other life forms through artificial se...

UNIT 3: Molecular Genetics Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of DNA Chapter 6: Gene Expression Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology  7.2 Production & Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms Recall: Humans have been modifying the DNA of other life forms through artificial selection and selective breeding of plants and animals for thousands of years. As our knowledge and techniques have advanced, our ability to directly modify DNA has led to various applications and solutions for many areas of human life, including: Detection and treatment of diseases and disorders Production of Pharmaceuticals Food insecurity Development of biomaterials Bioremediation However, this advanced knowledge and technology have also opened the door to controversy. The development of recombinant DNA technology has given rise to various disciplines that focus on bioethics and societal impact associated with these advances in genetics. UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering involves the alteration of the genetic material of an organism in a specific manner. These techniques can also include the introduction of foreign DNA into an organism’s genome, which results in a transgenic organism (a new phenotype). Transgenic organisms are often referred to as genetically modified organisms or GMOs. Although these Europigs™ look the same as non-GM pigs, their excrement contains less phosphorus—a substance that pollutes aquatic ecosystems. UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Overview of Applications: Gene Therapy Gene therapy is a method for treating genetic disorders by introducing a correct form of the disease-related gene into an individual’s genome. Eg: This technique has been used to treat diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Before gene therapy, the muscle fibres on the left do not produce enough dystrophin, a protein required for normal muscle function. The orange and yellow portion represent the dead cells. After gene therapy, the dystrophin levels are normal and the muscle fibres are healthy. UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Overview of Applications: GMO’s Recombinant DNA techniques have also been used to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) such as GloFish®, which are sold in some countries as novelty pets. The sale of GloFish® is banned in Canada because of ethical concerns arising from the technology. Concerns are related to both scientific boundaries (“How far should we go?”) and regulations (“Who should make these decisions?”). These examples have stirred up considerable discussion and debate. The ability to alter the human genome has given rise to many serious concerns. For instance, could such technology allow us to one day create “designer” children and, if so, would this action be ethical? UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Overview of Applications: Pharmaceuticals Transgenic, or genetically modified, bacteria can be used to produce pharmaceutical products such as insulin. To produce transgenic bacteria, an expression vector (plasmid DNA) is used to transform a host to produce a foreign protein Examples: of medicinal proteins produced in bacteria include: human growth hormone, tissue plasminogen activator (used to treat blood clots), erythropoietin (used to stimulate red blood cell production), and a hepatitis B vaccine. UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Overview of Applications: Bioremediation Bioremediation involves using micro-organisms that are genetically modified to reduce environmental pollutants by converting pollutants into non-toxic products. Dr. Ananda Chakrabarty developed transgenic bacteria that could break down crude oil faster than naturally occurring bacteria. He was awarded the first patent for a recombinant organism, opening the doors for other biotechnology patent applications and approvals. UNIT 3 Chapter 7: Genetic Research and Biotechnology Section 7.2 Overview: Transgenic Plants Agricultural plants are the most common examples of GMOs and include herbicide- and disease-resistant corn, soybeans, canola, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, sugar beets and fax. Some transgenic plants are also used to mass-produce medicines. Benefits of genetic engineering of crops include increased crop yields, reduction in harvesting cost Golden rice is a GMO that contains and pesticide use and enhanced nutritional value carotenoids and food quality due to slower spoilage. needed for Vitamin A synthesis. Consumer concerns about genetically modified crops: 1. Are genetically modified crops safe for human consumption? 2.Will genetically modified crops have a negative impact on the environment?  Watch: What is a Genetically Modified Food (Scientific American) Read: The Truth About Genetically Modified Food (Scientific American) Discuss/Complete 7.2 Exit Card Questions