Biodiversity and Biotechnology PDF

Biodiversity and Biotechnolo gy Introduction to Biodiversity  What is Gene theory? Gene theory is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring. It provides a framework for understanding genetics, heredity, and evolution. What are Genes?...

Biodiversity and Biotechnolo gy Introduction to Biodiversity  What is Gene theory? Gene theory is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring. It provides a framework for understanding genetics, heredity, and evolution. What are Genes? Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for making proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of life and carry out many functions in cells and organisms. How do genes work? Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins. What is DNA? What is RNA? What is Protein? DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a Proteins are the building is a double-stranded molecule single-stranded molecule that blocks of life and carry out that contains the genetic carries genetic information many functions in cells and information of an organism. from DNA to proteins. organisms. It is made up of four There are three types of RNA: They are made up of chains nucleotides: adenine, messenger RNA (mRNA), of amino acids that are guanine, cytosine, and transfer RNA (tRNA), and folded into specific shapes thymine. ribosomal RNA (rRNA). to carry out their functions. Biodiversity (biological diversity) the total variety of life on Earth measure of variation at the genetic (genetic variability), species (species diversity), and ecosystem (ecosystem diversity) A sampling of fungi collected during summer 2008 in Northern Saskatchewan mixed woods, near LaRonge, is an example regarding the species diversity of fungi. In this photo, there are also leaf lichens and mosses. Taxonomy is the scientific study of naming, defining and classifying groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics. Carolus Linnaeus (1707- 1778) Swedish botanist Systema Naturae: a classification scheme that used morphology to group organisms into hierarchical categories Taxonomy: the classifying of organisms based on morphology and genetics. This illustration by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0  The broadest, most inclusive, taxonomic category is the Domain. All living things can be categorized into one of three Domains: Bacteria Archaea Eukarya This illustration by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Domain Archaea Microscopic, unicellular prokaryotes Superficially similar to bacteria, but significant genetic differences exist Many archaea are extremophiles Domain Bacteria Microscopic, unicellular prokaryotes Some species are autotrophs, while others are heterotrophs This figure by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Domain Eukarya Includes unicellular and multicellular organisms that all have eukaryotic cells Includes the plant, animal, fungus kingdoms Also includes the protists, a highly diverse group of organisms that includes algae, slime molds, and much more Evolution, by the mechanism of natural selection, provides a logical explanation for how populations change over time. ultimately, this change can lead to the creation of new species life has been evolving for billions of years on Earth Evolutionary theory was co- discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace, working separately. Both traveled the world extensively, making observations and collecting specimens that helped them formulate their theories These photos are public domain, CCO Origin of Biodiversity Both Darwin and Wallace recognized natural selection as a mechanism by which populations can evolve over time. Natural selection relies on variation of traits in a population With this variation, individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to future generations. Over time, beneficial traits become more common, maladaptive traits become less common. Biodiversity and Extinction Background extinction rate Based on the fossil record Estimated to be about 1 per million species years The problem: current extinction rates are several times higher than the background rate Biodiversity and Extinction This photo is public domain and licensed under CCO Extinction rates are currently so high that biologist argue that we’re currently experiencing the 6th Mass Extinction Most extinctions are due to anthropogenic causes That’s pretty messed up. This photo by Ed Uthmanr taken at the Natural History Museum, London, England is licensed under CC BY. Introduction to Biotechnology Horrors of GMO? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfKziDyMAP0 Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Biotechnology is a broad area of biology, involving the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products. Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification), is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genome to alter the genetic makeup of an organism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIM38NlkWEo Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering GMO genetically modified organism: organisms whose genetic characteristics have been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. Transgene is a gene that has been transferred naturally, or by any of a number of genetic engineering techniques, from one organism to another.A Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Humans have modified crops and animals for thousands of years using traditional breeding practices (selective breeding or artificial selection) Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Most livestock, crops, and pets were developed by genetically modifying the traits of wild species ○ These modified organisms no longer resemble their wild ancestors Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Man has been manipulating DNA in plants and animals for millennia.  Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Maize was developed from a wild species called teosinte beginning about 8,000 years ago. Video: “Popped Secret: the Mysterious Origin of Corn” by HHMI Biointeractive This work” by Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation is in the Public Domain, CC0. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Common GM Foods Experts say 60% to 70% of processed foods on U.S. grocery shelves have genetically modified ingredients. Some genetically modified foods Starlink corn Benefits of Genetic Engineering Enhanced nutrition Increased food supply (cheaper production cost) Increased pest and disease resistance (reduced pesticides) Grow food in harsh climate Make drugs This Photo by International Rice Research Institute is licensed under CC BY This Photo by International Rice Research Institute is licensed under CC BY Grow food in harsh climate Make drugs Scientific Consensus on GE Crops Extensive 2016 report by US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine (NASEM) o Reviewed more than 900 research articles o No evidence of ecological harm from genetic transfer to wild species o No evidence of harm to human health compared to traditionally- breed crops. This graphic is licensed CC0 Public Domain.