M6 Subtopic 3 Flashcards
process by which scientists alter the genetic material of an organism by adding, deleting, or modifying specific genes to produce desired traits
Genetic Engineering
technology involves using enzymes and various laboratory techniques to manipulate and isolate DNA segments of interest
Recombinant DNA
Important figures in the Birth of Molecular Cloning
Paul Berg
Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer
Who created the first recombinant DNA molecule?
Paul Berg
Who inserted recombinant plasmid into bacteria, proving foreign DNA can be expressed in living organisms?
Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer
Scientists, ethicists, and policymakers discuss the risks and ethical implications of genetic engineering.
Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA (1975)
First Application (1982): Approval of human insulin produced by genetically modified bacteria.
Commercialization and Impact (1980s - present)
Process of Genetic Engineering
Gene Identification and Isolation
Gene Cloning
Gene Insertion
Expression and Testing
Scientists first identify the gene of interest, which could be responsible for a specific trait or function. This gene is then isolated from the DNA of the source organism.
Gene Identification and Isolation
The isolated gene is inserted into a vector, such as a plasmid, which is a small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently within a host cell. This vector carrying the gene is then introduced into a bacterial cell, where it is copied, multiple times.
Gene Cloning
The cloned gene is then inserted into the genome of the target organism using techniques such as microinjection, gene gun, or CRISPR-Cas9. This process integrates the gene into the organism’s DNA, allowing it to express the new trait.
Gene Insertion
The genetically modified organism (GMO) is grown and tested to ensure that the new gene is expressed correctly and that the desired trait is present
Expression and Testing
involves combining DNA from two different sources to create..?
Recombinant DNA
A powerful and precise tool that allows scientists to edit specific genes within an organism’s genome. It uses a guide RNA to direct the enzyme to the target DNA sequence, where it makes a cut, allowing for the addition, deletion, or alteration of genetic material.
CRISPR-Cas9
techniques, such as this one are used to reduce or eliminate the expression of specific genes.
Gene Silencing/RNA interference
Benefits of GMOs
Agricultural
Medical
Environmental
Risks and Ethical Considerations of GMOs
Potential Health Risks
Environmental Risks
Ethical/Social Concerns
Two Potential Health Risks
Allergenicity
Gene Transfer
There is concern that introducing new genes into crops could create new allergens or increase the levels of existing allergens, posing health risks to consumers
Allergencity
The possibility of genes from GMOs transferring to non- target organisms, including humans, raises concerns about unforeseen health impacts
Gene Transfer
Two Environmental Risks
Biodiversity Loss
Resistance Development
The widespread use of GMOs could lead to a reduction in biodiversity, particularly if genetically modified crops outcompete wild relatives or if there is gene flow between GMOs and wild species
Biodiversity Loss
Pests and weeds may evolve resistance to the traits engineered into GMOs, leading to the potential for superweeds or superbugs that are difficult to control
Resistance Development
Two Ethical and Social Concerns
Corporate Control
Labelling and Consumer Choice
The dominance of a few large corporations in the GMO industry raises concerns about the control of the global food supply and the impact on small-scale farmers.
Corporate Control
The debate over whether GMOs should be labeled highlights issues of consumer rights and informed choice, with some advocating for transparency and others arguing that it could unfairly stigmatize GMOs.
Labeling and Consumer Choice
