Foun 1210.8

What is BioTechnology?

the use of organisms, cells, or cell components to make a product. It is the Controlled and deliberate manipulation of biological systems (living cells or cell components) for efficient manufacture or processing of useful products • Makes use of biological systems

GMOs Cons

-may cause other plants to become unexpectedly modifies. -allergies. They may contain genes from an allergen — a food that prompts an allergic reaction. The World Health Organization (WHO) discourage genetic engineers from using DNA from allergens unless they can prove that the gene itself does not cause the problem. It is worth noting that there have been no reports of allergic effects of any GMO foods currently on the market. -antibiotic resistance There is a small chance that the genes in food can transfer to cells the body or bacteria in the gut. Some GMO plants contain genes that make them resistant to certain antibiotics. This resistance could pass on to humans. There is growing concern globally that people are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. There is a chance that GMO foods could be contributing to this crisis. The WHO have said that the risk of gene transfer is low. As a precaution, however, it has set guidelines for the manufacturers of GMO foods. -cause cancer??? - Some researchers believe that eating GMO foods can contribute to the development of cancer. They argue that because the disease is caused by mutations in DNA, it is dangerous to introduce new genes into the body. The American Cancer Society (ACS) have said that there is no evidence for this. However, they note that no evidence of harm is not the same as proof of safety and that reaching a conclusion will require more research. -don't know long term effects

What is plasma?

liquid portion of blood

Biotechnology Research and Development

personnel are involved in bioscience research and development that applies to human health

Gene Ownership

A LOT of companies. Technically. Scientists examined two types of patented DNA sequences: long and short fragments. They discovered that 41% of the human genome is covered by longer DNA patents that often cover whole genes. They also found that, because many genes share similar sequences within their genetic structure, if all of the "short sequence" patents were allowed in aggregate, they could account for 100% of the genome. Furthermore, the authors found that short sequences from patents also cover virtually the entire genome, even outside of genes. There is a real controversy regarding gene ownership due to the overlap of many competing patent claims. It is unclear who really owns the rights to any gene," says Dr. Rosenfeld. "While the Supreme Court is hearing one case concerning just the BRCA1 patent, there are also many other patents whose claims would cover those same genes. Do we need to go through every gene to look at who made the first claim to that gene, even if only one small part? If we resort to this rule, then the first patents to be granted for any DNA will have a vast claim over portions of the human genome."

Plant Tissue Culture

A laboratory process to produce thousands of identical plants having the same desirable characteristics. The growth and development of plant seeds, organs, explants, tissues, cells or protoplasts on a nutrient media.

genetic engineering

A technology that includes the process of manipulating or altering the genetic material of a cell resulting in desirable functions or outcomes that would not occur naturally.

traditional biotechnology

At least 6000 years old. Uses natural actions of living organisms to create something useful for humans like bread, wine, beer, cheese. So basically, Fermentation. Carbohydrates- -yeast----- Carbon dioxide + alcohol (beer, rum, wines; bread; biofuels) Carbohydrates --bacteria----lactic acid, vinegar, cheese; yogurt). What about Animal Husbandry and Plant and Animal Breeding? • Domestication of plants & animals • Staples (corn; wheat; rice; bananas) bred for higher yields; better quality; cows & pigs for better milk & meat Limited to same or closely related species; Use of entire Organisms

Gene Edited Baby

Chinese scientist "He"- claimed to have "created" the first gene-edited babies, designed to be naturally immune to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using CRISPR technology - done before birth . China's guidelines and regulations have banned germline genome editing on human embryos for clinical use because of scientific and ethical concerns, in accordance with the international consensus Breached other ethical and regulatory norms - questionable scientific value, unreasonable risk-benefit ratio, illegitimate ethics review, invalid informed consent, Change germline which is passed on to the next generation. The incident highlights the need for urgent improvement of ethics governance at all levels, the enforcement of technical and ethical guidelines, and the establishment of laws relating to such bioethical issues

What are chromosomes?

Chromosomes are long, thin strings composed of DNA and proteins which carry genes.

CRISPR

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. A collection of Data sequences that tells Cas9 where to cut. In layman's terms, it works like a word processor's find and replace function.

Recombitant

Contains genes from multiple different genes

biotechnology in medicine

DNA screening: process of testing individuals for presence of genetic disorders. (through DNA sequence) for treatment (meds, vaccines, antibiotics). A division of biotechnology that focuses on developing medicine & drugs called pharmaceuticals -Human Genome Project -Diagnosis of genetic disorders -Using information about the genetic code, we can determine if a disease is present -Treatment of disease -Production of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, etc. -Stem cell research

Are GMOs safe?

Debatable. As it stands in 2020, over 90 percent of scientists believe that they are. The biggest threat caused by GM foods is that they can have harmful effects on the human body. It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases which are immune to antibiotics However, there is no real evidence, to this. The studies done by organizations such as the FDA and CDC, have been short term. There have been no real long term examinations.

What are enzymes and what do they do?

Enzymes are proteins, which lower the energy required for chemical reactions required to maintain living things

What is plasmid DNA?

Extra, small circles of DNA that contain additional genes not found in chromozones

Medical Biotechnology

FASTER DIAGNOSTICS. So like covid and avian flu, where early detection is not possible, we were able to map out the Covid 19. The virus originated on November 17, 2019. Mapped protein structure some three months later, almost to the day. Therapeutic. Recombinant vaccines, production of novel drugs. Gene Therapy. Replace defective genes. Gene Testing. Forensic Crime Data. Paternity Testing. Ancestry. - Genetic and ancestry kits are popular these days, and they are beneficial for more than just helping people understand their genetics and heritage. New studies are showing that saliva kits are able to test for things like breast cancer by looking at gene mutations. Pharmacogenomics - how genetic inheritance of an individual affects his or her body's response to drugs - lead to design and production of drugs that are adapted to each person's genetic makeup e.g. Pharmacogenomics has applications in illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, depression, attention deficit disorders, HIV, asthma, and diabetes, among others. Tissue engineering and regeneration - based on cloning/tissue culture principle

What are Genes?

Genes are sections of DNA that control a single genetic trait.

Steps for genetic engineering

Identify a trait of interest. Isolate the genetic trait of interest. Insert the desired trait into a new genome. Grow the GMO.

Application of plant tissue culture

Large numbers (rapid multiplication) of identical plants-true-to-type ( CLONES) • Disease free e.g. virus free yam plantlets • Seedlings available year round • Conserve rare, endangered spp (double chaconia) • "In vitro"Germplasm conservation e.g. cocoa • Large scale production of secondary metabolites e.g. rotenone from yam bean • Screen callus for advantageous characters (e.g. herbicide resistance). • Crossing unrelated spp to produce hybrids with improved characteristics

Can Bacteria be owned?

Native microorganisms in their original form cannot be patented. However, microbes like yeasts, bacteria, protozoa, unicellular algae, fungi, actinomycetes and viruses can be patented if they have been genetically modified. The process and the product obtained can also be patented

Societal and Ethical Concerns of GMOs

Playing God- unnatural mixing of genes • -GMOs- IPR, safety; labeling; allergies; asthma; immune system; • - Upset natural balance in ecosystems- beneficial organisms affected • -Bio-fuels- competition with food resources • -Control by big Cooperations e.g. Monsanto- • patenting- who gets access • Welfare of cloned animals- mastitis; short life span; invasive procedure -GMOs- patents/terminator genes; big companies goal to maximise profit- high cost seed/drugs/technologies prohibitive to the "poor

What are enzymes?

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions

Cas9

RNA-guided DNA endonuclease enzyme associated with the CRISPR, produces single strand breaks in DNA. In layman's terms, it is an enzyme that is necessary to cut targetted DNA.

human insulin production

Recombinant DNA techniques have resulted in insertion of the gene for insulin production into bacteria. These bacteria can produce human insulin inexpensively.

Biotechnology and Color

Red - Medical. pharmaceuticals e.g. vaccines, antibiotics, enzymes, & medical diagnostics. Blue - MArine. Grey - Industrial.sustainable processing and production of chemicals, materials and fuels. Green - Agricultural.

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Removing a cell from an early embryo to test for specific genetic defects and select healthy embryo for implantation. With a 98 percent accuracy, PBD is the best chance for couples with known genetic conditions to have healthy and genetically normal children.

How does CRISPR work?

Repeated sequence of DNA interrupted by DNA from viruses that had previously entered the cell (called "spacer" sequences). Essentially, a cell is transfected with an enzyme complex containing a guide molecule (a molecule designed to find the targetted strand). healthy DNA copy (to replace the defective or intended strand). and DNA CUTTING ENZYME (Cas9).

Are GMOs safe for the environment

Technically yeah. Genetic modification produces genetically modified animals, plants and organisms. If they are introduced into the environment they can affect biodiversity. For example, existing species can be overrun by more dominant new species.

Bioethics

The study of ethics related to issues that arise in health care, in this case DNA Technology. More vocal after the sequencing of genome and also partly due to controversies over the Human Genome Diversity Project. In 2014, the Center for Disease Control came under scrutiny after repeated errors led to scientists being exposed to Ebola, anthrax, and the flu. A professor in the Netherlands came under fire in 2011 when his lab engineered a deadly, airborne version of the flu virus. They did it just show the sequencing can be artificially done. • Use of embryonic stem cells - embryo has to be destroyed. Human cloning • Private genetic information & ownership of genetic information

Traditional Biotechnology is basically GMOs

This makes it pretty interesting that kale and cabbage — along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, and kohlrabi, and several other vegetables — all come from the exact same plant species: Brassica oleracea.

What is a chromozone

a long continuous thread of DNA that consists of numerous genes

designer babies

a baby whose genetic makeup has been selected in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to ensure that a particular gene is present. So their Genetic Characteristics are artificially created. So we can create a child with higher IQ. Determine Heights, Eye Colour, Hair Colour. No inherited disease and so on.

DNA Editing

a process by which changes to the DNA sequence of genes can be achieved; also termed gene editing. Techniques that allow researchers to "rewrite" the nucleotide sequence of DNA so that specific mutations can be introduced into genes.

tissue engineering

artificial production of tissues and organs in the lab for implantation in the human body

Recombitant DNA

combines genes from different sources or species into a single DNA molecule

What is DNA?

deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information. Most DNA found in nucleus of cells; small amount found in Mitochondria. It is a molecule made up of two chains that wrap around one another to create the genetic structure or blueprint. It is often self-replicating molecule, and responsible for providing the information needed to create the structure and function of living organisms - including some viruses.

What is Blood?

fluid connective tissue composed of plasma and formed elements [usually types erthrocytes (RBC), leucocytes (WBC), thrombocytes (platelets)]

What are Gene Guns?

gene gun or biolistic particle delivery system is a device used to deliver exogenous DNA (transgenes), RNA, or protein to cells.

Transgenic Corn

given a gene so corn produces a natural pesticide. On the positive side, the transgenic corn is not eaten by insects, so there is more corn for people to eat. The corn also doesn't need to be sprayed with chemical pesticides, which can harm people and other living things. On the negative side, the transgenic corn has been shown to cross-pollinate nearby milkweed plants. Offspring of the cross pollinated milkweed plants are now known to be toxic to monarch butterfly caterpillars that depend on them for food. Scientists are concerned that this may threaten the monarch species as well as other species that normally eat monarch

Example of Recombitant DNA?

human gene for insulin introduced into plasmid DNA of E.coli. Many examples of recombinant DNA technology being utilized, from biopharmaceuticals and diagnostics, to energy applications like biofuel, to agricultural biotechnology with modified fruits and veggies

Biotechnology in agriculture

transgenic organism: crossed-gene organism (DNA of another organism inserted to an organism). Now through this it means. 1. No more selective breeding, now strains are created in the lab. 2. GMOS. Many crops and animals are genetically modified to "improve" quality or produce drugs 3. Resistance to herbicides(glyphosate), pests(Bt- toxin), disease, drought, etc 4. Alterations to times for ripping, oil content, vitamin content, novel proteins. Better nutrition. Golden Rice.

What is genetic drift?

variation in the relative frequency of different genotypes in a small population, owing to the chance disappearance of particular genes as individuals die or do not reproduce. A change in allele frequencies caused by random events.

Modern Biotechnology

various scientific techniques used to produce specific desired traits in plants, animals or microorganisms through the use of genetic knowledge. It's a newer application of Biotechnology. Use of microscopic organisms, organs/tissues/cells • Use of Molecules: proteins (enzymes); DNA; genes (manipulating DNA) • Genetic Engineering - direct modification of an organism's genome either by manipulation of genes located on the DNA or transfer of genes from unrelated species e.g. GMOs • Involves cloning

GMOs Pro

• Greater yield • Greater food quality • Reductions in pesticide use • Reduction of world hunger • Increased profits • Requires less fertilizer and water • More resistant to insects/disease/frost/drought • Grows faster • Reduces energy needs