Biology II Lecture

Transcription

(genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA

what is genome editing?

A method for making changes to specific "target" sites in DNA.

Gene

A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait

Protein

A three dimensional polymer made of monomers of amino acids.

GMOs in development, besides those that produce their own pesticides or are resistant to week killers include

Correct answer: plants that can withstand changes in climate, such as resistance to flooding or drought, plants that collect and pull more carbon dioxide out of the air, plants that can harvest nitrogen out of the air, reducing their need for soil fertilizers that often run off and pollute waterways.

Ribosome

Cytoplasmic organelles at which proteins are synthesized.

RNA polymerase

Enzyme similar to DNA polymerase that binds to DNA and separates the DNA strands during transcription

Eating GMO foods is very risky and dangerous compared to their non GMO counterpart

False

What are some of the concerns that people may have about genome editing?

If genome editing is used to treat certain diseases or disabilities, it may lead to stigmatization of people living with those diseases or disabilities. In germline genome editing, unforeseen effects may be passed on to future generations. The cost of the process could mean that not everyone would have access to the technology.

CRISPR engineered organisms involve

Making precise edits of the existing DNA sequence of an organism

A potential benefit to genetically modifying mosquitos is

Mosquitoes will spread fewer cases of serious diseases, including malaria and Zika.

Translation

Process by which mRNA is decoded and a protein is produced

Some people have concerns about modifying human embryos because:

Scientists might hurt future generations, because they do not know how a genetic change could affect children in the future. People who live with a disability or genetic condition could face increased discrimination if they are seen as "passing up" the chance for a genome editing "cure." We do not presently agree on what conditions or disabilities could be edited, nor have we agreed on who gets to decide (such as politicians, parents, doctors, religious leaders or scientists).

In the future, what might gene editing be used for?

To change mosquitoes so as to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne infections such as malaria and Zika. To modify the genome of pigs so they can be used to safely grow organs for transplantation into humans. To treat the genetic causes of diseases, a method known as "gene therapy."

A concern with GMOs that are engineered to make a pesticide and be resistant to pests (insects, viruses, fungi, etc.) is that using these GMOs widely could result in the evolution of pests that are now resistant to that pesticide, so then the pesticide no longer works.

True

GMOs engineered to make their own insecticide, like Bt which is harmless to humans, don't require spraying with other chemical insecticides, some of which have harmful human side effects for those exposed

True

Over 90% of all cash crops in the U.S. are engineered to be resistant to the week killer, glyphosate

True

The health concerns regarding GMOs has less to do with consuming the GMO product and more to do with the widespread use of herbicides and insecticides associated with growing the GMO, and the resulting health and environmental impacts of those chemicals.

True

True or False? CRISPR is a method to edit or change part of a person's genome by cutting out, replacing or adding pieces to the DNA sequence.

True

amino acids

a simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH2) group.

Enzyme

a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

GMOs are made by

adding genes from one species to another unrelated species

GMO plants have a gene inserted that allows the plant to make its own insecticide so that

farmers do no need to use chemical sprays to kill the insect pests

What is the difference between analyzing and modifying one's DNA?

genetic information that a person has, so as to predict or better understand the traits or diseases that she or he may develop.

When the human insulin gene is put into bacterial cells the bacterial cell produces

human insulin

Modifying DNA

involves actively trying to change an individual's genome.

On what kind of cells can genome editing be used?

liver cells, and sperm and egg

CRISPR is

one particular technique for genome editing or a technique for determining the sequence of DNA in our genome. This element is a more accessible alternative to drag & drop reordering.

Why might a person want to make changes to the genome?

to replace a gene variant that causes diseases. To change a disease-causing gene variant in an embryo to prevent it from being further passed down a family. To solve a problem such as mosquito-borne illnesses. To "improve" traits that are not related to illness but to things like athletic performance, intelligence, etc.

tRNA

type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome

mRNA

type of RNA that carries instructions from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome(encodes the protein) (RNA and protein organized into two subunits)

One concern about GMOs is

unintentional crossing and spreading of the GMO with non GMOs