DNA Technology
• Bio.3.3.1
• Summarize the process of gel
electrophoresis as a technique to
separate molecules based on size.
Students should learn the general
steps of gel
• – using restrictions enzymes to
cut DNA into different sized
fragments and running those
fragments on gels with longer
fragments moving slower than
faster ones.
• Interpret or “read” a gel.
• Exemplify applications of DNA
fingerprinting - identifying
individuals; identifying and
cataloging endangered species.
• Bio.3.3.2
• Generalize the applications of
transgenic organisms (plants,
animals, & bacteria) in agriculture
and industry including
pharmaceutical applications such as
the production of human insulin.
• Summarize the steps in bacterial
transformation (insertion of a
gene into a bacterial plasmid,
getting bacteria to take in the
plasmid, selecting the
transformed bacteria, and
producing the product).
• Bio.3.3.3
• Identify the reasons for establishing
the Human Genome Project.
• Recognize that the project is useful
in determining whether individuals
may carry genes for genetic
conditions and in developing gene
therapy.
• Evaluate some of the science of
gene therapy. (e.g. Severe
Combined Immunodeficiency and
Cystic Fibrosis)
• SCID, Severe Combined
Immunodeficiency, is a primary
immune deficiency. The defining
characteristic is usually a severe
defect in both the T- & Blymphocyte systems
SCID
• SCID is often called "bubble boy
disease". SCID became widely
known during the 1970's and
80's, when the world learned of
David Vetter, a boy with X-linked
SCID, who lived for 12 years in a
plastic, germ-free bubble.
• Treated T cells with correct DNA
• Accidentally interfered with anti-leukemia
gene
Cystic Fibrosis
• A defective gene and its protein product cause
the body to produce unusually thick, sticky
mucus that:
• clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening
lung infections; and
• obstructs the pancreas and stops natural
enzymes from helping the body break down
and absorb food.
• In the 1950s, few children with
cystic fibrosis lived to attend
elementary school. Today,
advances in research and medical
treatments have further enhanced
and extended life for children and
adults with CF. Many people with
the disease can now expect to live
into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
• http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/201
2/120316.html
• Critique the ethical issues and
implications of genomics and
biotechnology (stem cell research,
gene therapy and genetically
modified organisms).
Genomics
• Genomics is the study of the genomes of
organisms. The field includes intensive efforts
to determine the entire DNA sequence of
organisms and fine-scale genetic mapping
efforts.
• Thus, genomics is the study of all the genes of
a cell, or tissue, at the DNA (genotype), mRNA
(transcriptome), or protein (proteome) levels."
Human Genome Project
• identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000
genes in human DNA,
• determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical
base pairs that make up human DNA,
• store this information in databases,
• improve tools for data analysis,
• transfer related technologies to the private
sector, and
• address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI)
that may arise from the project.
Gene therapy
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
not yet approved any human gene therapy
product for sale.
• Genes may not reproduce
• Immune response to viral vectors
• Nanotechnology + gene therapy yields
treatment to torpedo cancer. March, 2009.
The School of Pharmacy in London is testing a
treatment in mice, which delivers genes
wrapped in nanoparticles to cancer cells to
target and destroy hard-to-reach cancer cells.
Read BBC article.