Chapter 13: Genetic
Technology
 Gel Electrophoresis—Creates a DNA
fingerprint
 Uses restriction enzymes to cut DNA at
specific sites
 DNA fragments are then added to the
gel
 Gel is placed in a chamber, covered
with buffer
 An electric current runs through the
gel
 Fragments travel through the gel at
different rates:
 Small fragments travel further
(lighter)
 Long fragments do not travel as far
(heavier)
Applications
 Paternity/Maternity Testing
 Identification of:
 Criminals
 Human remains
 Endangered species
p. 359 in textbook
p. 353 in textbook
Transgenic Organisms
 Organisms that contain genes from a
different organism
 Applications:
 Plants that are frost resistant
 Bacteria that can produce human
insulin
 Animals can be used to study human
disease
Bacterial Transformation
 Desired gene is inserted into a bacterial
plasmid
 Bacteria are stimulated to take in the
plasmid
 The bacteria can then produce the
desired product
 Ex. Insulin
Human Genome Project
 Effort to map and sequence all human
genes
 Has raised ethical concerns
 Ex. Stem cell research, gene therapy,
genetically modified organisms
 Applications:
 Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders
 Gene therapy (CF & SCID)
 DNA fingerprinting
Cell
Specialization
 Cells differentiate because of DNA expression and
gene activity.
All cells contain the same DNA and the
potential to become any type of cell
However, differentiation can not be
reversed
All of our body cells have the same
chromosomes and DNA
The parts of DNA that are activated
determine the function of specialized cells
 Different parts of the genetic instructions
are used in different types of cells
 Genes are influenced by the cell’s
environment
 Ex.
Chemical signals released by other cells
 Ex. Radiation and other mutagens
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the
ability to differentiate into one or more types of
specialized cells.
Embryonic cells that have not yet
differentiated are called embryonic stem cells
Stem cells found in organisms (ex. bone
marrow) are called adult stem cells
 Both types of stem cells can differentiate into
specialized cells under the right lab conditions.
 Applications:
 Currently: stem cell transplant (bone marrow) for
cancer
 Future: treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and
other nervous system disorders
 Future: treatment of Type I diabetes in Children
Ethical Concerns of Research