3.3-James Phillips
Understanding the application of DNA technology.
3.3.1:Interpret how DNA is used for comparison and Identification of organisms.
To catalog species scientists use DNA fingerprinting. The DNA, RNA, and protein molecules are separated based on size using gel electrophoresis. This process separates the DNA by sending a current of electricity through the gel. The current causes the particles to separate. The smaller particles move easier through the gel than the larger ones, causing them to arrange in order based on size. The DNA fragments are then introduced to a blotting technique that separates them into single strands on a nylon sheet. This causes the DNA to arrange in a unique way. This unique arrangement is what's referred to as a DNA fingerprint. The DNA is then exposed to synthetic radioactive DNA, or DNA probes. Lastly, an X-Ray film is exposed to the DNA which will show up where the radioactive probes are present.
3.3.2: Summarize how transgenic organisms are engineered to benefit society.
Transgenic, or genetically modified organisms are organisms that have had the DNA of another inserted into their cells. This changes the organism. It will express different traits, some which may not have been possible before. First the DNA of both organisms is cut using restriction enzymes, then the desired gene is removed and inserted into the genetic coding of the other. This can have many benefits for society as well as drawbacks.
Uses of transgenic organisms
Some animals have been engineered to produce pharmaceuticals. This has led to an increase in supply causing the price to drop. Some crops have been engineered to be pesticide resistant. Some plants have even been engineered to produce an insecticide. There are many usues for transgenic organisms, essentially and combination of genes is possible.
3.3.3: Evaluate some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of dna technology like cloning, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research, and the human genome project.
While biotechnology can be quite helpful, there are some people who feel that it's "playing god" and that scientists shouldn't have this kind of power over nature. This can be seen more apparently in the area of stem-cell research than any other. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells. They can be found in adults but are most abundant in embryos. This is where the controversy starts, some people will argue that the embryonic fetus is a baby and shouldn't be used for such purposes, but the other side says that stem cell research could lead to the curing of many diseases which are incurable with current medical science. In recent years there has been a rise in the number of genetically modified organisms in America. This of course has people wondering if its safe. With the question of are genetically modified organisms safe, you run into a wall of sorts, there hasn't really been all too much research on them. There is not an apparent danger to genetically modified organisms, but there aren't any apparent benefits either.
activities related to 3.3
DNA fingerprinting
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Transgenic fly lab
http://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/transgenic_fly/index.html
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Transgenic fly lab
http://media.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/transgenic_fly/index.html
Works cited
Maxmen, Amy. "GMOs May Feed the World Using Fewer Pesticides." PBS. PBS, 24 July 2013. Web. 14 May 2015.
O'Connor, Clare. "Meiosis, Genetic Recombination, and Sexual Reproduction." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 2008. Web. 9 May 2015.
Russell, Tony, Allen Brizee, and Elizabeth Angeli. "MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, 4 Apr. 2010. Web. 11 May 2015.
Sophie Walton. "Biology Standards." Biology Standards. Web. 10 May 2015.
O'Connor, Clare. "Meiosis, Genetic Recombination, and Sexual Reproduction." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 2008. Web. 9 May 2015.
Russell, Tony, Allen Brizee, and Elizabeth Angeli. "MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, 4 Apr. 2010. Web. 11 May 2015.
Sophie Walton. "Biology Standards." Biology Standards. Web. 10 May 2015.