BIOTECHNOLOGY
Chapter 9
Biotechnology
•Scientist change an
organism’s DNA to give it
new traits.
•Possible because all
organisms have the same
Genetic Code
What are the benefits?
•Medicines
•Agriculture Advancements
Gene Therapy
•Gene Therapy - the
replacement of
faulty genes in
humans
• Attempts to replace
defective or missing
genes or add new
genes to treat a
disease.
Gene Therapy
•Diseases currently Treated with Gene
Therapy:
•Cystic fibrosis
•Hemophilia
•Cancer
Restriction Enzymes
•“Cuts” DNA
• Act like molecular “scissors”
• Lets scientist take out and insert a new gene
Genetic Engineering
•Restriction enzymes cut out a specific
gene
•Gene is inserted into new organism
Transgenic Organism
(Genetically Modified Organism)
•Has one or more foreign genes inserted
in it’s DNA
Example Transgenic Organism
•Transgenic bacteria
used to make insulin
• Human insulin gene is cut
out of human DNA
• Insulin inserted into
Bacteria DNA
• Bacteria makes the Human
protein the gene coded for
Uses of Transgenic Organisms
•Transgenic plants
used in agriculture
• Creates crops resistant
to frost, diseases,
drought, and insects
• Food produced more
quickly and cheaply
Uses of Transgenic Organisms
• Medical: Bacteria with human DNA make
human proteins or vaccines
• Corn with hepatitis vaccine inserted
• GMO mosquitos that help reduce number of
mosquitos that carry Zika virus
• Bioremediation: GM
bacteria that break down
oil, mercury, radioactive
waste etc.
Concerns about Genetic Engineering
• Possible long-term health effects of eating GM
foods
• Possible effects of GM (genetically modified)
plants on ecosystems and biodiversity
Current Events in Biotech
• http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/11/20/genetically-modified-
salmon-it-could-be-whats-for-dinner/
What do you think?
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is the issue in the news
about salmon?
How is this related to what
you just learned?
What is your personal
opinion about this salmon?
Explain why?
Will you eat this salmon?