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Students 4 Genetic Engineering and Its Applications in Reproduction

Genetic engineering involves modifying genes in living organisms to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for various applications in medicine, agriculture, and the environment. The process includes steps such as DNA isolation, ligation, transformation, and selection, allowing for specific traits to be transferred efficiently. While GMOs offer benefits like increased productivity and improved nutrition, they also raise concerns regarding environmental impact and potential health risks.

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9 views12 pages

Students 4 Genetic Engineering and Its Applications in Reproduction

Genetic engineering involves modifying genes in living organisms to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for various applications in medicine, agriculture, and the environment. The process includes steps such as DNA isolation, ligation, transformation, and selection, allowing for specific traits to be transferred efficiently. While GMOs offer benefits like increased productivity and improved nutrition, they also raise concerns regarding environmental impact and potential health risks.

Uploaded by

wchsxx57tz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Genetic Engineering and Its

Applications in
Reproduction
 Have you ever heard of
genetically modified
organisms?
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

 Genetic engineering means modifying genes in a


living organism to produce genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) also known as transgenic
organisms. It is a modern type of genetic modification.
In this process, the gene of interest is physically
removed and placed in an organism to be modified.
 This method is more rapid and specific than the
traditional plant breeding because a gene coding for
a specific trait could be transferred to an organism.
 Genetic engineering is an application
of biotechnology which uses biological systems,
processes, or organisms to create products intended to
improve the quality of human life.
How is genetic engineering
done? Selection

Transformatio
n

DNA
Isolation
Ligati
on

Ligation
Selection (gene
DNA Isolation-

insertion
(identification
Transformation (plasmid
(isolating is placed
plasmid to
of and
thethe
backdesired
intoof
gene
As shown in the illustration above, copies of the recombinant plasmid— a circular, double-
stranded DNA molecule, will be isolated and transferred to other organisms
Steps in genetic engineering?
 DNA isolation is isolating the plasmid and gene
of interest.
 Ligation involves sealing the gene of interest
into the plasmid after they are both cut with the
same restriction enzyme.
 Transformation the recombinant plasmid would
then be placed back to the bacterium
 Selection is the process where the bacteria
containing the recombinant plasmid with the
gene of interest is selected and will be used to
integrate the gene of interest in the host
organism.
 Depending on the gene of
interest, genetic engineering
has various applications in the
field of medicine, environment,
and agriculture.
Current Uses of GMOs

 The genes of bacteria, plants, and animals


are being modified to improve the quality of
human life. Depending on the gene of
interest, GMOs have many uses in
agriculture, medicine, and the environment.
Uses of Genetically Modified Bacteria
 Escherichia coli creates a synthetic human
insulin.
 Cyanobacteria is used to yield
polyhydroxybutyrate to produce bioplastic.
Current Uses of GMOs

Uses of Genetically Modified Plants


 Bt corn is a pest-resistant plant against corn-
infesting larvae.
 Banana vaccine is an edible vaccine against
hepatitis virus.
 Golden rice is a genetically modified rice that
produces beta-carotene.
Uses of Genetically Modified Animals
 Bioluminescent animals are used to identify
different types of cells to detect diseases.
 Some bioluminescent animals such as glofish
became novelty pets to humans.

Advantages of GMOs
 The GMOs offer many benefits to mankind such as:
 Increased productivity. This enables farmers to have
higher crop yields and reduced pesticide use. (e.g. Bt
corn)
 Reduced pesticide use. Since GM crops are modified
for a specific pest, the use of pesticide against that pest
is reduced or removed.
 Improved nutrition like the high beta carotene
content of Golden Rice. GM crops such as Golden
Rice with improved nutrition (high in beta carotene)
reduces eye-related problems like blindness due to
malnutrition.
 Aided disease detection. Diseases can be identified
Disadvantages of GMOs
 GMOs also raised concerns from people because of its possible
harm to the environment and mankind such as:
 Reduced biodiversity of non-damaging insects. Pest
resistant crops (e.g. Bt corn) lead to unintended harm to non-
crop damaging insects such as larvae of Monarch butterflies
when affected by pollen of Bt corn.
 Decreased pesticide effectivity. Pest resistant crops seem
to reduce the need for pesticide at first but it would increase
later on.
 Produced allergic reactions. Some people develop an
allergic response to GM crops when exposed to them.
 Led to a higher cost for GM seeds. Farmers buy new seeds
every year. Farmers using second generation seeds would lead
them to Supreme Court with a charge of patent infringement.
Key Points

 Genetic engineering means altering genes in a


living organism to produce a Genetically Modified
Organism (GMO).
 Biotechnology is a technology using biological
systems, processes, or organisms to create products
intended to improve the quality of human life.
 The following are the steps in genetic engineering:
DNA isolation, ligation, transformation, and selection.
 DNA isolation is isolating the plasmid and gene of
interest.
 Ligation involves sealing the gene of interest into
the plasmid after they are both cut with the same
restriction enzyme.

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