BIO 156

Chapter 19
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
 Genetic Manipulation: An Overview

• Genetic engineering, or recombinant DNA

technology, is a procedure by which
geneticists remove segments of DNA from
one organism and insert them into the DNA
of another.

Tobacco plant expressing luciferase

 Cloning
• Cloning offers us an opportunity to produce
identical replicas of existing or extinct
organisms, using DNA from one organism
and cells of another.
• Cloning also refers to the replication of
genes via various methods.

Dolly
 Recombinant DNA Technology
• In recombinant DNA technology, genes are
removed from one organism, then spliced into
another of the same or a different species.
• Enzymes are used to excise segments of
genes and insert them into foreign DNA
molecules.
– After a segment of DNA is transplanted, a
second enzyme, DNA ligase, is used to
seal it in place.
– At this point, geneticists have formed a
recombinant DNA molecule—a molecule
that contains DNA from two different
organisms.
Restriction Endonucleases
• Plasmids from bacteria can be used to
clone DNA fragments for mass
production.
– Foreign genes can be spliced into
plasmids.
– The plasmid carrying a foreign gene can
be reinserted into bacteria or yeast cells.
– In culture, the plasmids are rapidly taken
up by the new hosts. As these cells divide,
the plasmids replicate.
– This produces multiple copies of the gene.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering Continued
• Genes can be mass produced on strands of
mRNA.
– Messenger RNA is extracted from cells and used
to make DNA; this is called reverse transcription.
• Genes can also be mass produced using the polymerase
chain reaction.
– Part of the DNA double helix is extracted, heated to split
the strands, then cooled. Enzymes are added to catalyze
new DNA formulation.
 Applications of Recombinant DNA
Technology
• Mass produced hormones and other proteins can
be used to treat a many diseases.
– Recombinant DNA techniques can be used to
produce vaccines.
– Gene splicing can be used to transfer genes
from one organism to another.
– Transgenic plants are easier to produce than
transgenic animals.
– Transgenic microorganisms are perhaps some
of the most controversial of all applications.
– Recombinant DNA technology can be used
to cure genetic disease, a treatment called
gene therapy.
– DNA probes permit analysis of DNA from crime
scenes, detection of infectious organisms, and
genetic disorders.
– DNA probes can even be used to help
geneticists map human chromosomes.
Creating a Transgenic Cow
Creating a Transgenic Cow Continued
Controversies over Genetic Engineering—Ethics and
Safety Concerns

• Despite its promises, genetic engineering is

fraught with controversy over safety and
ethics.
– Critics are concerned that genetically
altered organisms, especially potentially
dangerous bacteria or viruses might be
released into the environment.
– Other critics object to what they see as
tinkering with evolution.
– Experience with genetic engineering is too
limited to completely answer the critics’
safety concerns.
End of Chapter 19