Biotechnology Manipulating Genes 1950 s DNA Structure Chargaff

Biotechnology: Manipulating Genes

1950 s: DNA Structure • Chargaff: A + G = T + C • Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray • Watson & Crick: double helix Soon after, we were able to “read” bases (A, T, C, G).

1960 s: DNA Proteins • Jacob & Monod propose m. RNA transcription for getting copies of single genes out of the nucleus. • Many scientists contributed to figuring out the “Genetic Code” of t. RNA translation.

1970 s: Automated DNA Technology • Sequencing: Reading the As, Ts, Cs and Gs • Synthesis*: Writing the As, Ts, Cs and Gs • Human Genome Project: completed in 2003 Now what? (* Note: Synthesis of a DNA molecule just makes a DNA molecule – it does not make an entire living cell, nor does it insert that DNA into a living cell. All the same, it is the beginning of being able to actually manipulate (change) DNA. )

New York Times article: “Mutation Tied to Need for Less Sleep Discovered”! Actual Study: “We have identified a mutation…that is associated with human short sleep phenotype. ” …in 2 people, mice and flies… Even with a “complete” human genome, it’s still difficult to “read” human genes.

Brainstorm • Why can’t we just “read” all of an embryo’s genes/traits before (s)he is born? • Article: Twin Study Deepens Multiple Sclerosis Mystery

Applied Genetics • Once we identify and sequence genes, we can start manipulating them:

Gene Therapy: Changing a person’s genes to cure their disease

Genetically Modified Foods: adding genes to plants to make “super”-crops

Production of Pharmaceuticals: Using agriculture to make drugs for diseases

Applied Genetics • Once we identify and sequence genes, we can start manipulating them: – Gene Therapy – Genetically Modified Food – Production of Pharmaceuticals • NECESSARY FIRST STEP: Find and sequence the proteins & genes for a trait

Simplified Simulation • We’re going to simulate a bacterial transformation, in which genes from jellyfish are inserted into bacteria. • FIRST STEP: Find and sequence the proteins & genes for a trait

Simplified Simulation • Materials for each group: – 2 bacterial plasmids (identical) – 2 jellyfish genes (different) – 1 “Genetic Expression” slip for each gene/plasmid – Genetic Code wheel • Fill out the “Genetic Expression” slip for each jellyfish gene and for the bacterial plasmid.

Clean Up • Did you highlight the genes on the original DNA? • Turn in the Genetic Expression slips. • Store DNA in Zip-loc for use tomorrow. (Include your names. )