Biotechnology

1. Biotechnology- the development of products by a biological process
1. Processes range from fermentation to transgenic mammals
1. Transgenic- contains genes of two different organisms
2. Products used in disease research, food production, waste management, etc.

rDNA Technology

1. Recombinant DNA- combining DNA molecules from different biological sources
2. Large part of genetic engineering
3. Helps modify an organism's genome

Genetic Engineering

1. Two essential components make gene cloning and DNA recombinant techniques possible
1. Restriction enzymes- DNA cutting enzymes
1. Cuts genes out from chromosomes to transfer them into another organism
2. Found primarily in bacteria
2. Plasmid DNA- circular form of self-replicating DNA found in bacteria
1. Easily manipulated
2. Gene Cloning
1. Cloning- the process of creating copies of DNA fragments (molecular cloning), cells (cell cloning) or whole organisms
2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- rapid/versatile method for amplifying target DNA sequences
1. Allows scientists to clone genes or gene fragments for identification AND allows for manipulation of already identified gene
3. Gene Mapping
1. The creation of a genetic map identifying genes at specific locations on chromosomes
2. Critical to understand any trait

Applications

1. Enhanced transfer of beneficial traits through modification
2. Allows scientists to ID and insert a single gene responsible for a specific trait
3. Transgenic Animals
1. Whole organism cloning
2. Many potential applications
1. Livestock, benefits of efficiency, disease resistance, biomedical application,
2. Biomedical Application: Gene pharming- the production of pharmaceutical proteins in blood or milk of transgenic animals

Societal Concerns

1. Moral, ethical, religious issues
2. Significant risks posed by modified foods
3. Hot button issue