Applications of DNA technology

1. Applications of DNA technology Bio3B

2. Biotechnological techniques Biotechnological techniques are being developed and used for • identification of species and hereditary diseases by • DNA sequencing • profiling techniques • PCR (polymerase chain reaction) • genetic probes • production of proteins, hormones and vaccines by DNA recombinant techniques (including restriction and ligase enzymes) e.g. to produce insulin, auxins • production of new varieties or breeds of plants and animals eg GMO organisms with pest resistance or drought tolerance • Cloning or tissue culture of endangered species or to increase numbers of organisms with a desired trait

3. Applications of biotechnology

4. Applications of DNA technology

5. Agriculture • Pest or disease resistant crops • Improved productivity or nutritional quality in crops or animals • Cloning of plants or animals with superior qualities

6. Pest resistant crops – Bt crops Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt, is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil. For years, bacteriologists have known that some strains of Bt produce proteins that kill certain insects with alkaline digestive tracts. When these insects ingest the protein produced by Bt, the function of their digestive systems is disrupted, producing slow growth and, ultimately, death. Bt is very selective — different strains of the bacterium kill different insects and only those insects. Strains of Bt are effective against European corn borers and cotton bollworms (Lepidoptera), Colorado potato beetles (Coleoptera), and certain flies and mosquitoes (Diptera). Bt is not harmful to humans, other mammals, birds, fish or beneficial insects.

7. GM animals Many different types of animals have been genetically modified - for food production or research. Even though many types of animals are used, mice, however, make up 98 percent of GM animals. Although scientists use fewer animals in research, GM animals make up about 21 percent. GM sheep with milk containing the human protein AAT. Giant cow, three times the size of ordinary cattle, reared without fat to produce gallons of milk. A genetically modified mouse (bottom) develops diabetes, but a mouse missing the Stat-4 gene (top) is protected from the disease. Genetically engineered bare skinned chickens – fast growing, low fat, less waste & less need for ventilation

8. Plant cloning Also known as tissue culture Allows rapid duplication of desirable plant Used in commercial flower production and horticulture Grafting allows cloning of desired plant by placing plant tissue on to the root stock of another plant eg grapes, roses

9. Cloning animals The cloning of animals has many important commercial implications. It allows an individual animal with desirable features, such as a cow that produces a lot of milk, to be duplicated several times. Mice have successfully been cloned from frozen tissue Cloned mice provide identical test subjects for research

10. Environmental conservation • Seed banks • Species identification – research and conviction of poachers • Biodiversity identification • Cloning of rare, endangered species

11. Species identification Use of DNA sequencing to ‘bar code’ species DNA

12. Cloning and endangered or extinct species Pyrenean ibex Pyrenean ibex (extinct) and Gaur (endangered) have both been cloned, although the animals died shortly after birth. Mice have been successfully cloned from frozen tissue and dead animals

13. Applications 1 How has DNA technology been used with these? • Custom service beagles • Wollemi pine • Racing industry • Cotton farming • Wheat varieties • Tasmanian Devil • Painted dogs

14. Applications 1 How has DNA technology been used with these? Cloning: • Custom service beagles • Wollemi pine • Racing industry Genetic engineering and breeding • Cotton farming • Wheat varieties Captive breeding and DNA sequencing • Tasmanian Devil • Painted dogs

15. Applications 2 How could it help with? • Tasmanian tiger - extinct • Koalas – endangered – habitat loss & disease (Chlamydia) • Tuart trees – endangered – habitat loss

16. Applications 2 How could it help with? • Tasmanian tiger - extinct • Koalas – endangered – habitat loss & disease • Tuart trees – endangered – habitat loss Adelaide University researchers are examining the DNA of animal droppings to try to work out if the Tasmanian tiger survived beyond its reported extinction in the 1930s. Some suggestion of cloning from skins or preserved embryos Captive breeding programs Keeping and breeding Chlamydia free groups Seed banks