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Gene Therapy
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Describe it- Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development. The most common form of gene therapy involves the insertion of functional genes into an unspecified genomic location in order to replace a mutated gene, but other forms involve directly correcting the mutation or modifying normal gene that enables a viral infection.
Analyze it- To get a new gene into a cell's genome, it must be carried in a molecule called a vector. The most common vectors currently being used are viruses, which naturally invade cells and insert their genetic material into that cell's genome. To use a virus as a vector, the virus' own genes are removed and replaced with the new gene destined for the cell. When the virus attacks the cell, it will insert the genetic material it carries. A successful transfer will result in the target cell now carrying the new gene that will correct the problem caused by the faulty gene.
Synthesize it- Gene Therapy is like fixing a car or making it up to date. With an old car things need to be added, changed, or replaced in order for it to work. In gene therapy single genes that are mutated and are replaced by the correct gene kinda like replacing a bad or faulty part.
Argue it- There is no reason to not use this method. It is very effective in order to have the right genes expressed and to prevent harmful genes to cause disorders.
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Transgenic Animals
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Genetic Profiles (Forensic Testing)
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Describe it- DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person's DNA makeup, which can also be used as the person's identifier. DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. It is used in, for example, parent testing and criminal investigation.
Analyze it- The process begins with a sample of an individual's DNA . The most desirable method of collecting a reference sample is the use of a buccal swab, as this reduces the possibility of contamination. When this is not available other methods may need to be used to collect a sample of blood, saliva, semen, or other appropriate fluid or tissue from personal items or from stored samples. Samples obtained from blood relatives can provide an indication of an individual's profile, as could human remains which had been previously profiled. A reference sample is then analyzed to create the individual's DNA profile using one of a number of techniques. The DNA profile is then compared against another sample to determine whether there is a genetic match.
Apply it- DNA profiling technology has applications in many areas like Agriculture, Forensic Science, Parentage testing, Food industry, and Medical Diagnosis. Setting up a genetic profile for armies or individuals in case of identification. Reuniting children with their biological parents is another use. Solving crimes and finding the culprit by matching DNA found at the scene and their DNA.
it- DNA profiling is like atlas or map. The basics of a map is to show a person where certain things are located and how they are arranged. Well in DNA profiling segments of the DNA are taken and lined up in a certain order that is unique for that individual. Its a map of their DNA.
Argue it- DNA profiling is very important and informational in order to solve every day conflicts. From catching the bad guy to diagnosing a medical disease it is important we map out the DNA so professionals know what they are dealing with.
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Genetic Profiles (Forensic Testing)
Describe it- DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person's DNA makeup, which can also be used as the person's identifier. DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. It is used in, for example, parent testing and criminal investigation.
Analyze it- The process begins with a sample of an individual's DNA . The most desirable method of collecting a reference sample is the use of a buccal swab, as this reduces the possibility of contamination. When this is not available other methods may need to be used to collect a sample of blood, saliva, semen, or other appropriate fluid or tissue from personal items or from stored samples. Samples obtained from blood relatives can provide an indication of an individual's profile, as could human remains which had been previously profiled. A reference sample is then analyzed to create the individual's DNA profile using one of a number of techniques. The DNA profile is then compared against another sample to determine whether there is a genetic match.
Apply it- DNA profiling technology has applications in many areas like Agriculture, Forensic Science, Parentage testing, Food industry, and Medical Diagnosis. Setting up a genetic profile for armies or individuals in case of identification. Reuniting children with their biological parents is another use. Solving crimes and finding the culprit by matching DNA found at the scene and their DNA.
Synthesize it- DNA is like an atlas or map
Argue it- DNA profiling is very important and informational in order to solve every day conflicts. From catching the bad guy to diagnosing a medical disease it is important we map out the DNA so professionals know what they are dealing with.
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Gene Therapy
Describe it- Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development. The most common form of gene therapy involves the insertion of functional genes into an unspecified genomic location in order to replace a mutated gene, but other forms involve directly correcting the mutation or modifying normal gene that enables a viral infection.
Analyze it- To get a new gene into a cell's genome, it must be carried in a molecule called a vector. The most common vectors currently being used are viruses, which naturally invade cells and insert their genetic material into that cell's genome. To use a virus as a vector, the virus' own genes are removed and replaced with the new gene destined for the cell. When the virus attacks the cell, it will insert the genetic material it carries. A successful transfer will result in the target cell now carrying the new gene that will correct the problem caused by the faulty gene.
Apply it- Conditions or disorders that result from mutations in a single gene are potentially the best candidates for gene therapy. However, the many challenges met by researchers working on gene therapy mean that its application is still limited while the procedure is being perfected.
Synthesize it- Gene Therapy is like fixing a car or making it up to date. With an old car things need to be added, changed, or replaced in order for it to work. In gene therapy single genes that are mutated and are replaced by the correct gene kinda like replacing a bad or faulty part.
Argue it- There is no reason to not use this method. It is very effective in order to have the right genes expressed and to prevent harmful genes to cause disorders.
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Transgenic Animals

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Transgenic Animals
{http://www.technovelgy.com/graphics/content06/green-pig.jpg}
Describe it- A transgenic animal is an animal that are genetically changed to produce a desired phenotype, or to produce a certain protein such as human insulin.
Analyze it- A transgenic animal is made by the insertion of the desired gene into the genome of another species. This can be done by putting the gene into a virus, or injecting the gene into the cell's nucleus using a small syringe or gene gun.
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Transgenic Plants
{http://othersideoftheplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/Grapple_Package.jpg}
Describe it- Transgenic plants are plants that are genetically modified for the purpose of making the plant resistant to certain herbicides or pathogens, and making better food.
Analyze it- Desired genes are inserted into the plant cells by either the same means as transgenic animals, or through a certain type of bacteria's transformation. This special kind of bacteria naturally injects certain genes into a plant cell, so a non-disease causing one is found and is given the desired trait. Then the trait is transferred to the plant, turning it into a transgenic plant.

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Transgenic Animals
Describe it- A transgenic animal is an animal that are genetically changed to produce a desired phenotype, or to produce a certain protein such as human insulin.
Analyze it-
Apply A transgenic animal is made by the insertion of the desired gene into the genome of another species. This can be done by putting the gene into a virus, or injecting the gene into the cell's nucleus using a small syringe or gene gun.
Apply it- Transgenic animals can be used to make certain drugs, such as the drug ATryn. ATryn reduces the probability of blood clots during surgery or child birth. This drug is produced by transgenic goats.
Synthesize it- This is like the lab we did in AP Biology, where we inserted genes from a jellyfish into E. Coli cells. This caused the bacteria to produce a fluorescent protein and glow a greenish color under a black light. Although the E. Coli is not an animal, it is basically the same concept.
Argue it- There are health and safety concerns with genetically modified animals. People worry about side effects and some countries have banned it. My personal opinion? If it is helping us produce drugs that will better people's health, then it can't be that bad. Other people are also saying that we are "playing God", which I'm not even gonna get into.
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Transgenic Plants
Describe it- Transgenic plants are plants that are genetically modified for the purpose of making the plant resistant to certain herbicides or pathogens, and making better food.
Analyze it- Desired genes are inserted into the plant cells by either the same means as transgenic animals, or through a certain type of bacteria's transformation. This special kind of bacteria naturally injects certain genes into a plant cell, so a non-disease causing one is found and is given the desired trait. Then the trait is transferred to the plant, turning it into a transgenic plant.
Apply it- Genetically modified plants are made to resist certain herbicides, diseases, or to make nutrient-rich crops such as golden-rice. It can also be used to make longer lasting fruits, such as the Flavr-Savr tomato.
Synthesize it-
Argue One day when I was walking around in Wal-Mart, I saw a fruit called a grapple. It is apparently an apple that tastes like a grape. Although I never got to try one myself since they were so expensive, I always wondered how they created such fruits. Did they just breed and apple tree with a grape vine? But that isn't possible...is it? Well today, I know how these plants are genetically modified to produce certain traits.
Argue it- There is much controversy of the transgenic plant. Many countries around the world have banned genetically modified maze, or all GMO in general. Some countries are holding out on it to see if there are any side effects that may show up later in life. As for me, living in the United States I am aware that many of our crops are genetically modified and nothing has happened to me so far. So if someone handed me a grapple, I would definitely eat it.
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Genetic Profiles (Forensic Testing)

Part Four ~ Practical Application of DNA Technology
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLPs)
{http://homepage.smc.edu/hgp/images/rflp.gif}
Describe it- RFLP is a difference between samples of DNA that come from different locations of restriction enzyme sites. RFLP is useful for finding genes of certain genetic diseases.
Analyze it- First, DNA is cut up with restriction enzymes. Then the DNA fragments go through gel electrophoresis and is transfered to a membrane or blot paper. A probe then bonds with complimentary strands of DNA to determine length. RFLP occurs when length varies between individuals.