Gene Engineering
Historic:
selective breeding of agricultural species
. . -"How-To" Manual, dated 5,000 B.P.
. . . -select for desirable traits
(directional selection)
. . -hybridize wild plant species
. . . -create 'new species'
(disruptive selection)
. . . -corn, wheat, etc.
Mendelian:
Molecular:
Insert a particular fragment into a DNA
molecule
. . -human enzymes inserted into bacteria
. . . -insulin into E. coli
. . . -deficient enzyme for cystic fibrosis
into Pneumococcus
reverse genetics - introduce "designer" mutations
to stem cells
. . -hypothesis: correct for enzyme deficiency
diseases
. . -hypothesis: add nutritional qualities to
crop plants
. . -hypothesis: add disease/pest resistance to
crop plants
newspaper:
. . - "franken-foods"
. . - "designer babies"
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© 2004 Prof. LaFrance, Ancilla College