Gene Technology
(BST2253)
Dilshan Dissanayaka
Lecturer
Department of Biosystem Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Ruhuna
Course conducted by
Prof. Saman Chandana Dr. Chandani Chalanika Mr. Dilshan Dissanayaka
Professor (Chair) Senior Lecturer, Lecturer (Temporary)
Dept. of Biosystems Technology Dept. of Biosystem Dept. of Biosystem Technology
Technology
Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Technology,
University of Ruhuna University of Ruhuna University of Ruhuna
Course Content – 3 Credits
• Introduction-Gene Technology
• DNA extraction
• DNA electrophoresis
• Isolation of RNA and Northern hybridization
• Isolation of Protein and Southern hybridization
• Simple DNA cloning procedures
• Genetic transformation
• Types of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their usage and
limitations
• Applications of GMOs in Biosystem
Objectives
• To give the knowledge on,
• Applications of genetic engineering
• Major techniques (gel electrophoresis, southern hybridization, northern
hybridization, western blotting, PCR) used in biotechnology
• Cloning and strategies
• Genetically modified organisms
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to
• Use different techniques associated with DNA, RNA and protein analysis in various
biotechnological applications
• Carry out simple DNA cloning
• Assess and evaluate the use of genetically Modified Organisms in Biosystems
Method of evaluation
Continuous assessment MCQ, Quizzes, Project report,
Presentations
40%
End semester examination Theory 40 %, Practical 20%
60%
Gene Technology-Introduction
• Gene technology is the term given to a range of activities
-understanding gene expression
-taking advantage of natural genetic variation
-modifying genes and transferring genes to new hosts
• Gene technology (also known as genetic engineering or genetic modification)
provides ways to make changes to genes
• Genetic engineering refers the artificial manipulation of genes
-adding or subtracting genes or
-changing the way genes works
Structure of DNA
• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a polymer
• Composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a
double helix strands
• Carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and
reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses
Structure of RNA
RNA: Ribonucleic acid, complex compound with high molecular weight
Functions: cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as a carrier of
genetic codes in some viruses.
RNA consists of ribose nucleotides (nitrogenous bases appended to a ribose sugar) attached
by phosphodiester bonds, forming strands of varying lengths.
The nitrogenous bases in RNA are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil, which replaces
thymine in DNA
DNA vs RNA
What is a gene?
• In biology, a gene is a basic unit of heredity and a sequence of nucleotides in DNA
that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or protein
Recombinant DNA technology (rDNA)
Recombinant DNA technology
This method can be used to
involves using enzymes and The resulting copies are often
combine (or splice) DNA from
various laboratory techniques referred to as recombinant
different species or to create
to manipulate and isolate DNA DNA.
genes with new functions.
segments of interest.
Such work typically involves
propagating the recombinant
DNA in a bacterial or yeast cell,
whose cellular machinery
copies the engineered DNA
along with its own.
• Recombinant DNA technology is an extremely
important research tool in biology.
• It allows to manipulate DNA fragments in order
to study them.
• It uses a variety of laboratory methods to put a gene
piece of DNA into a bacterial or yeast cell.
• Once in, the bacteria or yeast will copy the DNA
along with its own.
• Recombinant DNA technology has been
successfully applied to make important proteins
used in the treatment of human diseases, such as
insulin and growth hormone.
Genetic engineering is the process of using recombinant
DNA (rDNA) technology to alter the genetic makeup of an
organism
Also called as Genetic modification or genetic manipulation
Is the direct manipulation of an organism's one or more
genes using biotechnology
Genetic
engineering A gene from another species is added to an organism's
genome to give it a desired phenotype
Traditionally, humans have manipulated genomes indirectly
by controlling breeding and selecting offspring with desired
traits
Ex: Current Use of Genetically Modified Organisms
Applications of gene technology
Research Medicine
• Creation of transgenic organisms • Drugs manufacturing
• Genetically modified bacteria • Creation of model animals
• Gene expression (overexpression, • Gene therapy
knock down, knock out) • Mass production of human insulin in bacteria
Applications
Industry Agriculture
• Industrial fermentation • Genetically modified plants, livestock
• Biofuel • Plants protection from insect
• Clean up toxic materials from water • Salmon production (speed up adults growth)
(Arsenic)
Some benefits of gene technology approaches
• Increasing crop production
• to develop crops that yield more with fewer inputs
• contain more useful nutrients
• Increasing livestock production
• Preventing, fighting and resistant to diseases
• Reducing pollution and waste
• Producing new products
• Detecting and preventing crime
• Can grow even in degraded agricultural land
Examples
INSECT-RESISTANT COTTON
The genetically modified cotton plant produces a protein that, while harmless to other
insects, is poisonous to the caterpillar, and so prevents any serious damage to the
developing flower buds
GOLDEN BANANAS FOR
AFRICA
scientists are working to
fortify bananas with pro-
vitamin A
Some examples of gene
technology
Synthetic biology
• Is the design and construction of an
organism’s genetic material and its
transfer to another organisms such as
enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells or
the redesign of existing biological
systems
• extension and modification of
Synthetic biology focuses on
constructing biological technologies
from basic elements
• Ex: We can build organisms to
consume toxic chemicals in water or
soil that would not otherwise
decompose
Computational biology
• Computational biology involves the
development and application of
data-analytical and theoretical
methods, mathematical modelling
and computational simulation
techniques to the study of
biological, ecological, behavioural,
and social systems
• Ex: Graph algorithms for genome
mapping (the process of locating
fragments of DNA on chromosomes)
and for certain types of DNA and
peptide sequencing methods,
clustering algorithms for gene
expression analysis and
phylogenetic reconstruction, and
pattern matching for various
sequence search problems
Thank you
