Genetic Engineering v Selective Breeding

1
Genetic Engineering v Selective Breeding

• Both alter the genetic makeup of a species for
  benefit
• Selective Breeding
• Requires years of careful breeding
• Doesnt always produce the ideal organism
• Only animals that normally produce the required
  product can be used

2
Benefits of Genetic Engineering

• Genetics (genotype) of a species altered directly
  
• If bacteria used
• Easier cheap to mass produce bacteria
• Large quantities of a useful product produced
• Bacteria make products (e.g. insulin) normally
  only made by another species (e.g. humans)

3
Products of Genetic Engineeering

• Medical
• (1) INSULIN - hormone that controls blood
  glucose
• Diabetes blood sugar level cant be controlled
  (lack of insulin)
• Previously cow or pig insulin used (side effects)
• Genetic engineering pure and genetically
  identical human insulin
• Increasing cases of diabetes increased demand

4
Products of Genetic Engineering

• Medical ctd
• (2) INTERFERON prevents growth of viruses
• Could be used to combat diseases and cancers
• (3) HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH) - ensures normal
  growth and development
• Treats dwarfism reduced growth

5
Commercial applications

• Enzymes (E.g. proteases) to help digest stains
• Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) other chemicals
  used in plastics industry

6
Preventing Potential Hazards

• Worries that new strains could be harmful and
  resistant to antibiotics
• Precautions need to be taken
• 1) Only trained personnel in laboratory
• 2) Only non-disease causing microbes used
• 3) Strains produced are dependant on growth media
  not available in nature
• 4) Air pressure adjusted so air does not pass out
  of the lab

7
The Future

• Bacteria to help mop up oil slicks by digesting
  oil
• Isolating genes that help fix nitrogen gas
  (plants wouldnt need nitrogen from soil - no
  fertilisers)
• Bigger healthier animals e.g mighty mouse