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Unit 11: Genomics

Last updated

Dec 31, 2020
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- 10.4: Transposons - "jumping genes"
- 11.1: Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning

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11.1: Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning
This page explains the creation and application of recombinant DNA (rDNA) by combining DNA from different sources using enzymes, enabling cloning in organisms like E. coli. It outlines the use of plasmids with antibiotic resistance genes for selection.
11.2: Polymerase Chain Reaction
This page describes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a rapid DNA cloning method that involves synthesizing primers, heat-induced strand separation, and polymerization with heat-stable DNA polymerase. Each cycle doubles the DNA amount, enabling exponential amplification, which can produce billions of copies quickly through automation. PCR is effective for analyzing limited DNA samples but is sensitive to contamination.
11.3: Gene Therapy - Methods and Prospects
This page discusses advancements in gene therapy for treating genetic disorders, particularly single-gene diseases like SCID and β-thalassemia. It highlights successes in improving patient conditions, such as reduced need for blood transfusions. The use of adenovirus vectors in gene therapy is noted for its reduced integration risks, but challenges include strong immune responses and pre-existing antibodies in patients.
11.4: Recent Advances in Gene Therapy
This page discusses the challenges of developing effective gene therapies, including immune responses and gene delivery. AAV vectors offer promising solutions and have shown success in treating diseases like diabetes and hemophilia B, with positive human trial results for conditions such as Parkinson's. Glybera®, the first EU-approved gene therapy, treats lipoprotein lipase deficiency using an AAV vector, demonstrating significant safety and effectiveness since its approval in October 2012.
11.5: Transgenic Animals
This page discusses the creation and application of transgenic animals using recombinant DNA technology for research and therapy. It highlights various methods, including the development of knockout and "knock-in" mice, alongside successful transgenic sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and primates. These animals can produce therapeutic proteins, exemplified by sheep producing human proteins in milk and chickens capable of cost-effective protein production in eggs.
11.6: Transgenic Plants
This page discusses advancements in genetic engineering of plants through recombinant DNA technology, allowing for rapid trait introduction compared to traditional methods. Techniques like plasmids and gene guns have led to achievements such as enhanced nutritional quality, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance. Despite controversies surrounding ecological risks and "terminator" genes, transgenic crops are widely adopted in the U.S. for their benefits, particularly in herbicide resistance.
11.7: Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms
This page discusses the use of restriction enzymes and probes in DNA analysis, highlighting the significance of RFLPs for gene screening and forensic applications, despite challenges like mutation variability. It notes the evolution of DNA profiling in criminal investigations, emphasizing that using multiple probes and STRs can significantly reduce misidentification probabilities. Since 1999, U.S.
11.8: Gel Blotting
This page discusses gel blotting, a method to visualize specific macromolecules such as proteins and DNA/RNA through electrophoresis and transfer onto a nitrocellulose filter. The Southern Blot, created by E. M. Southern, identifies DNA fragments using radiolabeled probes. Analogous techniques for RNA and proteins are known as Northern and Western blots, employing similar procedures for detection.
11.9: Genetic Screening for Phenylketonuria
This page discusses Phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder resulting from defective genes affecting phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to harmful phenylalanine buildup. Early diagnosis through blood tests is crucial, and genetic screening can assess parental transmission risk. Despite available treatments, testing can be complicated by false negatives. PKU is a recessive trait, but the phenylalanine tolerance test complicates its dominance classification.
11.10: Antisense RNA
This page discusses the roles of messenger RNA (mRNA) and small RNAs in gene expression regulation and molecular biology. mRNA, often paired with antisense RNA, plays a role in genetic engineering and gene expression control. RNA interference (RNAi) involves small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that can suppress gene expression and combat viruses.
11.11: Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides and their Therapeutic Potential
This page discusses antisense oligonucleotides, synthetic polymers designed to inhibit protein synthesis by binding to mRNA. They work by blocking ribosome function, degrading mRNA, or preventing splicing errors. Effective therapy requires evasion of nucleases and minimal side effects, often achieved through chemical modifications and targeted delivery.
11.12: Forward and Reverse genetics
This page summarizes the significance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism in biological research due to its rapid breeding, transparent embryos, and application in both forward and reverse genetics. These characteristics facilitate the study of gene functions and associated phenotypes, offering insights into human biology owing to genetic similarities. Additionally, the sequenced zebrafish genome has identified numerous protein-coding genes, enhancing its utility in research.
11.13: Metagenomics
This page explores microbial genome studies, emphasizing the shortcomings of traditional culturing methods. It describes the advantages of modern sequencing technologies, such as DNA extraction, PCR, and shotgun sequencing, in analyzing complex microbial ecosystems. Examples from diverse environments like the Sargasso Sea and human colon demonstrate how metagenomics uncovers previously unknown microbial diversity and functions.

Thumbnail: A DNA microarray. (CC BY-SA 3.0; Guillaume Paumier).

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