Application of Recombinant DNA Technology - Class 12 Biotechnology - Chapter 4 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Extra Questions - Application of Recombinant DNA Technology | NCERT | Biotechnology | Class 12
Babies conceived through IVF are known as test-tube babies.
A. dwarf babies
B. premature babies
C. test - tube babies
D. abnormal babies
The correct option is C: test-tube babies
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was the first successful method to produce what are commonly referred to as test-tube babies. This technique is particularly beneficial for couples experiencing fertility issues such as difficulties with egg fertilization due to transportation issues, irregular ovulation, or other reproductive complications.
The IVF process involves several essential steps:
Inducing Ovulation: The woman is administered medication to stimulate the production of multiple eggs in a single cycle.
Harvesting Eggs: These eggs are then retrieved from the woman’s ovaries.
Fertilization: The harvested eggs are fertilized with sperm obtained from the father. This takes place in a specially designed culture dish that mimics the conditions inside a woman’s uterus.
Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are allowed to mature in the culture dish for 3 to 5 days.
Embryo Transfer: Once the embryos have developed sufficiently, they are transferred into the uterus of the mother. This step is known as intrauterine transfer.
This intricate process significantly enhances the chances of conception for couples struggling with natural fertilization, leading to the successful birth of what the layman often calls "test-tube babies."
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What do you mean by DNA fingerprinting? Explain it through RFLP.
DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals by examining the unique patterns in their DNA. The technique exploits variations in DNA sequences, specifically the Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) present in non-coding regions of the genome, which differ markedly among individuals.
One common method of DNA fingerprinting is Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). This method involves the following steps:
1. DNA Extraction: Isolating DNA from an individual’s sample (blood, hair, or saliva).
2. Restriction Enzyme Digestion: Treating the DNA with specific enzymes that cut at known sequences, resulting in fragments of various lengths.
3. Gel Electrophoresis: Separating these DNA fragments on an agarose gel. Different sizes of fragments travel at different rates, forming a distinctive pattern of bands.
4. Transfer to Membrane and Hybridization: The separated DNA fragments are transferred to a membrane and then probed with a labeled DNA fragment that binds to the VNTR regions.
5. Detection: Visualizing the hybridized probe on the membrane reveals a series of bands unique to the individual, akin to a genetic barcode.
RFLP provides a reliable and detailed genetic profile that can be used in forensics, paternity tests, and genetic disease analysis.
What are GMOs? Describe the method of development of transgenic plants.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These organisms are produced by introducing foreign DNA into their genetic structure to confer new traits or enhance existing ones, which are not naturally found in the species.
The development of transgenic plants involves several steps:
1. Identification of the gene of interest: The gene responsible for a desired trait is identified and isolated.
2. Vector construction: The gene is inserted into a vector, usually a plasmid, which will carry the gene into the plant cells.
3. Gene transfer: Using methods like Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or particle bombardment, the vector is introduced into the plant cells.
4. Selection: Cells that have successfully incorporated the foreign DNA are selected using marker genes.
5. Regeneration: The selected cells are cultured to regenerate into full plants that express the new trait.
6. Testing and validation: The new transgenic plants are tested for trait expression, stability, and safety before commercial release.
Transgenic plants are thus tailored for specific traits such as increased yield, resistance to pests or diseases, or adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.
Differentiate between direct and indirect method of gene transfer. Name one indirect method suitable for gene transfer in dicot plants.
Direct gene transfer and indirect gene transfer are two primary techniques used for the introduction of foreign genes into host cells in genetic engineering.
Direct gene transfer involves the physical or mechanical introduction of DNA into the host cell without the use of a vector. Techniques under this method include microinjection, where DNA is directly injected into the nucleus of the target cell, and biolistics or gene gun technology, where DNA-coated microscopic particles are bombarded into the target cells.
Indirect gene transfer, on the other hand, uses a vector to carry the foreign DNA into the host cell. This typically involves the use of viruses or bacteria that can naturally infect the cell, integrating the desired genetic material along with their own.
One popular indirect method suitable for gene transfer in dicot plants is the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. This method exploits the natural ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer DNA to plant cells, commonly used to create genetically modified dicot plants.
What is molecular pharming? Give applications of transgenic animals in molecular pharming.
Molecular pharming refers to the use of genetically modified plants or animals to produce pharmaceutical substances. This innovative approach leverages the biological systems of these organisms to mass-produce proteins, enzymes, and other medicinal compounds efficiently and cost-effectively.
Applications of Transgenic Animals in Molecular Pharming:
Bioreactors for Protein Production: Transgenic animals are engineered to express and secrete high levels of therapeutic proteins in their milk, eggs, or blood. For example, the transgenic ewe named Tracy produced high levels of human protein alpha-1-antitrypsin in her milk, intended for treating lung disease conditions.
Production of Humanized Antibodies: Transgenic animals, particularly mice, have been genetically engineered to produce human antibodies. These are used extensively for disease treatment, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Model Organisms for Disease Studies: Transgenic animals are engineered to develop symptoms that mimic human diseases, providing valuable models for studying disease mechanisms and for testing new treatments.
Toxicity Testing: They are employed in toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals, which enables the assessment of safety profiles before these compounds are tested in humans.
Overall, transgenic animals in molecular pharming serve as crucial platforms for developing and producing complex biological products, advancing biomedical research and therapeutic applications.
Differentiate between gene gun and gene therapy.
Aspect | Gene Gun | Gene Therapy |
---|---|---|
Definition | A physical method to insert foreign DNA into cells, using high velocity micro-projectiles. | A medical technique involving modifying a person's genes to treat or prevent disease. |
Primary Use | Transgenic plant production, research in genetic studies. | Medical treatment of genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, cancer. |
Method of Delivery | Uses a biolistic particle delivery system to deliver DNA directly to cells. | Introduces genetic material using vectors like viruses, or through naked DNA injections. |
Involved Organisms | Primarily used in plants, but also applicable to animals. | Mostly used in humans, occasionally in model animals for research. |
Objective | To introduce new traits such as pest resistance or improved yield. | To correct or replace faulty genes responsible for disease development. |
Give the procedure of development of recombinant subunit vaccines.
Recombinant subunit vaccines involve the use of only part of the pathogen, such as a specific protein, rather than the entire organism. Here's the procedure for developing recombinant subunit vaccines:
Identification of Antigen: Identify the antigen (protein or peptide) on the pathogen that triggers a strong immune response.
Gene Cloning: Clone the gene encoding this antigenic protein. This gene is then inserted into a suitable vector, which is generally a DNA molecule that can replicate within a host cell.
Expression in Host: Introduce the vector into a production host, which could be a bacterium like *Escherichia coli* or a yeast like *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*. The host organism expresses the protein from the cloned gene.
Protein Purification: Harvest the expressed protein, and then purify it to remove any host cell proteins and other impurities.
Vaccine Formulation: Combine the purified protein with adjuvants (substances that enhance the immune response) and stabilizers to form the final vaccine preparation.
Testing and Validation: Conduct preclinical and clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
An example of a recombinant subunit vaccine is the hepatitis B vaccine, where the surface antigen (HBsAg) is expressed in yeast cells, purified, and used for immunization. This vaccine is known for its effectiveness and safety profile.
Write a short note on DNA vaccines.
DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines represent a significant advancement in the field of immunology. They involve the direct introduction of a plasmid containing the DNA sequence encoding the antigen(s) against which an immune response is sought. The primary steps in DNA vaccine administration include the insertion of the specific DNA sequence into a bacterial plasmid, which acts as the vector.
Method of Administration:DNA vaccines are commonly delivered via intramuscular injection, where the DNA is directly injected into muscle tissue. Another method includes using a gene gun that delivers the DNA-coated particles directly into cells.
Mechanism of Action:Once inside the host cells, the DNA sequence is transcribed and translated into proteins that mimic the pathogen's antigens. The host’s immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign and mounts an immune response. This includes both cellular and humoral immunity, fostering the creation of memory cells that provide long-term immunity.
Advantages:
DNA vaccines are relatively straightforward and quick to develop.
They can be modified easily, making them adaptable for new pathogens.
DNA vaccines do not contain live components, making them safer.
Applications:These vaccines are particularly promising for viruses and bacteria and are being explored for diseases like influenza, HIV, and even cancer. They also gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their adaptability to variations in viral sequences.
Overall, DNA vaccines offer a potent and flexible tool for disease prevention, adaptable to various pathogens due to their rapid development timeline and the robust immune response they elicit.
Describe the advantages of monoclonal antibodies developed by rDNA technology over that developed by Hybridoma technology.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology have several advantages over those produced by traditional Hybridoma technology. Here are the main benefits:
Humanization: rDNA technology allows for the production of humanized or fully human mAbs, which are less likely to be rejected by the human immune system. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions compared to mouse antibodies produced from hybridomas.
Scalability: The production of mAbs via rDNA is highly scalable, facilitating large-scale production that is consistent and ensures high purity without batch-to-batch variation.
Specificity and Affinity Optimization: rDNA technology enables precise modifications in the antibody genes, which can enhance their binding affinity and specificity to target antigens.
Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial development may be costly, the overall production in microbial or mammalian cell systems can be more cost-effective due to higher yields and the elimination of the need for continual animal use.
Ethical and logistical advantages: Using rDNA technology avoids the ethical concerns associated with animal use in hybridoma technology and the logistical issues of maintaining animal colonies.
Overall, rDNA technology advances the development and therapeutic application of mAbs, making them more effective, safer for clinical use, and accessible for a broad range of diseases.
Briefly describe the development of Humulin through rDNA technology.
Humulin, the first genetically engineered human insulin, was developed using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology in the late 1970s. Researchers isolated the insulin gene and inserted it into a bacterial plasmid of E. coli. A lac operon promoter was included next to the insulin gene in the plasmid to ensure expression. The production process yielded a fusion protein combining insulin molecule with β-galactosidase (β-gal), which was subsequently cleaved to separate the insulin.
Due to issues processing preproinsulin in bacteria, A and B chains of insulin were cloned separately in bacteria. The fusion protein β-gal-insulin was treated with cyanogen bromide (CNBr) to detach the β-gal fragment from the A and B chains. Finally, disulfide bonds were reformed between A and B chains to create the functional insulin molecule. Launched in 1982 by Eli Lilly as Humulin, this insulin was more effective and less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to animal-derived insulin.
Write a short note on humatrope and Protropin.
Humatrope and Protropin are recombinant forms of human growth hormone (HGH) used primarily to treat growth hormone deficiency, particularly in children and adults who exhibit impaired growth. They were among the first recombinant therapeutic agents developed using recombinant DNA technology to treat such conditions.
Humatrope, manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly, is synthesized without the initial signal peptide sequence found in the natural form, ensuring that the bacteria producing it can secrete it efficiently without the extra biochemical steps that would normally be required to process the precursor in human cells.
Protropin, similarly, was produced but included an additional amino acid sequence compared to the standard 191 amino acids of natural HGH, differing slightly in its manufacturing process.
Both products have significantly altered the management of growth hormone deficiencies by providing an alternative to HGH derived from cadavers, reducing the risk of associated diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease and ensuring a consistent and controlled supply of growth hormone for therapeutic use.
Briefly describe the applications of rDNA technology in crop improvement.
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology has significantly impacted crop improvement in agriculture by:
Enhancing Crop Yield:
Genetic modifications to increase resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses (e.g., drought, salinity). An example includes Bt Cotton, which is genetically engineered to express Bacillus thuringiensis toxin for insect resistance.
Improving Nutritional Quality:
Introduction of genes that enhance nutritional content. For instance, Golden Rice, enriched with Vitamin A, aims to alleviate vitamin deficiencies.
Developing Herbicide Resistance:
Crops like soybean and canola have been genetically modified to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crops.
Pest and Disease Resistance:
Transgenic crops can resist specific pests or diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and thereby decreasing crop loss and environmental impact.
Environmental Stress Tolerance:
Genetic modifications to help plants withstand extreme environmental conditions, improving resilience and yield in adverse climates.
Overall, rDNA technology facilitates the production of crops that are more productive, nutritionally enhanced, and environmentally resilient.
List the ethical issues related to the use of transgenic animals?
Ethical Issues Related to the Use of Transgenic Animals
Animal Welfare: Concerns arise about the welfare of animals genetically engineered, which might suffer from physical and mental health issues due to genetic modifications.
Biodiversity: Transgenic animals might impact natural biodiversity if they escape into the wild, potentially outcompeting native species.
Ethics of Genetic Manipulation: Manipulating the genetic structure of living organisms raises fundamental ethical questions about the limits of human intervention in nature.
Long-term Effects: There is uncertainty about the long-term impacts of transgenic animals on ecosystems and natural gene pools.
Regulation and Control: Ensuring that genetically modified animals are kept under strict control to avoid unintended ecological consequences is a significant ethical and logistical issue.
Commercialization and Exploitation: The potential commercial exploitation of genetically engineered animals can lead to ethical dilemmas, including concerns about prioritizing economic gain over the welfare of animals and ecosystems.
These issues necessitate rigorous ethical reviews and regulatory oversights before employing genetic modifications in animals for research or commercial uses.
What is the role of vaccinia virus in the development of recombinant vaccine?
Vaccinia virus plays a significant role in the development of recombinant vaccines by serving as a vaccine vector. This means it is used as a means to carry genes from other pathogens into the host to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease itself. Here are the key aspects of its role:
Gene Carrier: Vaccinia virus can incorporate foreign genes into its genome. This ability is used to insert genes coding for antigens from other pathogens, enabling the host immune system to recognize and respond to these antigens.
Polyvalent Vaccine Production: It helps in creating multivalent vaccines, which can protect against multiple diseases simultaneously. This is done by inserting multiple antigenic genes into the vaccinia virus genome.
Stimulation of Immune Response: It can effectively stimulate both the antibody-mediated (B cells) and cell-mediated (T cells) immune responses. This broad activation of the immune system can offer higher levels of protection against pathogens.
Safety and Efficacy: While vaccinia virus vectors can effectively present foreign antigens to the immune system, their use involves safety concerns. No vacccinia virus-based recombinant vaccines have been licensed for human use due to these concerns.
Overall, the vaccinia virus's ability to carry multiple foreign genes and its efficacy in eliciting a strong immune response makes it a valuable tool in vaccine development, particularly for complex diseases requiring immunity against multiple antigens.
Write a short note on recombinant therapeutic agents.
Recombinant therapeutic agents are medically valuable proteins produced using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, which plays a crucial role in modern healthcare by enabling the production of safe, pure, and effective human proteins. Recombinant insulin and human growth hormone (HGH) are prime examples, demonstrating substantial improvements over their naturally sourced counterparts.
Insulin, used for treating diabetes, was historically derived from animals, posing risks of allergic reactions. Through rDNA technology, human insulin genes are inserted into bacteria, producing insulin that is identical to human insulin and free from allergic responses.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), essential for growth and metabolism, is another significant example. Originally sourced from cadavers, rDNA methods now allow for its production in bacteria, avoiding risks associated with disease transmission from human tissue and providing a consistent and safe supply.
These recombinant agents exemplify how genetic engineering enhances therapy efficacy and safety, addressing limitations of natural extraction and improving patient outcomes.
Write a short note on humanised antibodies.
Humanized antibodies are engineered monoclonal antibodies that have been modified to increase their similarity to antibody variants naturally produced in humans. This process is essential to reduce the immune response against the antibody when used in humans and to enhance the therapeutic efficacy.
Humanized antibodies are produced by grafting non-human antibodies (typically from mice) with the variable region that binds to the specific antigen onto a human antibody framework. This involves replacing most of the mouse antibody's protein sequences with human sequences while maintaining the antigen-binding site. This minimizes the risk of rejection by the human immune system, making them suitable for repeated administration in chronic conditions.
These antibodies have a wide range of applications in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions. For example, they are used in targeted cancer therapies to precisely deliver cancer-fighting agents to the affected cells, thereby minimizing side effects and maximizing treatment impact.
Assertion: In hybridoma technology, B cells are fused with myeloma cells.
Reason: Myeloma cells are immortal.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Explanation: In hybridoma technology, B cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies, are indeed fused with myeloma cells. Myeloma cells are a type of cancer cell that are immortal, meaning they can divide indefinitely in culture. This immortality characteristic of myeloma cells is crucial because it allows the hybrid cells (hybridomas) formed from the fusion to also inherit this trait, thereby enabling continuous and large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies.
Assertion: In Humulin, polypeptide A and polypeptide B are linked with disulfide bridges.
Reason: C peptide is removed from proinsulin to biological active insulin.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Explanation:
Assertion: The statement that in Humulin, polypeptide A and polypeptide B are linked with disulfide bridges is true. This mirrors the natural structure of insulin, which has two polypeptide chains, A and B, connected by disulfide bridges.
Reason: The statement that C peptide is removed from proinsulin to form biologically active insulin is also true. However, it describes the general process of insulin maturation and is not directly related to the specific structural connections (disulfide bridges) between A and B chains in Humulin.
The removal of the C peptide from proinsulin allows the A and B chains to come into proximity and form disulfide bridges; however, this process does not directly explain why Humulin, a recombinant form of insulin, specifically has these disulfide bridges besides mimicking the natural structure.
DNA fingerprinting depends on identifying specific:
(a) Coding sequences
(b) Non-coding sequences
(c) mRNA
(d) Promoter
The correct answer is:
(b) Non-coding sequences
DNA fingerprinting primarily utilizes variations in the DNA that are found in non-coding regions. These regions contain VNTRs (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) which show a high degree of polymorphism and are specific to an individual, making them ideal for identifying unique DNA profiles.
Short stretch of DNA used to identify complementary sequences in a sample is called:
(a) Probe
(b) Marker
(c) VNTR
(d) Minisatellite
The correct answer is (a) Probe.
A probe is a short stretch of DNA or RNA, which is labeled and used to identify complementary sequences in a DNA sample by hybridization. Probes are critical in various molecular biology techniques to detect the presence of specific DNA sequences.
Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) are:
(a) Repetitive coding short DNA sequences
(b) Non-repetitive non-coding short DNA sequences
(c) Repetitive non-coding short DNA sequences
(d) Non-repetitive coding short DNA sequences
(c) Repetitive non-coding short DNA sequences
VNTRs (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) are repetitive sequences of non-coding DNA which consist of a series of tandemly repeated nucleotides. These sequences do not code for any proteins but vary widely among individuals, making them useful in DNA fingerprinting.
Cry genes or Bt genes are obtained from:
(a) Cotton pest
(b) Tobacco plant
(c) Bacillus thuringiensis
(d) E. coli
(c) Bacillus thuringiensis
When gene therapy is done in somatic cells, it is ______.
(a) not-heritable
(b) heritable
(c) rarely heritable
(d) not related to heritability
When gene therapy is done in somatic cells, it is not-heritable. Changes made to somatic cells do not affect the gametes and therefore cannot be passed on to the next generation.
Correct answer: (a) not-heritable.
In gene augmentation therapy, genetic material is ______.
(a) modified
(b) replaced
(c) suppressed
(d) removed
In gene augmentation therapy, genetic material is (b) replaced. In this therapy, a functional copy of the gene is delivered into the genome to replace a non-functional or missing gene. The new gene carries instructions for synthesizing proteins that were lacking due to the defective gene, thereby correcting the genetic disorder at its source.
Germ cell therapy if used for ____________.
(a) RBC
(b) Stomach cells
(c) Egg cells
(d) Bone marrow cells
(c) Egg cells
Germ cell therapy involves the introduction of functional genes into the germ cells, such as egg cells or sperm. This allows the changes made to be inheritable and passed on to future generations.
For the first time, from which animal material was isolated for vaccination?
(a) Cat
(b) Cow
(c) Goat
(d) Horse
The first material for vaccination was isolated from a cow. The term "vaccine" originates from the Latin word "vacca", which means cow. This refers to Edward Jenner's work who used cowpox virus to confer immunity against smallpox.
Correct Answer: (b) Cow
Vaccination was invented by:
(a) Jenner
(b) Pasteur
(c) Watson
(d) Crick
The term "vaccination" was coined by Louis Pasteur in 1881, following Edward Jenner's practice of injecting cowpox virus to confer protection against smallpox.
Correct Answer: (b) Pasteur
For the production of insulin by rDNA technology, which
bacterium was used?
(a) Saccharomyces
(b) Rhizobium
(c) Escherichia
(d) Mycobacterium
For the production of insulin by recombinant DNA technology, the bacterium used was Escherichia coli.
Correct answer: (c) Escherichia
Genetically engineered insulin is called __________.
(a) Humulin
(b) Promulin
(c) Bovulin
(d) Proculin
The genetically engineered insulin is called Humulin.
Correct option: (a) Humulin
Monoclonal antibodies are produced by_________.
(a) Mutations
(b) Transfection
(c) Hybridoma technology
(d) RNA interference
Monoclonal antibodies are produced by (c) Hybridoma technology. This involves fusing an immortal myeloma cell with an antibody-producing normal B cell. The resulting hybrid cell, or hybridoma, combines the desired properties of the two parent cells: longevity and the ability to produce specific antibodies.
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Application of Recombinant DNA Technology: Class 12 Notes
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology has revolutionised modern biology, providing solutions to numerous scientific and medical challenges. This article details key applications of rDNA technology, particularly focusing on DNA fingerprinting, transgenic organisms, gene therapy, recombinant vaccines, and the production of therapeutic agents.
Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology
DNA Fingerprinting
Definition and Basic Process
DNA fingerprinting is a method used to identify individuals by examining their unique DNA sequence. This technique, developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984, capitalises on the variation within the 0.1% of human DNA that differs among individuals.
Importance in Forensics and Paternity Testing
DNA fingerprinting plays a crucial role in forensic science and legal cases such as paternity disputes. By comparing VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeat) patterns, it is possible to establish genetic relationships and identify individuals with high accuracy.
Transgenic Organisms
Definition and Historical Background
Transgenic organisms, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), contain foreign genes introduced into their genome. The first transgenic bacterium was created by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. The subsequent years saw the development of transgenic animals and plants, aiming to benefit humanity in multiple ways.
Production of Transgenic Plants
Transgenic plants are created through either vector-mediated gene transfer, primarily using the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, or vector-less methods like particle bombardment.
Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer
Here, the Ti-plasmid of Agrobacterium is utilised to insert the gene of interest into the plant genome, effectively creating a transgenic plant with desired traits such as pest resistance.
Production of Transgenic Animals
Transgenic animals are often created using techniques like DNA pronuclear microinjection, where the transgene is injected directly into the pronucleus of a fertilised egg, or embryonic stem cell-mediated gene transfer.
Gene Therapy
Understanding Gene Therapy
Gene therapy aims to treat diseases by repairing faulty genes. It involves three main approaches: gene replacement/addition, gene inhibition, and gene editing.
Approaches to Gene Therapy
Gene Replacement/Addiction
In this approach, a functional copy of a gene is delivered to replace a defective gene. It has potential applications in treating diseases like cystic fibrosis and certain types of cancer.
Gene Editing (CRISPR/Cas9)
CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows precise editing of the DNA sequence, offering promising solutions for genetic disorders.
Types of Gene Therapy
Gene therapy can be categorised into ex vivo (cells are modified outside the body and then introduced) and in vivo (genes are directly delivered to the target cells within the body). Somatic gene therapy targets non-reproductive cells, whereas germ-line gene therapy involves modification of reproductive cells.
Recombinant Vaccines
Types of Recombinant Vaccines
Live Genetically Modified Vaccines
These vaccines use a modified form of a live pathogen to induce immunity without causing the disease.
Recombinant Subunit Vaccines
Such vaccines use specific parts of the pathogen, like proteins, to elicit an immune response. A notable example is the Hepatitis B vaccine.
DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines involve injecting genetically engineered DNA to induce an immune response.
RNA Vaccines
RNA vaccines, like the ones developed for COVID-19, use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
Production of Therapeutic Agents
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells. These are used in diagnostic tests and treatments for various diseases, including cancer.
Recombinant Insulin
Recombinant insulin, produced using rDNA technology, involves inserting the human insulin gene into bacterial plasmids. The bacteria then produce insulin, which is harvested and purified for medical use.
Recombinant Growth Hormone
The production of recombinant human growth hormone (HGH) similarly involves inserting the HGH gene into bacteria. This hormone is critical for treating conditions like dwarfism.
Conclusion
Recombinant DNA technology has ushered in a new era of scientific advancements, impacting areas such as forensics, agriculture, medicine, and beyond. With continued research, the potential for breakthroughs in addressing genetic disorders and improving human health seems boundless.
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