Chris+Plucker

= =  ** DNA TECHNOLOGY **

**Definition:**
The chemical manipulation of the genotypes and resulting phenotypes of organisms such that living organsms are modified.

**Results:**
DNA technology has revolutionized how scientists study the genetics, biochemistry, even the ecology and evolutionary biology of organisms, and allowed the development of novel biological products. OR = = = =

= __Gene Cloning with Bacterial Plasmids__ =
 * Procedures **

Description:
A single recombinant DNA molecule, composed of a plasmid (or vector) and an inserted DNA fragment, is introduced into a host cell producing large numbers of recombinant DNA molecules that include the fragment of DNA originally linked to the vector.

Analysis:

 * Plasmids are circular, double-stranded DNA.
 * Separate from a cell's chromosomal DNA.
 * Occur naturally in bacteria, yeast, and some higher eukaryotic cells.
 * Exist in a parasitic or symbiotic relationship with host cell.
 * Range from a few thousand to 100 kilobases base pairs.
 * DNA is duplicated before every cell division.
 * At least one copy is segregated to each daughter cell of host.
 * Assures continued propagation of the plasmid through successive generations.
 * The replication origin must be present for it to replicate.
 * Host-cell enzymes bind to the replication origin.
 * Once replication is initiated, it continues around the circular plasmid.
 * regardless of base pairs.
 * Any DNA sequence inserted into a plasmid is replicated.

Application:

 * Produces many copies of a gene of interest
 * Used for:
 * Sequencing the gene.
 * Producing its encoded protein.
 * Basic research or other applications.

Synthesis:

 * This process reminds me of giving antibiotics to humans, to fight off bacteria, except using this process to give bacteria the resistance to specific antibiotic treatments is like giving them anti-antibiotics, allowing //**bacteria**// to live.

Argument:

 * Advantages:
 * Easier to study genes.
 * Small, easy to handle.
 * Straightforward selection strategies
 * Useful for cloning small DNA fragments (<10kbp)
 * Allows you to manipulate and study genes in isolation.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Less useful for cloning large DNA fragments (>10kbps)

Verdicts out... Gene Cloning with Bacterial Plasmids gets the... "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" AWARD!

Helpful Links:
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Sources:

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=__ Nucleic Acid Hybridization __=

Description:
This process takes advantage of the ability of individual single-stranded nucleic acid molecules to from double stranded molecules (hybridize to each other).

**Analysis:**

 * Occurs when:
 * There is a high degree of base complementary between the two strands.
 * Uses a labeled nucleic acid probe to identify related DNA or RNA molecules within a complex mixture of unlabeled nucleic acid molecules, the target nucleic acid.
 * Probe may be single or double stranded.
 * Isolated by cell-based DNA cloning or by PCR.
 * DNA cloned probes range in size from 0.1 kb to hundreds of kb.
 * PCR based probes have often less than 10 kb and usually originally double-stranded.
 * Oligonucleotide probes are short (15-50 nucleotides) singe-stranded pieces
 * Made by chemical synthesis mononucleotides are added one at at time to the 3' nucleotide.
 * Process:
 * Two strands of DNA molecules are denatured by heating to 100 degrees Celsius.
 * Creating two strands.
 * The two strands will re-nature by keeping the two strands for a prolonged period at 65 degrees Celsius.
 * Using a particular nucleotide sequence as a probe, this process can be used to detect and characterize nucleotide sequences.

**Application:**

 * Used for:
 * Detection and characterization of specific nucleotide sequences.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process reminds me of advanced puzzle putting together, except your using base pairs. ;)

Argument**:**

 * This process is completely advantageous, no disadvantages to be thought of so...

...Verdicts out! Nucleic Acid Hybridization gets the... "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" AWARD!!

**Helpful links:**
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**Sources:**
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= __Genomic Library__ =

Description:
A Genomic Library is the isolation of a cDNA clone, a genomic clone, or even a monoclonal antibody is the idea of a library. It is simply a collection of different DNA sequences that have been incorporated into a vector.

Analysis:

 * How cDNA is made:
 * Virtually in all cases, cDNA is generated by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
 * RT has the ability to use the information in an RNA to generate a complementary DNA.
 * Oligo-dT is frequently used to prime DNA synthesis.
 * Once the initial cDNA has been made, it's necessary to produce a second strand.
 * Most often the exposure of the DNA/RNA hybrid to a combination of RNAase-H and DNA polymerase can then use the single-stranded nicks to initiate "second strand" DNA synthesis.
 * Incorporate cDNA into a vector.
 * Just as in Gene Cloning with Bacterial Plasmids (Vectors).
 * Then one may design a probe as to be able to identify and screen your library.
 * Store.
 * Genomic libraries can be stored in a "multiwell" plastic plate.

**Application:**

 * Isolating cDNAs allows you to use it to develop expression vectors so proteins of interest can be produced in high quantities.
 * Knowledge of mRNA sequence can allow for the cloning of homologous sequences either from different species or additional members of a gene family within a species.
 * opens a wide variety of experimental approaches and cDNA cloning is such a powerful technology, that isolation of cDNA should be considered, regardless of the ultimate experimental goal.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process reminds me how a real library is. People make unique pieces of work, they make copies of it, then they store them in specific places, available whenever that information is needed.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Allows the creation, isolation, and the use of DNA that are complementary to mRNA.
 * Particularly useful when you are working with prokaryotic organisms.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Not particularly useful when working with eukaryotic organisms.

Clearly the advantages outweigh the disadvantages so.... yet again, the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" AWARD!

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
http://www-users.med.cornell.edu/~jawagne/cDNA_cloning.html#Why Isolate cDNAs|http://www-users.med.cornell.edu/~jawagne/cDNA_cloning.html#Why Isolate cDNAs

=__ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) __=

** Description: **
This process results in a dramatic amplification of the DNA that exists between the primers, this produces n^2 copies of the chosen DNA, n being the number of cycles (discussed later).

**Analysis:**

 * PCR is based on the DNA polymerization reaction.
 * A primer and dNTPs are added along with a DNA template and the DNA polymerase.
 * Differences for PCR:
 * Use of a primer that sits on the 5' end of the gene and a primer is made to the opposite strand to go in the other direction.
 * Process:
 * Original template is melted (94 degrees Celsius).
 * Primers stick to the DNA strand in a specific way due to base pairings.
 * Taq Polymerase (which is stable at the high temperatures needed to perform the amplification) makes two new strands (at 72 degrees Celsius)
 * Doubling the amount of DNA present.
 * Process repeated to desired effect.

** Application: **

 * This process allows you to take very minuscule quantities of DNA, and create an indefinite amount of copies.
 * This is particularly useful in the detection of small amounts of specific DNAs, such that of low level bacterial infections or rapid changes in transcription at the single cell level.
 * Also in the use of the detection of a specific individual's DNA in forensic science.
 * Screening for genetic disorders, site specific mutation of DNA, or cloning.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process reminds me of the DNA polymerization process of which it was made from. Amazing that researchers where able to recreate this process and do it in a quick and controlled environment.

**Arguement:**

 * Advantages:
 * There is numerous advantages to this process as mentioned under "Application".
 * Disadvantages:
 * While PCR is a very powerful technique, it can be tricky.
 * It is sensitive to the levels of divalent cations and nucleotides.
 * Conditions for each particular application must be worked out.
 * Primer design is extremely important.
 * Contamination is a very important aspect to consider.

Although the technique can be difficult, this process is well worth the blood, sweat, and tears! So i shall award PCR the.... "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD"!

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
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= __Gel Electrophoresis__ =
 * PART 2 **

**Description:**
This process is an easy way to separate DNA fragments by their sizes and visualize them. It uses a tray full of agar and uses electrodes to pull an electrical current through it, and then place DNA in wells near the negative end.

**Analysis:**

 * Due to the fact that DNA is negatively charged at neutral pH, when an electrical potential is placed on the DNA it will move toward to the positive pole.
 * By placing the DNA into an agarose gel, this will manage the rate at which it moves toward the positive pole.
 * The agarose gel forms a porous lattice and the DNA must slip through the holes in the lattice.
 * By this process, larger molecules will move slower, and inversely for the smaller molecules which will move more quickly.
 * This will separate the DNA molecules by size, allowing it to be examined and distinguished from other DNA samples.
 * Once the DNA has "ran" through the agarose it can be examined under a U.V. trans-illuminator by staining the DNA with a fluorescent dye.

**Application:**

 * Gel electrophoresis allows:
 * Separation of strands of DNA
 * Easier identification and examination of its components.
 * Identification of:
 * Damaged genes.
 * Genetic Diseases.
 * Viruses
 * Determine paternity and genetic links between larger groups of people.
 * Reduce the negative impact of inbreeding in animals.
 * Learn more about evolution:
 * Relationships.
 * Identify species.
 * Differences between species.
 * Examine tissue samples eg. at crime scenes.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process is like an electric 100 meter dash, except its 10,000 DNA molecules running.

**Argument:**
Although some of the components used in this process are relatively dangerous, as long as they are used carefully this is still a very viable procedure and have a lot of positive capabilities. Because of this i will still award Gel Electrophoresis the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" Award!
 * Advantages:
 * Cheap and relatively quick.
 * Allows you to identify and examine the components of DNA.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Toxicity
 * The chemicals used in this process such that of Ethidium Bromide (fluorescent dye) is a known carcinogen and should be used very carefully.
 * Also the polyacrylamide (the matrix in protein gels) is a known neurotoxin.
 * Accuracy
 * Although this process will give you relatively accurate results from the stand point of the size of the molecules, it is fairly difficult to measure the density of each protein or concentration/abundancy of the DNA.

**Helpful links:**
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**Sources:**
[] [] = __Southern Blotting__ =

** Description: **
Southern blots provide the information need to determine the molecular weight of a restriction fragment and to measure relative amounts of different samples. It looks pretty similarly to the gel electrophoresis procedure.

**Analysis:**

 * DNA is digested with a restriction enzyme and separated by gel electrophoresis.
 * DNA is denatured into single strands by incubation with NaOH.
 * DNA is transfered to a membrane which is a sheet of special blotting paper.
 * the fragments retain the same pattern of separation they had on the gel.
 * The blot is incubated with many copies of a probe which is single-stranded DNA.
 * Forms base pairs with its complementary DNA sequence and bind to form a double-stranded DNA molecule.
 * Probe is either radioactive or has an enzyme bound to it.
 * Location of the probe is revealed by incubating it with a colorless substrate that the attached enzyme converts to a colored product that can be seen or gives off light which will expose X-ray film.

**Application:**

 * This process allows you to detect the presence of a gene that was transformed into a mixed cell population. It is then easy to determine which cells incorporated the gene and which did not.

**Synthesis:**

 * By combining this will gel electrophoresis it produces a more diagnostic result and more data to analyze.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * can measure telomere length distribution.
 * Coefficient of variation
 * Measurements expressed in absolute values (kb)
 * Disadvantages:
 * Labor intensive.
 * Costly.
 * Greater quantity of DNA required.
 * presence of subtelomeric DNA confounds absolute telomeric length estimate.

The disadvantages due play a big role with this procedure and will definitely play a part in my decision, but this process is still viable and worthwhile for the results. Plus it is completely harmless. Southern Blotting will still be awarded the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" Award!

**Helpful Links:**
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=__ Microarrays __=

** Description: **
Microarrays allow the analysis of expression of many genes in a single experiment quickly and efficiently. When its done, it looks like a petri dish with an assortment of colors.

** Analysis: **

 * A glass slide or membrane is arrayed with DNA fragments or oligonucleotides
 * Represents specific gene coding regions.
 * Expolting the ability of a given mRNA molecule to hybridize to the DNA template from which it originated.
 * Purified RNA is then fluorescently or radioactively labeled then hybridized to the slide/membrane.
 * Once it has been washed, scanning quantitizes how much target is bound to the DNA probe on the microarray.
 * The resulting image is then analysed by finding the spots and comparing the differences between samples.
 * This determines the levels of mRNA expression in a collection of cells.

** Application: **

 * Sequencing by hybridization.
 * Resequencing.
 * Mutation detection.
 * Assessment of gene copy number.
 * Comparative genome hybridization.
 * Drug discovery.
 * Expression analysis.
 * Immunoassay (protein microarrays).

** Synthesis: **

 * You can create a analytic picture of the expression of many genes.

** Argument: **

 * Advantages:
 * Lots of information with one test.
 * Good coverage of the genome.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Incomplete coverage.
 * lead to false normal results.
 * The ability to test only for unbalanced rearrangements.
 * Not balanced translocations.
 * Inversions.

With microarrays being high throughput and cost effective, it still suffers lack of perfect processing methods and acceptable sensitivity as much as real time PCR. So given this fact, and also the fact that it does provide unique results for needed data. So this shall still be awarded the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!" AWARD!

** Helpful Links: **
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** Sources: **
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=__ **Plant Cloning** __=
 * PART 3 **

Description**:**
This process takes part of a donor plant and then grows into a new plant.

**Analysis:**

 * Small amounts of tissues or cells are taken from a plant.
 * Cells are then transferred to plates filled with sterile nutrient agar jelly.
 * Auxins are then added to prepare all the cells for the process of mitosis.
 * Small masses of tissue grow at a fast rate.
 * Growth hormones are then added to prepare the long process of root and stern growth.
 * the tiny plantlets are then put into potting trays where they develop into adult plants.

**Application:**

 * Producing more plants for the environment keeping it more safe and healthy
 * Produces more plants for general use.
 * Growing a larger food supply for society and this can also benefit countries or areas affected with low supply of food.
 * Scientific research with genetics and cell structure.

**Synthesis:**

 * You can create genetically identical plants to their donor.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Selected crops.
 * With perfect size and nutritious value.
 * Maximum output in every harvest.
 * DNA combination in order to select specific features of different plants.
 * Maintain the most desirable characteristics.
 * Can:
 * Produce high yielding crops
 * Produce drought and pest resistance crops
 * Disadvantages:
 * Can be expensive.
 * Tends to eliminate diversity.
 * More exposure to natural phenomenons like disease.
 * If a single disease harms one plant it will likely harm all the crop.
 * Higher mutation rates.
 * Sterility.
 * Genetic Inflexibility.
 * Lower genetic variation.
 * Can possibly overtake other similar species and lead to others extinction.
 * Combinations between altered plants and natural ones could possibly be devastating to nature.

They are unsure of the results when the plants have been genetically altered and have been adapted for a specific purpose and then introduced with naturally occurring plants what long term results will be, so because of this i have to give Planet Cloning the OR award.

**Helpful Links:**
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= **Animal Cloning** =

** Description: **
This procedure takes the somatic cells (any cell other than a sperm or an egg) and then takes a egg cell, removing the nucleus, and then inserts the somatic cell into the egg.

** Analysis: **

 * Collect a sample of somatic cells from the target to be cloned.
 * Collect an egg cell from a female of the same species.
 * extract and discard the nucleus of the egg cell.
 * Insert the somatic cell from the genetic donor into the egg and "fuse" the two with electricity.
 * Resulting fused egg contains the genetic donor's DNA.
 * Stimulation activates the egg and causes it to divide just as an egg would if it had been fertilized.
 * Cell division will begin.
 * It is then placed in a culture medium to promote cellular division.
 * The resulting embryo will be transferred to a "surrogate mother" where it continues to develop.
 * After a full term pregnancy, the recipient gives birth to an animal that is essentially the identical twin of the genetic donor.

**Application:**

 * Possibly a great method for producing agriculture animals for food consumption because it has used successfully to clone sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs for food consumption.
 * Higher production of desirable agricultural traits eg. high milk production, or lean meat.
 * Clone endangered species that are on the verge of going extinct.

**Synthesis:**

 * You can create a genetically identical animal from the donor.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Theoretically, endless supply of animals to clone.
 * Never run out of food.
 * Possibility to produce a genetically identical copy of an individual for tissue or organ transplantation.
 * Extinct or endangered species can be repopulated through cloning.
 * Disadvantages:
 * More susceptible to mutations.
 * May cause nuclear-mitochondrial incompatibilities that lead to death.
 * Telomeric Shortening in adult somatic cells used in cloning may lead to premature aging and early death.
 * 2 or 3 out of possibly thousands of eggs will be a viable clone
 * Wasteful and expensive.
 * (For human cloning) Brave New World scheme to produce classes of identical individuals for specific societal roles. (Good book haha)
 * Regarded as unethical and immoral by many people.
 * Many scientific limitations.
 * Large Offspring Syndrome
 * Clones have abnormally large organs.
 * Causing breathing, circulation, and other problems.
 * Abnormal gene expression patterns.

This process has A LOT of potential. But in its current state appears to be not a very viable process, and potentially harmful to ourselves, and the animals we clone. So until further research has been done and the process has been perfected, i will have to, unfortunatly, award Animal Cloning the "GENETIC DISASTER" Anti-AWARD.

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
[] [] [] [|http://www.genome.gov/25020028#al-10]

= __Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism__ =
 * PART 4 (yay!) **

** Description: **
Its a difference between two or more samples of homologous DNA molecules arising from differing locations of restriction sites.

Analysis:

 * DNA sample is digested by restriction enzymes
 * Resulting restriction fragments are separated according to their lengths by gel electrophoresis.
 * Reveals a unique blotting pattern characteristic to a specific genotype at a specific locus.
 * A RFLP probe hybridizes with one or more fragments of the digested DNA sample.
 * Thus identifying the inherited difference.

**Application:**

 * Genome mapping
 * Genetic disease analysis.
 * Research to discover the initial chromosomal location of a particular disease gene.
 * Genetic fingerprinting.
 * Determination of paternity.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process is really just an addition to gel electrophoresis and southern blotting. So that would be what it reminds me of. :)

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Highly robust methodology.
 * No sequence information required.
 * Well suited for constructing genetic linkage maps.
 * Locus-specific marks.
 * Discriminatory power.
 * Simplicity.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Large amount of DNA required.
 * Automation not possible.
 * Laborious and time consuming.
 * Moderately demanding technically.

This process is very helpful in many ways and has been a crucial player in a lot of aspects of science. Rif-lip shall receive the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" AWARD!

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
[] [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restriction_fragment_length_polymorphism#Applications] [] [] =__ Gene Therapy __=

** Description: **
A technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development.

**Analysis:**

 * A manipulated virus is inserted and infects the target cells (liver, lung, etc., etc.).
 * Removed of the disease-causing genes and contains inserted therapeutic genes.
 * Types of viruses used:
 * Retroviruses.
 * Adenoviruses.
 * Herpes simplex viruses.
 * In most cases, a "normal" gene is inserted into a genome to replace an "abnormal" gene.

**Application:**

 * Replace missing or defective genes.
 * Deliver genes that speed the destruction of cancer cells.
 * Supply genes that cause cancer cells to revert back to normal cells.
 * Vaccination.
 * Provide genes to:
 * Promote or impede the growth of new tissue.
 * Stimulate the healing of damaged tissue.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process reminds of application of bacterial plasmids, except on a much larger level. Just how bacteria can gain the ability to resist antibiotics, this process allows humans to produce whatever its missing that's causing disease and much more.

**Argument:**
You may be thinking.. gee that's a lot of disadvantages. But the 2 advantages still outweigh the disadvantages, just the possibility of saving one's life, or at least giving them a chance of a normal life is a great possibility. As gene therapy gets out of its infancy, it should have great possibilities. For this i shall award Gene Therapy the "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" AWARD!
 * Advantages:
 * Replace non-functional genes with functional ones.
 * Providing individuals with a chance at a normal life.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Not much control as to where the genes go.
 * Immune response can reduce the effectiveness.
 * Viral vectors can be potentially toxic, raise an immune and inflammatory response.
 * even possibly regain its ability to cause disease.
 * Multigene disorders are very difficult to treat effectively.
 * Chance of inducing a tumor.
 * Ethical and legal problems.
 * Regulation.

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
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= __Transgenic Animals (Genetically modified Organisms)__ =

Description:
A gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism.

**Analysis:**

 * 3 Methods:
 * DNA microinjection.
 * Direct microinjection of a chosen gene construct from another organism into the pronucleus of a fertilized ovum
 * The insertion of DNA is a random process.
 * High probability that the introduced gene will not insert itself into a site on the host DNA that will permit its expression.
 * Manipulated fertilized ovum is transferred into the oviduct of a recipient female.
 * Embryonic stem cell-mediated gene transfer.
 * Prior insertion of desired DNA sequence by homologous recombination into an in vitro culture of embryonic stem cells.
 * These cells are then incorporated into an embryo at the blastocyst stage of development.
 * Results in a chimeric animal.
 * ES cell-mediated gene transfer is the method of choice for gene inactivation.
 * Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer.
 * Cut the desired gene out of the foreign organism.
 * Make an "expression cassette".
 * The additional DNA surrounding the gene so that the organism knows where the gene begins and ends.
 * It is then inserted into a bacterial plasmid.
 * Millions of copies can then be made.
 * The copies are then introduced into the host cell and get inserted into the genome.

**Application:**

 * Breeding.
 * Quality.
 * Disease resistance.
 * Medical applications.
 * Xenotransplantation.
 * Nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals.
 * Human gene therapy.
 * Production of toxicity-sensitive transgenic organisms.

**Synthesis:**

 * This process in some ways is related to cloning, in which they take an unfertilized egg and then place DNA in to be grown.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Can manipulate genes to have whatever characteristic you desire.
 * Sky is basically the limit.
 * Many medical and researchable possibilities.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Unaware of what other (unwanted) changes you've made to the animal when you manipulated the genes
 * Ethical issues.

The possibilities for GMO's is numerous, and with those possibilities there comes great rewards. As they explore more into those options more and more good will come. My class last year had a field trip to HemaTech, located in Sioux Falls, where they are putting the genes for human antibodies into cows. This was an amazing to see this process right up front, and the medical outcome could be life-changing for many individuals. GMO's will receive... "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" award!

Helpful Links:
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**Sources:**
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=__ Transgenic Plants (Genetically Modified Organisms) __=

**Description:**
A gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism.

**Analysis:**

 * Total DNA is isolated from desired gene donor.
 * Restriction endonucleases cut out the desired genes.
 * The cut out gene then gets the addition of a expression cassette.
 * It is then inserted into a bacterial plasmid.
 * Millions of copies are made.
 * The copies are then introduced into the host cell and get inserted into the genome.
 * Cells that adopted the foreign gene into their genome are then expanded in a cell culture.
 * Used to grow new plants.

**Application:**

 * Improved nutrition.
 * Improved yield.
 * Herbicide tolerance.
 * Insect resistance.
 * Altered fatty acid composition.
 * Virus resistance.

**Synthesis:**

 * Transgenic plants, is a very similar and closely related to transgenic animals, but it seems to me that its fairly simpler.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Improvement of crops.
 * Increase in production.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Some changes in environmental cycles.
 * Production of some harmful compounds in a plant by transferring a foreign gene.

The biggest problem with both transgenic plants and animals is the long-term effects of their use as food for humans. In theory its all good and very important for feeding our growing populations, but they can't fully know yet what the long-terms effects will be. So I'll reward Transgenic Plants the... OR award.

**Helpful Links:**
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**Sources:**
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= __Genetic Profiles__ =

**Description:**
A analysis of an individual DNA to determine the distinguishing characteristics of its DNA.

**Analysis:**

 * Sample of an individual's DNA is obtained.
 * One-tenth of a single percent of DNA (about 3 million bases) differs from one person to the next.
 * Find the markers in a DNA sample by designing a probe to identify complementary DNA sequences in the sample.
 * This creates a distinctive pattern for an individual.
 * Comparing these DNA profiles to determine whether the suspect's samples matches the evidence sample.
 * RFLP is used to analyze the variable lengths of DNA fragments.
 * PCR is also often used.
 * Short tandem repeat technology is used to evaluate specific loci within nuclear DNA.

**Application:**

 * Criminal investigation.
 * Evidence of genetic relationship.
 * Determination of paternity.
 * Family DNA searching.

**Synthesis:**

 * This reminds me of taking someones fingerprints, and then later comparing them, except on a DNA level.

**Argument:**

 * Advantages:
 * Increased likelihood of finding assailants in criminal offences.
 * Chances to solve old unsolved crimes.
 * Biological parents identified with very high probability leads to solutions in wide range of family problems.
 * Identification of victims in mass terrorist attacks, ie. 9/11
 * Family searching and analysis increases opportunity of criminal detection.
 * Disadvantages:
 * Seen as an infringement of civil liberties.
 * Concerns that finding trace amounts of DNA can falsely implicate a person in a criminal investigation.
 * Concerns that the complexity of testing and data storage means errors could occur.
 * DNA profiles could be related to certain illnesses and character traits.
 * Could be used by insurance companies and other organizations to the disadvantages of the individual.

The advantages of this procedure are of a very useful and good manner, benefiting many aspects of life. So...... for the last award given out..... Genetic Profiling shall receive the... (ahh the anticipation is killing me, how bout you?).... "BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD" award!!

**Helpful Links:**
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