John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

30 Recombinant DNA

Objectives

By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic process of mixing DNA from two different sources into a recombinant molecule.

Part 1: Recombinant DNA – Genetic Engineering

This first half of the lecture on recombinant DNA examines the scientific techniques and procedures associated with genetic engineering. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Part 2: Recombinant DNA – Examples of Genetic Engineering of microorganisms

This second half of the lecture on recombinant DNA reviews several examples of genetic engineering of microorganisms. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Reading:

Pray (2008) Recombinant DNA technology and transgenic animals. Nature Education 1(1).

Biello (2008) Turning bacteria into plastic factories. Scientific American.

Assignment: Bacterial Factories

Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast have been used for generations as a human tool for food preservation (ex. bread, wine, and cheese production). Recently bacteria have been discovered that control pollution (ex. oil eating bacteria). Normal evolutionary processes allow the transfer to genes and characteristics between bacteria, but strains of bacteria with a specific desired trait may not be easily found. Is it appropriate to use genetic engineering to create strains of bacteria to fulfill specific functions?

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