Genetic Engineering

A look at the world today

Fatimah .R., Inthuja .J. & Gowshia .V.

Overview
Introduction to Genetic Engineering
Applications
Safety and Ethical Issues
Branches of Science
Uses of this technology by
professions
Universities/ Courses/
Requirements

What is Genetic
Engineering?
Directly

manipulating/altering
the structure and
characteristics of genes using
molecular cloning &
transformation
Different from normal
breeding genes manipulated
indirectly

Agricultural Applications
Goes

back 100 years

Today, scientist use
recombinant DNA technology
First food made by recombinant
DNA technology Flavr Savr
Tomatoes (1994)
60% of foods are genetically
modified
Solution to world hunger

Human & Medical

Applications
Production

of Insulin
Genetic Screening/Testing
Gene Therapy
Production of experimental
mice, oncomouse (cancer
mouse)
Vaccine

Cloning and Stem Cells

Clone

created from one cell

not sex cell
Cloning process of creating an
identical copy of an original
(Example: Identical Twins)
Stem cells (master cells) can
develop into any tissue
Cure their own disease or build
new organs NO REJECTION

Ethics Involving Genetic

Engineering
Ethical

issues concerning human

beings and animals
- Are we playing God?
- Religions beliefs
- Creates new viruses
- Designer Babies

Ethics Involving Genetic

Engineering
Genetic

Engineering and Plants

- Effects on our Environment
- Long run effects on
environment

Branches of sciences
needed to study the
technology
Genetics
Medicine
Biology/Chemistry
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Chemical

Engineering

What professions use

this technology?

Microbiologist
Laboratory technician
Research assistant
Lecturer or professor
Chief Executive Officer of a biotech
company
Postdoctoral research associate
Genetic Engineer Research Scientist
Biotechnologist

Courses offered at
Universities
University of Toronto
Human Biology Program
Genes, genetic and biotechnology
specialities program
York University
Biotechnology Program
Requirements Grade 12 Chemistry,
Calculus and Advanced Functions

Grade 12 Physics is highly

recommended
Other Requirements team worker,
honest, creative, has problem solving skills

Summary
Genetic

engineering is direct
manipulation of an organisms genes
Most common uses of genetic
engineering are in medicine
A very controversial topic
considering the ethical issues
Variety of sciences are incorporated
into this engineering
Many professions use this technology

Reference List
Career Details forBiotechnologist. (n.d.). December 14, 2008,
<http://careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=53770d7f-cddd-449d-970d8cb29415fa18-&OccNumber=603&Language=English>.
Engdahl, Sylvia, ed. Genetic Engineering.
Engineering. Bonnie Szumski, 2006.
"Genetic Engineering" Encyclopedia Britannica.
Britannica. 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online Library
Edition. 13Dec.2008.
Genetic Engineering." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 12 Dec. 2008,
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/genetic_engineering#genetic_engineering>.
Genetic Engineering Research Scientist Job Description, Career as a Genetic Engineering Research
Scientist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training
Requirements, Getting the Job. December 14, 2008,
<http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/402/Genetic-Engineering-ResearchScientist.html>.
Heaf, D. (2004, January 25). Becoming a Genetic Engineer. December 14, 2008,
<http://www.ifgene.org/gecareer.htm.>"Human's Playground: Genetic Engineering." Think
quest. 11 Dec. 2008 <http://library.thinkquest.org/04apr/00774/en/txt/uses_medicine.html>.
MacDonald Glenn, Linda. "Bio Med Law." 13 Dec. 2008,
<http://www.biomedlaw.com./bioethics.php>.
MacDonald Glenn, Linda. "Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering and Transgenic."
Actionbioscience.org.
Actionbioscience.org. American Institute of Biological Sciences. 13 Dec. 2008
<http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/glenn.html>.
McLeish, Ewan. Genetic Revolution.
Revolution. New York: Stargazer Books, 2006.
Wilson, R. (2006, July 19). Human Biology at the University of Toronto. December 14, 2008,
<http://www.hmb.utoronto.ca/ggb.asp>.
York University - Biology Undergraduate - Biotechnology. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2008,
<http://www.yorku.ca/ugbio/Programs>.

Your Thoughts on...

GENETIC ENGINEERING and its
uses in our everyday lives
considering everything that
was discussed in the
presentation!