Genetic technology questions.

What are the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic technology and how can they be
addressed. The ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic technology are complex and
multifaceted. Some include;

1. Designer babies: the potential to select specific traits in unborn children raises
concerns about eugenics and commodification of life.

2. Genetic Discrimination: Genetic information can be used to discriminate against

individuals in areas such as employment , insurance and education.

3. Privacy and Data security: The collection and storage of genetic data raise privacy
and security issues ,with the risk of unauthorized access and misuse

4. Human Cloning: The possibility of human Cloning raises questions about the
sanctity of life and the creation of individuals solely for the purpose of replication.

5. Unintended consequences: Genetic modifications may have unintended

consequences that are difficult to predict , potentially causing harm to individuals
and environment.

Measures to be taken to solve the above.

1. Robust regulation: Implement comprehensive and clear regulatory frameworks to

government genetic technology.ie oversight of research , clinical applications and
commercial use.

2. Informed consent: Ensure that individuals providing genetic information or

undergoing genetic procedures give informed and voluntary consent ,with a clear
understanding of the potential risks and benefits.

3. Anti-discrimination: Enforce laws that protect individuals form genetic

Discrimination,both in employment and insurance.

4. Transparency: Promote transparency in the use of genetic data and research.ie

guidelines on data sharing and responsible handling of genetic information.

5. Public engagement: Involve the public in discussions and decision making related
to genetic technology. Public opinion matters and plays a role.

6. Education and awareness: Increase public awareness about genetic technology,it's

capabilities,ethical impliactions. This can help individuals make informed choices
7. Global Cooperation: Foster international collaboration to address ethical concerns.

8. Ethical Guidelines: Develop and adhering to ethical Guidelines for genetic research
and application s.

9. Long-term Monitoring: continuously monitor the outcomes of genetic technology,

application and research to identify and address unforeseen ethical issues or risks.

10. Interdisciplinary approaches: Encourage collaboration between scientists, ethicists,

policymakers and public to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to ethical
decision making in the fields of genetic technology.

2. Define the following terms.

 Genetic technology:

 This is the term given to a range of activities concerned with understanding

Gene expression,and taking advantage of natural genetic variation, modifying
genes and transferring genes to new hosts

 Genetic Engineering .This is the modification and manipulation of an

organism's genes using technology.It involves removing a gene from an
organism(doner) and transferring it to another organism (recipient) /transgenic
organism /Genetic modified organism.

 Genetic screening and Counselling..Genetic screening is the process of testing a

population for the existence of a genetic disease in order to identify a
subgroup of people that either have the disease orhave the potential to pass it
on to their offspring.

 Genetic counseling. is aims at giving information about how a genetic condition might
affect you oryour family members and how to solve it if possible. The issues
discussed includemaking a diagnosis,family history,calculating risks and
explaining cause of the disease.The quality of life ,options genetic screening
and responsibilities are also discussed.

 Gene Therapy:This is the use of genetic material to treat or prevent disease or

is when a gene isintroduced into a patient to prevent a genetic disease or to
correct defects in a cell caused by faulty ,mutated genes.

Explain How Gene therapy is administered.

There are 2 ways to give gene therapy....

 (I) In vivo- Here the gene is delivered directly into the person using an injection.
forexample during administration of vaccines...

(II) Ex vivo- here the cells are removed from the body and a gene is inserted
into themfrom outside the body,these modified cells are then transferred back
Into the body

 Cloning: This is making identical copies of Gene molecule.

 Recombinant DNA: This is DNA formed after a piece of DNA from one
organism is joined to another piece from another organism.

What is a restriction enzymes?

These are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that have the property of cleaving DNA
molecules that are near a specific base sequence.

 Explain the function of restriction enzymes in bacteria.

 It is to cut up foreign DNA(bacteriophages/viruses) that invades the bacterial

cell hence restricting the ability of the virus to multiply in the cell.

 Give 3 examples of restriction enzymes.

 E.CoR I or E.coli restriction enzyme I

 Hind II or Hindee II

 Hind III or Hindee III.

3. How has Genetic technology revolutionized medicine.

Genetic technology has revolutionized medicine in several ways:

1. **Personalized Medicine**: Genetic technology has enabled the development of

personalized medicine. By analyzing an individual's genetic makeup, healthcare providers
can tailor treatment plans to a patient's unique genetic profile. This can lead to more
effective treatments with fewer side effects.

2. **Disease Diagnosis**: Genetic testing and sequencing have improved the diagnosis of
genetic disorders and diseases. It allows for early detection and a better understanding
of the underlying causes of various medical conditions.
3. **Pharmacogenomics**: Genetic information can help determine an individual's
response to specific drugs. This field, known as pharmacogenomics, helps in selecting
the most effective and safest medications for patients based on their genetic
predispositions.

4. **Gene Therapy**: Genetic technology has made gene therapy possible, allowing for
the treatment of certain genetic disorders by correcting or replacing faulty genes. This
has the potential to cure previously incurable conditions.

5. **Cancer Genomics**: Genetic technology has greatly advanced our understanding of

cancer. It has led to the identification of specific genetic mutations that drive cancer,
leading to targeted therapies and more effective treatments.

6. **Infectious Disease Research**: Genetic technology has been instrumental in studying

infectious diseases. Genomic sequencing of pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, helps in
understanding their evolution, transmission, and developing vaccines.

7. **Genetic Counseling**: Genetic testing and technology have given rise to genetic
counseling, which helps individuals and families make informed decisions about their
genetic health and risk factors for inherited conditions.

8. **Biotechnology and Drug Development**: Genetic technology plays a crucial role in

the development of biotechnology products, such as biopharmaceuticals, monoclonal
antibodies, and recombinant DNA-based drugs.

9. **Human Genome Project**: The Human Genome Project, a major genetic technology
initiative, mapped the entire human genome. This project has provided a foundation for
numerous medical discoveries and continues to be a valuable resource for research.

10. **Data Integration**: Genetic technology has also led to the integration of genetic
data with electronic health records, facilitating comprehensive patient care and the
tracking of genetic risk factors.

11. **Genetic Research**: Genetic technology has accelerated genetic research, enabling
scientists to better understand the genetic basis of various diseases and conditions,
paving the way for the development of new treatments and therapies.

12. **Prenatal and Pre-implantation Genetic Testing**: Genetic technology is used in

prenatal testing to detect genetic abnormalities in fetuses. It is also used in pre-
implantation genetic testing for in vitro fertilization to select embryos without specific
genetic conditions.
Overall, genetic technology has transformed the field of medicine by providing insights
into the genetic basis of diseases, enabling targeted treatments, and improving our
ability to predict and prevent medical conditions, ultimately leading to better patient care
and outcomes

4. How has genetic technology revolutionized agriculture.

Positive effects of genetic technology in agriculture include increased crop yields,

improved resistance to pests and diseases, enhanced nutritional content in crops, and
more efficient use of resources. This can lead to better food security, reduced
environmental impact, and improved economic outcomes for farmers.

On the flip side, negative aspects include concerns about the environmental impact of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs), potential harm to non-target organisms, and the
development of resistance in pests. There are also ethical considerations related to the
ownership and control of genetic resources, as well as potential health concerns in
relation to genetically modified foods. Striking a balance between reaping the benefits of
genetic technology and addressing these concerns is crucial for sustainable and
responsible agricultural practices.

Genetic technology has revolutionized agriculture by enabling the development of

genetically modified (GM) crops. These crops often possess traits like resistance to
pests, diseases, and herbicides, as well as improved nutritional content. This technology
has increased crop yields, reduced the need for chemical inputs, and enhanced overall
crop resilience, contributing to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

5.What are the benefits and hazards of genetic technology.

1. D

BENEFITS AND HAZARDS OF GENE TECHNOLOGY.

1. Produce genetically modified organism for specific purpose much faster thanselective
breeding which involves getting genes from unrelated organisms.
2. Produce specific products ie human insulin, growth hormones,evenvaccines.reducing
dependency on products from unreliable source.

3. Reduce use of agro-chemicals like herbicides and pesticides since crops are
madeResistant.

Clean up specific pollutants and waste materials,bio remediation

5. It is used in treating genetic diseases is cystic fibrosis even cancer treatment.

6. Paternity testing

7. Gene mapping and genetic modifications

8. Finding cures of certain diseases by alterations of DNA.

****HAZARDS.....

1. Genes inserted into bacteria could be transferred to other bacterial species with all
their

modifications which can lead to antibiotic resistance from pathogen during disease

outbreaks.

2. Reduce biodiversity by genetic contamination of wild relatives.

3. Food derived from GMO's could be unexpectedly toxic or cause allergic reactions
whenconsumed by some people.

4. Reduce effectiveness of drugs if consumed at same time with medications.

Protein synthesis Questions...

1.Discuss the formation of polypeptide chain in living eukaryotes

The process of polypeptide chain formation takes place in the nucleus is the eukaryotic
cell. It happens in two major stages ie Transcription the Translation.

s is the first stage of transcription.it occurs when the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to
the region of gene called the promoter. This signals the DNA to unwind so as the
enzyme can read the bases in one of the DNA strands. the unwinding is aided by
enzyme DNA helicase which weakens the hydrogen bonds between the base pairings
causing it to unwind. this gives chance to the free nucleotides to pair with the
corresponding DNA bases.2

.ELONGATION.This involves the addition of nucleotides to the mRNA strand. after the
DNA strand un winding the free nucleotides bind with the corresponding DNA bases.
enzyme DNA polymerase moves along the DNA strand in the 3 to 5(prime) direction
synthesizing the complementary RNA molecule based on the DNA template i.e.; G from
DNA binds to cytosine, Adenine with uracil, uracil with adenine and cytosine to guanine.

In eukaryotic cells, the transcribed RNA strand undergoes modifications;CL

CLAPPING. At the ;5 prime end of the mRNA strand, a modified guanine nucleotide cap
is added. the cap protects mRNA from degradation and helps in the recognition and
binding of the mRNA to the ribosomes during translation

.POLYADENYLATION; A t the 3-prime end, along string of adenine nucleotide called

poly(A) tail is added. the poly(a)tail protects the mRNA from degradation and assists in
the export of the mRNA from the nucleus.

RNA SPLICING; This involves removal of non-coding regions called introns. this is carried
out by a complex called spliceosome which removes the introns and joins the remaining
coding regions called exons together.

Termination: This occurs when RNA polymerase reaches the termination signal in The
DNA starnd. The signal cause the RNA transcript to be released and RNA polymerase
detaches fromthe DNA Template.

Translation: The small ribosomal unit binds to the messenger RNA molecule with the
help of the initiation factors .It scans the Messenger RNA until it finds the start codons
ie AUG. The intiator transfer RNA carrying anti codons to the start codon binds to the
messenger RNA. The large ribosomal unit joins the small sub unit forming the ribosomal
complex. The ribosome the moves along the messenger RNA molecule in a5' to 3'
direction reading codons and recruiting the appropriate RNA transfer molecule carrying
the corresponding amino acids. The trans molecue enters the ribosome and binds to the
messenger RNA through the base pairing btn the anti codons and codons.

Amino acids from adjacent trans molecule are joined together by the peptide bonds
forming a growing polypeptide chain. The ribosome continues moving until it meets the
stop codons.
Once the stop codon is reached,instaed of mRNA recruiting trans molecule , release
factors bind to the stop codon causing the ribosme to dissociate Into it's sub units and
the polypeptide chain is released.

2.Explain what happens to the end product of translation in all mammals under normal
conditions.

 After translation ,the polypeptide chain undergoes various modifications so as to

become a functional protein.

 It can undergoe folding and cleavage of specific regions so as to attain a 3D

structure.

 There can be addition of functional group eg phosphorylation or attachment of

another molecule such as carbohydrates and asylation.

 CHAPERONES ;Chaperone proteins help in the folding and assembling of the polypeptide
chain into a three-dimensional structure. They prevent the newly synthesized protein
from misfolding or aggregating ensuring that it attains the correct conformation

 .targeting and localization; some proteins need to be directed to specific cellular

compartments or organelles to perform their functions. They may contain specific signal
sequences that guide them to their intended destination. For example, proteins destined
for secretion or insertion into the cell membrane have signal sequences that direct them
to the endoplasmic reticulum

 .QUALITY CONTROL. In the ER, proteins undergo quality control checks to ensure their
proper folding and functionality .misfolded or improperly assembled proteins are
typically targeted for degradation or sent back to the cytoplasm for refolding

 .TRANSPORT AND TRAFFICKING; Once the protein has undergone appropriate

modification and quality control, it can be transported to its final destination with in the
cell .this may involve vesicular transport or direct translocation across membranes
depending on the specific proteins and its target location.

 FUNCTIONAL PROTEIN; After reaching the destination the fully processed correctly
folded protein can carry out its specific functions within the cell. These functions within
the cell. These functions can vary widely such as enzymatic activities, structural support
,signaling or transport of molecules.

3.Explain the role of messenger RNA in the process of protein synthesis

ROLE PLAYED BY mRNA.

RNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where it serves as a template
for protein synthesis through transcription and subsequent translation, mRNA enables the
conversion of the genetic code into the amino acid sequence that forms proteins, which are
essential for various cellular functions

Genetic Code.

DEFINITION; A set of rules by which information encoded in the DNA or RNA is translated into a
protein .

or A set of three letter combination of nucleotides called codons each of which corresponds
to a specific amino acid or a stop codon during translation.

What is a codon ?

A three letter sequence found on m RNA that codes for a specific amino acid during
translation.

List down the three types of codons and provide a definition for each

.Sense codons

Start codon

Stop codons

THE SENSE CODONS :These are codons that code for specific amino acid and there are 61 in
genetic code

.THE START CODON: This initiates protein synthesis and there is one start codon name AUG
which codes for Amino acid methionine . It is also known as the start signal.THE STOP / THE
NOSENSE CODONS: These act as the signal for the termination of protein synthesis . When a
ribosome encounters any of the three stop signals, the newly synthesized protein is released
and translation stops

.There are three stop signals for protein synthesis namely

; UAA, UAG, UGA, .CODONS are made up of nucleotides

.What are Nucleotides? and how do they pair according to the complementary base pairing?

These are building blocks of DNA and RNA ;EXAMPLES , GUANINE , URACIL,CYTOSINE
,THYMINE , ADENINE .
THESE, pair following the complementary base pairing rule ie;

GUANINE with CYTOSINE, [ESSENTIALS]IN DNA,

THYMINE with ADENINE.IN RNA,

URACIL with ADENINE.These are linked together by bonds to form long chains ; forming
DNA and RNA molecules and there sequence determines genetic code

What is genetic code variation?

This is the is the specific alteration or deviation from the universal genetic code … List
down EXAMPLES of organs that deviated from the universal genetic code
MitochondriaCiliatesTobacco mosaic virus.

What are the Features of a genetic code

 A triplet of bases in the polynucleotide chain of DNA is the code for one amino acid in a
polypeptide chain

 . It is universal: the same triplets code for the same amino acids in all organisms.(a few
triplet codes in mitochondrial DNA and some ancient bacteria differ from the “universal
code”

 . It is degenerate: a given amino acid may be coded for by more than one codon.

 It is non overlapping: for example, an mRNA sequence beginning AUGAGCGCA is not

read AUG/UGA/GAG….(An overlap of two bases) or AUG/GAG/GCG…..(An overlap of one
base)

 .It is punctuated: some three codons act as full stops in determining the end of the code
message. They are sometimes described as the nonsense codons and do not code for
the amino acids. They presumably mark the end-point of a gene.

.THANK YOU.

@Make your Idleness productive.