(a) Explain the principle involved in genetic engineering [2 marks]
(b) Discuss the importance of genetic engineering in the medical and agricultural field. [ 4 marks] (c) Diagram shows DNA finger printing. DNA finger printing is more scientific, accurate and advanced compared to the thumbprint in criminal investigation.
Discuss the use of DNA fingerprinting in the identification of the parents of a child. [4 marks]
Answer:
(a) Genetic engineering is a technique of manipulating the genes in an organism by removing a gene from one organism
and transferring it to another organism.
(b)
The importance of genetic engineering in the medical field.
· Production of insulin from bacteria.
· Gene from the pancreas that can produce insulin is removed and inserted into the DNA molecule of bacteria.
· The bacteria that can produce insulin grows very fast in a suitable nutrient medium.
·Insulin can be produced in large quantities in a short time. [ any 2]
Genetic engineering in agriculture.
·Produce food or plants which are genetically modified to produce high quality yield.
·Produce plants with high quality yield as they are resistant to viral attacks, pesticides or predators. [ 2 marks]
(c)
· DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify parents of a child based on DNA banding similarity
· Generally, the DNA profile of a child is the combination of the mother and father.
· A child inherit half of the chromosomes number from father and half from mother.
· DNA fingerprinting gives more details and information regarding the identity of a person while thumbprints give general information as it is based on a few different types.
·A blood sample, seminal fluid or any tissue can be analysed and its result is compared with that of an individual who is a suspect.
·In conclusion, the father of the child has the similarity of his DNA
Brief Account:
- Like the fingerprints that came into use by detectives and police labs during the 1930s, each person has a unique DNA fingerprint .
- Unlike a conventional fingerprint that occurs only on the fingertips and can be altered by surgery, a DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, tissue, and organ of a person.
- It cannot be altered by any known treatment.
- Consequently, DNA fingerprinting is rapidly becoming the primary method for identifying and distinguishing among individual human beings.
- An additional benefit of DNA fingerprint technology is the diagnosis of inherited disorders in adults, children, and unborn babies.
- Even bloodstained clothing from Abraham Lincoln has been analyzed for evidence of a genetic disorder called Marfan's Syndrome.
Uses of DNA Fingerprints
DNA fingerprints are useful in several areas of society. They are used by professionals in human health and the justice system.
Diagnosis of inherited disorders
DNA fingerprinting is used to diagnose inherited disorders in both prenatal and newborn babies in hospitals around the world.
These disorders may include cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Huntington's disease, familial Alzheimer's, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and many others.
Early detection of such disorders enables the medical staff to prepare themselves and the parents for proper treatment of the child.In some programs, genetic counselors use DNA fingerprint information to help prospective parents understand the risk of having an affected child.
In other programs, prospective parents use DNA fingerprint information in their decisions concerning affected pregnancies.
Developing cures for inherited disorders
Research programs to locate inherited disorders on the chromosomes depend on the information contained in DNA fingerprints.
By studying the DNA fingerprints of relatives who have a history of some particular disorder, or by comparing large groups of people with and without the disorder, it is possible to identify DNA patterns associated with the disease in question.
This work is a necessary first step in designing an eventual genetic cure for these disorders.
Forensic or criminal
FBI and police labs around the U.S. have begun to use DNA fingerprints to link suspects to biological evidence-blood or semen stains, hair, or items of clothing-found at the scene of a crime. Another important use of DNA fingerprints in the court system is to establish paternity in custody and child support litigation.
In these applications, DNA fingerprints bring an unprecedented, nearly perfect accuracy to the determination.
Personal identification
Because every organ or tissue of an individual contains the same DNA fingerprint, the U.S. armed services have just begun a program to collect DNA fingerprints from all personnel for use later, in case they are needed to identify casualties or persons missing in action.
The DNA method will be far superior to the dogtags, dental records, and blood typing strategies currently in use.
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