DNA

Manipulation EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF ARITIFCAL DNA

03/04 MANIPULATION ON POPULATIONS AND 2025
DIVERSITY

1. Introduction functions or introduce

Define Artificial
DNA Manipulation
and biotechnology,
outlining their
BIOLOGY desired characteristics into
organisms. The significance
of artificial DNA
manipulation in biology is
vast, from gene therapy for
significance in
treating genetic disorders
biology
like cystic fibrosis or sickle
Artificial DNA
cell anaemia, to improving
manipulation refers to
agricultural crops for
the intentional
greater resilience and
alteration of an
nutritional value.
organism’s genetic
Biotechnology, a broader
material through
field that harnesses
techniques such as
biological systems and
gene editing or
Researches studying in vitro fertilisation in organisms to develop
recombinant DNA
Cambridge, England in 1969. Some of the products and solutions, is
technology. This can
concerns surrounding gene editing echo deeply interconnected
involve inserting,
concerns in previous decades about in with DNA manipulation. In
deleting, or modifying
vitro fertilisation. Central Press, via Getty medicine, biotechnology
genes to enhance or
images has led to advances like
suppress specific
biologics, gene therapy,
traits, allowing
and diagnostic tools, while
researchers to better
in agriculture, it has
understand gene

Dania Elias Dania Elias @REALLYGREATSITE

enabled the creation 2.Historical food.
of genetically • Cross breeding different
modified crops perspective species resulted in
resistant to disease Discuss one past stronger and healthier
and pests. biotechnological offspring than
Additionally, advancement, such as interbreeding – a
biotechnology plays selective breeding, early phenomenon today
a key role in genetic modification known as hybrid vigour.
environmental Past Medical uses • Selective breeding and
sustainability • Plant products were consumed hybridisation of bread
through to treat medical conditions. For wheat – Canadian wheat
bioremediation and example, Egyptians and Persians (Fife) matured late and
the production of eased pain by using the milk of had the best milling and
biofuels, as well as in the opium poppy. baking properties. Indian
industrial processes • Willow bark was chewed or wheat (Etauch) was
where brewed into tea for pain relief drought tolerant and
microorganisms or and to treat inflammation. resistant to some
enzymes are used for • In China, mouldy soybean diseases. They were
manufacturing. curds were used to treat crossed to produce
Ultimately, artificial infected wounds as the mould Federation – this hybrid
DNA manipulation released natural antibiotics was drought tolerant,
and biotechnology Past Industrial uses resistant to rust disease,
offer solutions to • Using living cells (i.e. yeast, had good baking and
global challenges, fermentation and bacterial milling properties and
particularly in health, cultures) to make bread, wine matured late.
agriculture, and and cheese respectively • Aquaculture – In
environmental • Pasteurisation Australia, Aboriginal
sustainability. Past Agricultural uses people practiced
• Selective breeding – humans aquaculture as they built
would select seeds from the canal systems that
best crops (for example, wheat) meandered from ocean
or the best quality animals and to inland areas. They also
cross breed them together. This used sophisticated fish
domestication of food crops and traps to capture and hold
wild animals was done in order fish e.g. eel traps.
to improve quality and yield of
A composite image showing the development of embryos after injection of a gene correcting enzyme and sperm from a donor with a genetic
mutation known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Oregon Health & Science University
3.Current
gene cloning and transgenic species
Applications production. However, ethical concerns,
Investigate two such as DNA manipulation and
contemporary use of "designer babies," remain debated.
biotechnology , Another biotechnology application is
including CRISPR, recombinant DNA technology, which
genetically modified creates transgenic organisms for
organisms (GMO’s), agricultural and medical use. In
and medical agriculture, Bt cotton contains a gene
advancements from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt),
CRISPR is a gene-editing producing a protein toxic to
system that enables caterpillars. This reduces pesticide use,
precise insertion, deletion, lowers pesticide resistance in pests,
or substitution of DNA and benefits the environment. The Bt
bases to correct mutations gene is introduced into cotton plants
causing diseases. It involves via Agrobacterium, creating pest-
a guide RNA attached to resistant crops with higher yields and
the CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme, lower economic risks for farmers.
which cuts DNA at a In medicine, recombinant DNA
specific target site. This technology is used to produce
allows genes to be spliced vaccines. For example, Hepatitis B
and inserted with pinpoint vaccines are made by inserting the HB
accuracy, aiding research antigen gene into a bacterial plasmid,
into neurological disorders forming recombinant DNA. This is
like Alzheimer’s. CRISPR introduced into yeast cells, which then
holds potential for produce the antigen for vaccines. This
correcting genetic method enhances vaccine safety,
disorders and improving efficiency, and accessibility, reducing
treatments for diseases costs and production risks.
caused by somatic
mutations, ultimately
enhancing life expectancy
and quality of life. Its
efficiency and low cost
make it a valuable tool in
molecular biology, aiding
This is better for the and the recombinant .DNA- The Synthetic biology is an
environment and Agrobacterium acts as vectors emerging area of research
reduces the injecting the recombinant DNA into which aims to be
development of the cotton cells. Now the embryonic increasingly
pesticide resistance in cotton cells contain the Bt gene and interdisciplinary,
caterpillars. The are grown in tissue culture. These combining engineering
process includes a plants are now a transgenic species. principle with biological
normal cotton The Bt gene codes to produce the tools.
seedling is cut into toxic protein in an inactive form.
small species and However, when the protein is eaten
placed on a solid by a caterpillar, it’s converted by the
growth medium, caterpillars digestive system in an
where it grows into a active form that kills the caterpillar.
callus. After about The benefits of this biotechnology
about six weeks, the includes environmental factors such This diverse field includes
callus cells are as reducing pesticide use while also disciplines from
transferred to a liquid reducing negative effect on biotechnology, molecular
medium where they waterway ecosystems. There are also biology, genetics,
are given hormones to reduced economic risks in investing biophysics, computer
induce them to grow in cotton plantations and greater engineering, and
into cotton plant potential for increased income as evolutionary biology – all
embryos. The Bt gene there will be increased yields as less coming together with that
is cut from the of the yield is being spoiled by the aim to use our
genome of the soil caterpillar. In addition, Vaccines are fundamental knowledge
bacterium, Bacillus an example of medical application of biological system to
thuringiensis (Bt) using build new tools. The
restriction enzymes. movement started out
The Bt gene is aiming to fully
combined with characterise the
another bacterium’s fundamental building
plasmid blocks of biology, DNA,
(Agrobacterium
4. Future Directions: genes, proteins, and by
tumefacians) forming Explore emerging understanding them as
recombinant DNA. The biotechnologies, such as discrete units, test new
cotton plant embryos synthetic biology, gene combinations in a logical
are dipped in a drives and lab grown and controlled fashion.
solution with organs. Whilst the task has proven
Agrobacterium infinitely more complex
than anticipated, the field membranes. This causes them to
Taking the role of God
represents exciting have thick mucus, causing lung
Artificial insemination and
potential for future infection and damage. Through
artificial pollination involve
research. recombinant DNA technology, a
human selection of
Progress in Synthetic possible cure can be to replace
favourable traits and
biology has been helped defective genes with a new and
creating life. As per
by the establishment of healthy CFTR gene (see below).
religious beliefs, this
international research Replacing the gene using gene
intervenes with God's role
competitions such as therapy (genetic technology)
as the Creator of life and
IGEM (international helps manage cystic fibrosis as a
dictator of death, which is
genetically engineered new CFTR gene can potentially
considered disrespectful in
machines) and BIOMOD. restore breathing and prevent
religions such as
These competitions lung disease. Thus, it can and
Christianity.
capitalise upon the vast prolong the life span of those
Negative impact on
creative energy of suffering who usually can only
animals
researchers at the live up till 30-40 years, and give
GMOs are beneficial to
university level (mostly them a chance at a normal life
humans in terms of
undergraduates), and (benefit to society). However, it is
agricultural productivity
direct them towards in its early stages and it is being
but may negatively impact
developing techniques trialled, and thus has not proven
the animal's health.
and technologies to to be an effective measure in
Modern pigs have been
address world issues. managing the disease.
bred to grow extra fast to
Gene therapy involves the
increase food production,
insertion of a corrected,
however some breeds
functioning gene into a cell
grow too fast for their
that has a defect and
hearts, causing discomfort.
thereby correcting genetic
Management issues
disorders. Cystic Fibrosis
Some biotechnology such
(CF) example: CF is caused
as gene therapy and some
by a point mutation (base
forms of genetic
deletion) in the recessive 5. Social and Ethical engineering in humans
CFTR gene which causes
suffers (Individuals with
Implications involve obtaining a
Analyse ethical concerns, risks human's DNA information.
Cystic Fibrosis) to not be
and benefits to society, using If DNA information is not
able to produce a protein
specific plant and animal cases secured and carefully
that in turn prevent ion
managed, it could result in
movement across
discrimination against
individuals on account of information. There is also
their DNA. Insurance discussion on the legal
companies with access to ownership of genetic
DNA information may information, DNA
refuse to ensure sequencing and profiling in
individuals who are laboratories can cause an
predisposed to disease. ethical debate on who
Security issues owns the information - the
Some biotechnology such individual or the company.
as gene therapy and some
forms of genetic
engineering in humans
involve obtaining a
human's DNA
information. A person's
DNA code is remarkably
sensitive and powerful
information. It tells of their
heritage and other traits,
including susceptibility to
disease. The storage of
DNA presents a complex
bioethics debate
including questions about
where it is stored, the
amount of security
available, who has access
and how long would it be
stored.
Ownership
Some biotechnology such
as gene therapy and some
forms of genetic
engineering in humans
involve obtaining a
human's DNA
Improving physical health in Australia. Improved quality of life and healthier individuals
and wellbeing can make the workforce more productive and be less of a
The "Golden Rice" is burden on society (e.g. less overcrowding in hospitals). Better
developed through and healthier quality of life means that they will be less
inserting a gene from corn dependent on government payments, thus such expenses can
and a gene from be invested elsewhere to improve society.
bacterium into a rice More food availability results in less starvation and
genome. Consequently, malnutrition
"golden rice" has increase The insertion of a growth hormone gene into salmons are able
vitamin A content thus is to accelerate its growth. Faster growing salmons increase global
used to reduce vitamin A food availability to meet the demands of the growing world
deficiency that is suffered population. Less starvation and malnutrition mean that
by millions of people individuals are able to increase the productivity of the
worldwide. Improved workforce and be less of a burden on society. They will be less
physical wellbeing and dependent on government payments; thus such expenses can
health allows society to be invested elsewhere to improve society.
have a more productive Health concerns
workforce of society and Genetically modified foods may pose unknown health risks.
less of a burden on the Unhealthy and sick individuals can decrease the productivity of
government. Better and the work force and be a burden on society (e.g. contribute to
healthier quality of life overcrowding in hospitals).
means that they will be Reducing environmental damage
less dependent on As the world population grows with an increasing demand for
government payments, greater crop production and yield, more land must be cleared.
thus such expenses can However, by genetically modifying crops to grow faster, more
be invested elsewhere to food can be grown on small amounts of land, thus reducing the
improve society. need for deforestation. Additionally, it reduces reliance on
Improved quality of life chemical pesticides and herbicides which can contaminate soil,
Recombinant DNA waterways and disrupt food webs. Less deforestation and less
technology has allowed use of pesticides reduces risk of land degradation. Land
the development of safer degradation can lead to potential poverty and malnutrition in
vaccines. Hence, affected regions for future generations as it makes growing food
individuals are protected difficult. By reducing risk of land degradation, malnutrition and
from many serious poverty - factors which create a less productive workforce, can
illnesses such as be avoided.
meningococcal, reducing
incidence of such diseases
6. Impact on Changes to Species Diversity & diverse forms of life.
Evolution Changes to Ecosystem
biodiversity - Transgenic organisms created Diversity
Evaluate how using genetic technologies can - How does biodiversity
genetic potentially outcompete natural influence the interaction
technologies species and thus disrupt food between abiotic factors
influence chains, food webs, and the entire (e.g., air, soil, and water)
ecosystems, ecosystem (e.g., AquaAdvantage and biotic factors (e.g.,
species diversity, Salmon grows faster and bigger, animals, plants)?
and evolution thus it can outcompete natural - Genetically modified
Biodiversity: species). Transgenic species may crops that can grow faster
1. Species be toxic to some organisms. For and are disease-resistant
biodiversity example, with the insertion of Bt will increase the yield of
a measure of the genes into cotton, the caterpillar crops. Hence, by using
diversity of different moth numbers can decrease. This biotechnology
species in an can affect the organisms that techniques, the need for
ecological community depended on the caterpillar moth deforestation and soil
1. Ecosystem for their diet, thus disrupting the erosion effects are
biodiversity food web, leading to shifts in reduced. The tree roots
the variation of species populations. Such stabilize the soil, so
different species changes can trigger a cascade of removing trees would
found in a region effects within the ecosystem, destabilize the soil and
altering habitat structures and result in soil erosion. The
interactions among organisms. effects of deforestation
Furthermore, reduced genetic and soil erosion extend
diversity limits the adaptive beyond destroying the
potential of populations. This can habitats and
hinder their ability to evolve in ecosystems of species
response to environmental that reside in the
changes, as fewer genetic forest/rainforest.
combinations are available for However, the loose
natural selection to act upon. soil can be carried
Consequently, the overall away by rain, which
resilience of ecosystems may ends up in local
diminish, making them more waterways, increasing
vulnerable to disturbances and water turbidity. The
reducing their capacity to support soil that results in high
water turbidity can completely
remove underground aquatic
habitats as well as eliminate
larvae that are residing in the
waters. This effectively reduces
biodiversity as it decreases
ecosystem diversity and
species diversity (variation).
leading to shifts in species
populations. Such changes can
trigger a cascade of effects
within the ecosystem, altering
habitat structures and
interactions among organisms.
Furthermore, reduced genetic
diversity limits the adaptive
potential of populations. This
can hinder their ability to
evolve in response to
environmental changes, as
fewer genetic combinations are
available for natural selection to
act upon. Consequently, the
overall resilience of ecosystems
may diminish, making them
more vulnerable to
disturbances and reducing their
capacity to support diverse
forms of life.
MINARAH COLLEGE FRIDAY 4TH JUNE 2025

Biology - Mrs Anwar

Dania Elias

DNA Manipulation
CONCLUSION
Artificial DNA manipulation has transformed medicine,
agriculture, and sustainability through advancements like
CRISPR and recombinant DNA technology. It offers potential
benefits such as eradicating genetic diseases, improving food
security, and reducing environmental harm. However, ethical
concerns, biodiversity risks, and unintended consequences
must be carefully managed.
While gene editing accelerates evolution and presents
groundbreaking opportunities, it also poses challenges like
reduced genetic diversity and ethical dilemmas. Responsible
regulation is crucial to ensuring that biotechnology is used
sustainably, balancing innovation with ecological and societal
well-being.