Insulin Production From Genetically Modified Bacteria Biology Essay

Insulin Production From Genetically Modified Bacteria Biology Essay In the 1970s people suffering from diabetes mellitus used insulin from cattle pigs, but this was expensive time consuming. Moreover insulin from other animals was not exactly as same as those in humans, causing many side-effects. Also many people were against the use of animal insulin for ethical or religious reasons. This problem had to be solved in 1970s biotechnological companies began working of genetically modifying a bacterium to produce insulin by insertion of a human gene. many different methods were tried tested, then finally in the early 1980s they suceeded, this was agreat achievement in the science world. the procedure was as follows :- Isolation of insulin gene insulin is a small protein . the first challenge was to isloate the insulin gene from the rest of the DNA in the human cell. But there was a problem doing so directly, instead the mRNA carrying the code for synthesizing insulin was extracted from the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin, called B-cells. then the mRNA was left in incubation with reverse transcriptase, reverse transcriptase is a special retrovirus, it does the opposite of transcription i.e codes for DNA from RNA, this newly coded DNA is called complimentary DNA or simply cDNA. at first single stranded molecules were formed, which then turned in double helix. these DNA molecules carried the code for human insulin. these DNA molecules then needed to be stuck to other DNA strands, so they were given sticky ends by adding lenghts of single stranded DNA made up of guanine nucleotide to each end using enzyymes. insertion of gene into a vector for the human insulin gene to be inserted into a bacterium, there has to be an intermediate carrier of the gene called a vector this was a plasmid. plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA found in many bacteria. plasmids can freely move into bacterium cells and if we are able to insert the human DNA inside the plasmid then insert plasmid into a bacterium. To obatin the plasmids from the bacteria containing them, these bacteria frist had to be mixed with enzymes to dissolve their cell walls. then centrifuged so that large organelles e.g chromosomes small ones like plasmids would be seperated. restriction enzymes were used to slice open the the circular DNA making up the plasmid. sticky ends were added again but this time the nucleotide used to make them conatined cytosine guanine bases on their ends paired up. DNA ligase was then used to link the nucleotide backbone together so that the human insulin gene became part of tthe plasmid. this was the manufacture of recombinant DNA. Advantages of treating diabetes by human insulin There are a number of advantages of using the human insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria: it is chemically identical to the insulin that would have been produced had they not been diabetic, so there is little chance of an immune response because it is an exact fit in the human insulin receptors in human cell surface membranes, it brings about a much more rapid response than pig or cow insulin, like natural human insulin, the duration of the response is much shorter than pig or cattle insulin, it overcomes problems related to the development of a tolerance to insulin from pigs or cattle, it avoids any ethical issues that might arise from the use pig or cattle insulin, for example, religious objections to the use of pig insulin or objections from vegetarians to the use of animal products. Benefits of gene technology Through gene technology, it is now possible to produce: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ genetically modified organisms for a specific purpose. Previously, such genetic change would have to be brought about by selective breeding which requires organisms to be of the same species (able to breed successfully together), takes many generations and involves transfer of whole genomes, complete with undesirable background genes. Gene technology is much faster and involves transferring one or few genes, which may come from completely unrelated organisms, even from different kingdoms. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ specific products, such as human insulin and human growth hormone, thereby reducing the dependence on products from other, less reliable sources, such as pig or cow insulin. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ reduce use of agrochemicals such as herbicides and pesticides since crops can be made resistant to particular herbicides, or can be made to contain toxins that kill insects à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ clean up specific pollutants and waste materials bioremediation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ potential for use of gene technology to treat genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (see below) and SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency) as well as in cancer treatment. Hazards of genetic engineering Genes inserted into bacteria could be transferred into other bacterial species, potentially including antibiotic resistance genes and those for other materials, which could result in antibiotic resistance in pathogens, or in bacteria that can produce toxic materials or break down useful materials. Regulation is designed to minimise the risks of escape of such genes. There is little evidence that such genes have escaped into wild bacterial populations. Crop plants have, by their nature, to be released into the environment to grow, and many millions of hectares of genetically engineered crops, both experimental and commercial, are planted across the globe. So far, fears that they might turn out to be super-weeds, resistant to herbicides and spreading uncontrollably, or that their genes might transfer into other closely related wild species, forming a different kind of super-weed, or that they might reduce biodiversity by genetic contamination of wild relatives seem to have proved unfounded. A paper was published in Nature in 2001 showing that Mexican wild maize populations were contaminated with genes from genetically manipulated maize, but the methods used were flawed and subsequent studies have not confirmed this contamination, suggesting that the wild maize is not genetically contaminated. There is some evidence that Bt toxin, geneticially engineered into plants such as cotton and maize, whilst very effective in killing the targe t species, may kill other, desirable, insects such as bees and butterflies, and may also cause natural selection of Bt toxin resistant insects. Future events may show that such environmental risks are greater than they look at present. Food that is derived from genetically engineered organisms may prove to be unexpectedly toxic or to trigger allergic reactions when consumed. There is little reliable evidence that this has been so, but the risk remains. Food containing the expressed products of antibiotic resistance marker genes could be consumed at the same time as treatment with the antibiotic was occurring, which would potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. No examples of this are known. social ethical implocations of genetic engineering ethics are set of rules set by people distinguishing between whats acceptable and whats not, between whats right and whats wrong. these ethics or rules change from a person to person depedning upon knowledge, experience, social influnce, religious influence etc. The social impact of gene technology is to do with its potential and actual impact of human society and individuals. In terms of social impact, gene technology could: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ enhance crop yields and permit crops to grow outside their usual location or season so that people have more food à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ enhance the nutritional content of crops so that people are better fed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ permit better targeted clean-up of wastes and pollutants à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ lead to production of more effective and cheaper medicines and treatments through genetic manipulation of microorganisms and agricultural organisms to make medicines and genetic manipulation of human cells and individuals (gene therapy) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ produce super-weeds or otherwise interfere with ecosystems in unexpected ways, reducing crop yields so that people have less food à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ increase costs of seed and prevent seed from being retained for sowing next year (by inclusion of genes to kill any seed produced this way) reducing food production à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ reduce crop biodiversity by out-competing natural crops so that people are less well fed à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ damage useful materials such as oil or plastic in unexpected ways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ cause antibiotics to become less useful and cause allergic reactions or disease in other unexpected ways The ethical impact is about the application of moral frameworks concerning the principles of conduct governing individuals and groups, including what might be thought to be right or wrong, good or bad. So in the context of gene technology, it is to do with issues of whether is right or wrong to conduct research and develop technologies, whether it is good or bad. Judgements may be that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is good to conduct such research to develop technologies that might improve nutrition, the environment or health à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is good to use the results of such research to produce food, to enhance the environment or improve health à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to continue such research when the potential impact of the technology is unknown and many aspects of it remain to be understood. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to use the results of such research even when the organisms are kept in carefully regulated environments such as sterile fermenters as the risks of the organisms or the genes they contain escaping are too great and unknown à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is wrong to use the results of such research when this involves release of gene technology into the environment as once it is released it cannot be taken back the genes are self-perpetuating, and the risks that they might cause in future are unknown The social and ethical implications of gene technology are complex and relatively unfamiliar to people who are not scientists, including those involved in the media and in government. This complexity and unfamiliarity is the cause of considerable concern and debate. In considering the implications of gene technology the best approach is to avoid the general (e.g. avoid it is bad to play God) and stick to the specific and balanced (e.g. it is possible to increase food crop yields with gene technology so more people can be fed, but there is enough food already if it is properly distributed, so people should not be forced to eat products with unknown risks).

My Philosophy of a Constructivist Mathematics Education Essay -- Educat

â€Å"Understanding is a measure of the quality and quantity of connections that a new idea has with existing ideas. The greater the number of connections to a network of ideas, the better the understanding (Van de Walle, 2007, p.27).† My philosophy of a constructivist mathematics education At what point does a student, in all intents and purposes, experience something mathematical? Does it symbolise a student that can remember a formula, write down symbols, see a pattern or solve a problem? I believe in enriching and empowering a student’s mathematical experience that fundamentally stems from a Piagetian genetic epistemological constructivist model. This allows the student to scaffold their learning through cognitive processes that are facilitated by teaching in a resource rich and collaborative environment (Thompson, 1994, p.69). Constructivist learning Constructivist learning in mathematics should endeavour to encourage students to â€Å"construct their own mathematical knowledge through social interaction and meaningful activities (Andrew, 2007, p.157).† I want students to develop their own conceptual frameworks, experiences, surroundings and prior knowledge. With learning being a social process, students can discuss in small groups their solution strategies rather than silently working at their desks (Clements et al., 1990, p.2). Constructivist teaching I consider the role of the constructivist teacher to enable to guide and facilitate a student’s thought processes and support the invention of viable mathematical ideas. A skilled teacher will also construct an appropriate classroom environment where students openly discuss, reflect on and make sense of tasks set before them (Clements et al, 1990). Through peda... ...trategies discussed provide opportunities for students to actively create and invent their own mathematical knowledge through a meaningful and contextualised environment. Lastly, with learning being a social process, students are encouraged to co-operatively work together in groups where they learn to value their peers opinions and observations. I finish on a quote that symbolises the ideas at the crux of my philosophy, â€Å"In constructivist classrooms, teachers (a) create environments where students are allowed to engage in actions and activity; (b) foster student-co-student interaction in and out of the classroom; (c) design activities that will agitate weak mathematical constructs students possess; (d) structure learning tasks within relevant, realistic environments; and (e) bring out several solutions and representations of the same problem (Driscoll, 2000).†

Ps I Love You Film Review Essay

â€Å"Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. But finding a true soul mate is an even better feeling. A soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what. They say that nothing lasts forever, but I am a firm believer in the fact that for some, love lives on even after we’re gone.† This quotation comes from book â€Å"PS I love you†, written by Cecelia Ahern, and perfectly describes the novel. This book is definitely for women, when you read this you can find yourself laughing and crying all at once. Holly and Gerry had a perfect life. They are happily married, they lived in Dublin closed to their friends and family, the world lies at their feet. When Gerry dies, Holly is devastated. At the day of her 30th birthday, the man who was her soul mate, her lover, has left her. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. But before he died, Gerry wrote a series of letters, some kind of guide includes a mission for Holly to get her life back on track. Over the years which they were together Garry has always been the organized one and long before he became sick he joked with Holy that if he died before her, he would leave her a special list of things to do to assure her life ran smoothly without him. And he kept his promise. Holly discovers that her mother has a large envelope for her. One for each of the remaining months of the year. Letters are delivered in surprising ways, each contained a new adventure or challenges and each signing of in the same way: â€Å"P.S. I Love You†. It’s a bittersweet tale that not only focuses on death but also celebrates life and the joy that is found in living. And although Holly eventually finds peace through the letters that Gerry has left behind, it’s her family and friends that play the biggest part in helping her to let go and move on from grief. Holly’s mother and best friends begin to worry that Gerry’s letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. Gerry’s first instructions are not only to Holly, but also to her best friends, to get out and celebrate Holly’s birthday together. Denise and Sharon seem to represent two aspects of life, Sharon is married and is on her way to building a family, while Denise is still single. She is looking for the right guy, but she does not want to waste time, so she has her checklist. She is definitely not shy but the most importantly, she is a good friend. Holly’s friend Sharon is married to John, who, as often happens with couples, was Gerry’s best friend. John is in a bit of a strange position because he loved Gerry, too, and maybe he is feeling a little left out. John thinks he will never have another friend like Gerry. The next character is The new bartender in Patricia’s pub, Daniel meets and forms an instant attraction to Holly at, of all places, Gerry’s wake. Is interesting, and spontaneous and he says things that are unpredictable, and does not feel the need to apologize if people are taken aback. He becomes a shoulder for Holly to lean on because he is the one person among her friends who didn’t know Gerry so there’s no reason for him to tread lightly or walk on eggshells when his name comes up, which she finds refreshing. Daniel is brave enough to speak his mind, and I think that is helpful to Holly in dealing with her loss. With Gerry’s words as her guide, Holly embarks on a journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into a new beginning for life. The tasks range was different, from getting a new job to singing karaoke in front of a nightclub audience. With some help from her friends, and her noisy and loving family, Holly aversely embraces each of the tasks and discovers along the way that she has more inner strength than she could ever have imagined. She also struggle with feelings of guilt when she meets a handsome man who is clearly attracted to her. The love story is told in a unique way. The main character must started to live without her husband. He was the earth she lived, the ground she stepped and air she breathes. She did not have a proper job, she was not ambitious, she did not have any hobbies. Everything she did in her life revolved around Gerry. They were talking about how unpredictable life could be as one didn’t always get what one expected. No matter how many times you read this book, it will always brings you a smile on your lips with tears in your eyes. This is one of those books that make you cry from the time it starts, then later on lifts you up with some comedy, proceeds with an aura of hope and some heart-warming flash-backs. Cecelia Ahern has written this book brilliantly, she describes the emotions and struggle of life. Author also has taught me a valuable lesson about the true meaning of living and the divide between life and death, and gave the lesson about what it takes to lead meaningful and purposeful life. I really enjoyed it book. It is a romance, but it explores a hard issue. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good dramatic, and funny fiction story. Of the front of the book you can find a quote: â€Å"Everyone needs a guardian angel† and I hope we all do.

The Importance of A Dream in Death of a Salesman, by...

To have a fulfilling life, one must have a dream. However, with the wrong dream, even a fulfilling life is not a happy one. For example in the play, Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, the protagonist, Willy Loman, dreams of becoming a respected and successful salesman. However, Willy Loman dreams the wrong dream and as a result its leads to his tragic demise. This is evident through Willy’s dream being unrealistic, Biffs troubles due to Willy instilling his dream into him, Willys pride resulting from his dream, and the illusion that Willy’s dream creates. As a result, the fabricated life that Willy thought was perfect, ultimately falls apart as it turns into reality. To begin, Willy dreams the wrong dream because it is†¦show more content†¦Therefore to conserve his dream, his pride become his hubris that prompts him to take the drastic actions that end up destroying his life. Willy’s pride not only causes him to overlook his own flaws but also the fl aws of his son, Biff Loman. Willy devoutly believes that Biff is destined for greatness and as a result does not prepare him for failure. Rather, Willy prepares him for the future that is unrealistic like his dream. Willy teaches Biff that all one needs to succeed in the business world is to be well liked and completely neglects the importance of hard work and skill. This is clear when examining Willy’s view of Bernard in which he says, Bernard can get the best marks in school, y’understand, but when he gets out in the business world, y’understand, you are going to be five times ahead of him. Thats why I thank Almighty God youre both built like Adonises. Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead. Be liked and you will never want(Miller 33). Just like Willy’s dream, Biff is bound for failure because of Willy’s misguided notion of how to achieve success. Rather than working hard like Bernard to achieve one’s dreams, Willy tells Biff that success will be given to him. Consequently, Biff is never able to take orders from superiors and steals his way out of every job he is given. This isShow MoreRelatedThe Importance of Dreams in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller697 Words   |  3 PagesThe Importance of Dreams in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller There is a wide range of dreams throughout the play. Every Character is living a dream and these dreams are what affect and change how the play flows. The main dream is the great capitalist American Dream, The dreams dramatically affect relationships, jobs and even threatens lives, and these dreams are usually unachievable so are never going to be reached. 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