Friday, 30 August 2024

Exploring Genetic Engineering: How It's Protecting Crops and Enhancing Food

In this video - Exploring Genetic Engineering: Protecting Crops and Enhancing Food - I look at three examples of how genetic engineering has been used to protect crops from insects and enhance the nutritional value of food.

1. BT Cotton: A Solution with Unintended Consequences

BT cotton is a prime example of how genetic engineering can provide a targeted solution to agricultural problems. This cotton variety has been engineered to produce a toxin derived from a specific type of bacteria. The toxin crystallises within the plant, and when an insect eats the leaves, the toxin dissolves the insect’s gut, eliminating the pest without the need for widespread insecticide use. This approach has the added benefit of protecting beneficial insects, as the crop itself becomes a selective defence mechanism.

However, this crop has had some unintended consequences. For example, in India, the high cost of BT cotton seeds has created a debt cycle for many farmers. Additionally, the market has seen a rise in counterfeit seeds, complicating the situation further. 

2. Venomous Cabbage: A Controversial Defense

I do like this one.... what made the researchers think of it?

The venomous cabbage - these cabbages have been modified to express scorpion venom in their leaves. The Diamondback moth larvae, notorious for damaging cabbage crops, eat the leaves of cabbages producing the venom and dying. Luckily, this venom is not toxic to humans, making the cabbage safe to eat.

Would you be comfortable eating such a cabbage?

3. Golden Rice: Tackling Vitamin A Deficiency

I was involved in a similar project - more about that in a later video.

Golden Rice represents a more human-centric approach to genetic engineering. This rice has been enriched with beta-carotene, a compound the human body can convert into vitamin A - making it a potent tool in the fight against vitamin A deficiency, which is prevalent in many parts of the world.

The rice owes its yellow colour to the addition of genes from daffodils and bacteria.

While Golden Rice has the potential to significantly improve public health, it also raises important questions. How do we feel about consuming a staple food that contains genes from other species? This case exemplifies the broader debate surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their role in our food supply.

What are your thoughts on these genetically engineered crops? Would you eat them? Let me know in the comments or comment on the video.

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The Cavendish Banana Crisis: How CRISPR Could Save Our FavoUrite Fruit

I like bananas — there, I have said it. They are one of my go-to fruits. But did you know they are in danger of being wiped out and no longer available?

In this video - How CRISPR Could Save Bananas from Extinction | The Cavendish Crisis Explained -  I look at why bananas are in trouble and how genetic engineering may come to the rescue.

About 99% of bananas we eat come from a single strain known as the Cavendish. Unfortunately, this strain faces a threat that could wipe it out.

The Cavendish Banana: A Monoculture at Risk

As popular as it is, the Cavendish banana has a significant vulnerability. It's sterile, meaning it can’t reproduce through seeds like many other plants. Instead, it’s propagated through cuttings. While this has allowed us to produce vast quantities of genetically identical bananas, it also means that if a disease affects one plant, it can quickly spread to all Cavendish bananas worldwide.

Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, or TR4, is a fungus threatening to wipe out the Cavendish banana. TR4 attacks the plant's roots, eventually killing it. Because the Cavendish is sterile, traditional breeding methods can’t be used to introduce resistance to this fungus, making the banana especially vulnerable.

Worryingly, this isn’t the first time a banana strain has faced extinction due to a fungal disease. Before the Cavendish, the Gros Michel banana was the world's favourite. However, attacked by a different strain of Fusarium wilt, leading to its near-total disappearance from the market. The Cavendish was introduced as a replacement, but now it’s facing a similar fate.

How Can We Save the Cavendish Banana?

Traditional breeding can't be used as the Cavendish is sterile. Hence, scientists are using genetic engineering to save the banana. One of the most promising approaches involves tweaking the banana’s genome to make it resistant to TR4. 

One explored method is inserting a resistance gene from wild bananas into the Cavendish. The wild bananas have naturally evolved to resist the fungus, and by transferring their genes, we could give the Cavendish the same level of resistance.

However, an even more interesting approach would be to use CRISPR to make precise changes to the banana’s DNA. In the case of the Cavendish banana, CRISPR could be used to activate a gene that has been silenced but could provide resistance to TR4. Additionally, CRISPR could deactivate genes that make the Cavendish susceptible to the fungus.

Why CRISPR is a Game-Changer

The advantage of using CRISPR is that it doesn’t involve inserting foreign DNA into the banana. This means the resulting banana wouldn’t be considered transgenic, which could ease regulatory hurdles and public concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

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Wednesday, 28 August 2024

New Video Posted: Introduction to Genetic Engineering: Ethics, Science, and Innovation

I have posted a video - Introduction to Genetic Engineering: Ethics, Science, and Innovation.

Genetic engineering often evokes strong emotions and heated debates. When people hear the term, they might immediately think of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), "Frankenstein foods," or the ethical dilemmas surrounding altering life at its most fundamental level. But what exactly is genetic engineering, and what are the implications of this technology?

In its simplest form, genetic engineering directly manipulates an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits. Humans have used genetic engineering through selective breeding to cultivate crops and livestock that yield better produce and more reliable outcomes for centuries. But today’s technology allows scientists to bypass traditional breeding processes and make precise changes to DNA in a laboratory setting. This raises a profound question: just because we can modify life in this way, should we?

In the video, I look at the ethical and scientific complexities of genetic engineering and wonder where society should draw the line. Is it acceptable to engineer a potato or a chicken for better production? What about a cow? How about a human? These questions are not just theoretical but have real-world implications as technology continues to advance.

I also discuss how genetic engineering can be further divided into two broad categories of genetic engineering: research and applications. Research involves using genetic engineering to understand biological systems and diseases, while applications focus on improving crops, livestock, and human health. The ethical dilemmas become particularly acute when considering human health. Should genetic modifications be limited to somatic cells (which don’t get passed on to offspring), or is it ethical to alter germ cells, thereby affecting future generations?

Finally, I wrap up the video by explaining the difference between transgenic and non-transgenic organisms. Transgenic organisms have DNA from a different species introduced into their genome, while non-transgenic organisms involve changes made to the organism’s own DNA. But this distinction leads to another intriguing question: Is DNA truly species-specific?

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Tuesday, 27 August 2024

New Video Posted: Site-Directed Mutagenesis Explained | Understanding the Basics

In this video - Site-Directed Mutagenesis Explained | Understanding the Basics - I look at how you can mutate DNA in the lab.

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

Site-directed mutagenesis is a powerful technique in molecular biology that can introduce specific mutations into a DNA sequence. The method has been instrumental in understanding how proteins function and how genes are regulated. 

The Process of Site-Directed Mutagenesis

Site-directed mutagenesis involves several key steps:

  1. Preparation of DNA: The DNA sequence of interest is either cloned into a plasmid or selected from a plasmid library.
  2. Designing the Primer: A primer is designed to bind specifically to the region of DNA where the mutation is desired. This primer is about 20 bases long, with one crucial difference—it contains the new base that will introduce the mutation. More information on Primer Design.
  3. Creating a Single-Stranded DNA Template: The double-stranded plasmid DNA is converted into a single-stranded form. This single strand serves as the template for the primer to bind.
  4. DNA Synthesis and Ligation: Once the primer is bound, DNA polymerase synthesises the complementary strand, incorporating the new base. DNA ligase is then added to seal the DNA strand, completing the synthesis.
  5. Introduction into Bacteria: The newly mutated plasmid is introduced into bacteria, where the bacteria's natural DNA repair mechanisms take over. These mechanisms either repair the mismatched DNA back to its original form or incorporate the new mutation.

Applications of Site-Directed Mutagenesis

The ability to change a single base in a DNA sequence provides scientists with a powerful tool to explore how specific mutations affect protein function and gene expression. This technique has enabled numerous studies, allowing researchers to pinpoint individual amino acids' roles in proteins and dissect complex genetic regulatory networks.

From Site-Directed Mutagenesis to CRISPR

While site-directed mutagenesis has been a common lab technique for decades, the advent of CRISPR technology has revolutionised the field of genetic engineering. CRISPR offers a more efficient and precise method for making targeted genetic changes, but the foundational principles of mutagenesis laid the groundwork for these modern advances.

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Friday, 23 August 2024

New Video Posted: DNA Sequencing: Sanger Method and Beyond Explained

In the video DNA Sequencing: Sanger Method and Beyond Explained, I explain the Sanger method and look at some of the new approaches and methods that can speed up the DNA sequencing process.

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

DNA sequencing allows scientists to decode the genetic information that dictates everything from the colour of our eyes to how our cells function. One of the most widely used laboratory methods for DNA sequencing is the Sanger method, also known as the chain-terminating dideoxynucleotide method.

The Basics of Sanger Sequencing

The Sanger sequencing process begins like a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), with a template DNA that you want to sequence, a single primer (and not two primers as in PCR), DNA polymerase, and nucleotides (dNTPs). However, the method also includes special nucleotides called dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs), which play a key role in the sequencing process.

In the sequencing method, the reaction goes through 25-30 cycles of denaturing, annealing and extension, just as you would in PCR. The DNA polymerase builds new DNA strands during the reaction and adds nucleotides to the growing chain. The twist comes with the ddNTPs; when one of these is incorporated, the chain is terminated, and no further nucleotides can be added. Each ddNTP is tagged with a different fluorescent marker corresponding to one of the four DNA bases (A, T, C, or G). This allows the sequence to be read by analysing the fluorescent tags after the reaction.

Once the reaction is completed, the next step is separation. The DNA fragments are separated using gel electrophoresis. As the fragments move through the gel, a laser scans the gel for the fluorescent tags, and the sequence of the DNA is determined by the fluorescence colour at each position.

While the Sanger method has been incredibly valuable, it has limitations. It can only read between 500 to 1000 bases per reaction, making it labour-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale projects.

Moving Beyond Sanger: Advanced Sequencing Methods

As the need for faster and more efficient sequencing has grown, new methods have been developed. One such method is shotgun sequencing, where the genome is broken into random segments. Each segment is sequenced individually using the Sanger method, and then the fragments are pieced together like a puzzle to reconstruct the full genome.

Another significant advancement was Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), also known as massively parallel sequencing. NGS technologies have revolutionised genomics by allowing the simultaneous sequencing of many DNA molecules. This high-throughput approach can detect the sequence using either fluorescent nucleotides or pH changes.

Finally, we have Third-Generation Sequencing methods, which include techniques like nanopore sequencing. In nanopore sequencing, DNA is passed through a nanopore, and the sequence can be determined by detecting changes in electrical current.

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Wednesday, 21 August 2024

New Video Posted: DNA Libraries: Genomic vs. cDNA - Key Differences and Applications

 I have posted a video on the key differences between genomic DNA (gDNA) and complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries - DNA Libraries: Genomic vs. cDNA - Key Differences and Applications.

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

DNA libraries are essential tools for researchers to study and manipulate genetic material. If you're working in a lab, you'll likely encounter two main types of DNA libraries: genomic DNA (gDNA) libraries and complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries. Though both serve important roles in research, they are fundamentally different in their composition, creation, and applications. 

What Are DNA Libraries?

A DNA library is a collection of DNA sequences cloned into vectors, small pieces of DNA that can carry foreign DNA into a host cell, such as bacteria. These libraries allow scientists to store, access, and manipulate specific DNA sequences for various research purposes.

Genomic DNA (gDNA) Libraries

A genomic DNA library is created from the complete genomic DNA of an organism. This means it contains all the genetic material necessary to build that organism. In eukaryotes, this includes both the coding regions (exons) and the non-coding regions (introns) of genes. 

How is a gDNA Library Made?

  1. DNA Extraction: Genomic DNA is extracted from cells.
  2. DNA Fragmentation: The extracted DNA is cut into smaller fragments using restriction enzymes.
  3. Cloning: These fragments are then cloned into plasmids, which are circular DNA molecules.
  4. Transformation: The plasmids are inserted into bacteria, which replicate the DNA fragments, creating a library.

When to Use a gDNA Library?

gDNA libraries are ideal when studying the full structure of genes, including regulatory elements, or when exploring gene functions across the genome.

However, there are some limitations. Because a gDNA library contains both introns and exons, it can complicate the task of isolating and studying the sequences that actually code for proteins. Additionally, genes in a gDNA library may be fragmented across multiple clones, making it challenging to reconstruct the complete gene sequence through sequence alignment.

Complementary DNA (cDNA) Libraries

cDNA libraries are derived from messenger RNA (mRNA) in a cell. This means that a cDNA library only contains the sequences actively expressed as proteins when the library is made. Therefore, the content of a cDNA library depends on the type of cell, the time of day, and the cell's conditions.

How is a cDNA Library Made?

  1. mRNA Isolation: Cells are lysed, and the mRNA is purified from the lysate using affinity chromatography, which often involves oligo-dT beads that bind to the poly-A tails of mRNA molecules.
  2. Reverse Transcription: Using reverse transcriptase, the mRNA is used as a template to synthesise complementary DNA (cDNA). This gives a mRNA/DNA molecule.
  3. RNA Removal: The original mRNA is removed from the mRNA/DNA molecule using an enzyme (RNase H). The now single-stranded cDNA is converted into a double-stranded DNA molecule using DNA polymerase.
  4. Cloning: The cDNA is cloned into plasmids and inserted into bacteria.
Isolating mRNA can be tricky because it is easily degraded by enzymes released during cell lysis or by RNases in the environment. Moreover, because cDNA libraries only reflect the genes being expressed at a specific time, they may not provide a complete picture of an organism's genome.

When to Use a cDNA Library?

cDNA libraries are particularly useful for studying gene expression, identifying specific mRNA sequences, and producing recombinant proteins.

Choosing the Right Library

It is essential to understand the distinctions between gDNA and cDNA libraries. A gDNA library is the right choice if the goal is to study the entire genome or understand gene regulation. However, a cDNA library must be used if you're interested in the proteins a cell produces or need to work with specific mRNA sequences.

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Monday, 19 August 2024

New Video Posted: PCR Primer Design: Tips for Accurate DNA Amplification

I have posted a video on PCR primer design - PCR Primer Design: Tips for Accurate DNA Amplification.

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an important lab technique that allows scientists to amplify specific DNA sequences. However, the success of a PCR largely depends on correctly designing the PCR primers. 

Why Primer Design Matters

The importance of primer design in PCR cannot be overstated. If your primers are poorly designed, the DNA amplified during the reaction might not be the correct region of DNA, or you will get a low product yield. To avoid such issues, you must carefully consider three primary factors when designing primers: 

  1. Melting temperature (Tm)
  2. Disruptive secondary structures
  3. Specificity of the primers

1. Melting and Annealing Temperatures

Two crucial temperatures play a role in PCR primer design:

  1. the melting temperature (Tm)
  2. the annealing temperature
The Tm is the temperature at which 50% of the primer would dissociate from a double-stranded to a single-stranded form. The primers bind to the denatured DNA template during each PCR cycle at the annealing temperature. Typically, the ideal Tm is 55-65 °C, and the annealing temperature is set 3-5 °C below the Tm to ensure optimal primer binding.

In the lab, you would use a computer program to determine the Tm of a primer. The program usually uses the nearest neighbour method to calculate the Tm accurately. This method considers the specific sequence of bases and the concentrations of components in the reaction.

2. Disruptive secondary structures

It is essential to ensure your primers won’t form problematic secondary structures like hairpin loops or primer-dimer pairs. Hairpin loops occur when a primer folds back on itself, creating a loop that can be difficult to melt during the PCR process, leading to inefficient amplification. Primer-dimer pairs form when two primers bind to each other instead of the target DNA. This can result in an inefficient reaction and the production of the wrong DNA.

In the lab, you would use a computer program to test for hairpin loop formation and primer-dimer pairs.

3. Specificity of the primers

A standard PCR primer is usually 20 to 30 bases long and has an ideal Tm of around 55-65 °C. The Tm and the length of the primer help ensure specificity. 

Finally, it is advisable to perform a BLAST search with your primer sequences, which can help confirm that they do not have unintended matches with other sequences in the species. If the DNA species is not human, a BLAST search against a human database should be performed to check for the possibility of a result if the reaction is contaminated with human DNA.

Advanced Techniques: Overcoming Challenges in PCR

In some cases, even with well-designed primers, you might need help getting the correct DNA to amplify, especially when dealing with low amounts of template DNA or needing to add restriction sites to your product. To address this, you can use a nested primer approach. This involves using two sets of primers, one set falling inside the other, to improve specificity and yield through a two-round PCR process.

For adding restriction sites, primers are designed with the desired restriction site sequences at the 5’ end. However, this introduces a mismatch between the primer and the template DNA. To compensate, the initial PCR cycles are performed at a lower annealing temperature to help the primers bind more effectively. Once the restriction site is incorporated into the amplified DNA, the annealing temperature is raised to the standard level for subsequent cycles. A GC clamp at the 3’ end of the primer, where the last two bases are guanine (G) or cytosine (C), can also help improve binding due to the stronger hydrogen bonds these bases form.

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