Introduction to Biotechnology and Evolution

Transgenic Vaccines

Transgenic vaccines are vaccines in which an extracted gene from an organism is introduced into a unicellular organism's genetic code (a bacteria or yeast). This is done to produce a certain protein (the one from the extracted gene) and to multiply that bacteria and the production of the protein in larger quantities. That protein is then able to produce the weakened protein of the membrane of the virus.

Steps of Production

The gene is extracted from the organism and introduced into the seed of the plant, meaning it's introduced inside the first genetic information of the plant. Then you need to plant the seed and allow for the production of the protein.

Advantage of Transgenic Vaccines by Yeasts Over Injured Viruses

They stimulate the economy of medicines, since they are costly, so that amount of money is moved.

Advantage of Edible Vaccines

They could immunize people in poor areas of the world, and also reduce the use of needles, which can lead to contagions when used with many people.

Gene Therapy

Treating a disease caused by the lack of a certain biological substance due to a defective gene can be done through gene therapy. Here are two options and the role of biotechnology in each case:

Gene Therapy with Viruses

Viruses are weakened, the gene with the protein is introduced, and with that, the virus attacks the affected cells.

Therapeutic Treatment with Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

By extracting the DNA of a somatic cell and introducing it into an egg, an exact copy of the individual is made, meaning there is no rejection. This culture produces totipotent cells (not specialized, but can become any cell type), so they are transformed into pluripotent ones to make a copy of an organ or tissue.

Convergent and Homologous Structures

Look and Answer

Convergent or divergent evolution? Justify.

Convergent evolution, since both have the same bone, but according to the function, it's more present or not.

Homologous or analogous organ? Justify.

Homologous organ, because they have the same structure, development, and come from the same ancestor.

Look for a convergent evolution example for adaptation in a similar environment.

Birds come from a different family than bats, but as they both use wings, they are examples of convergent evolution.

Early Life and the Atmosphere

Answer Briefly

Difference between the first heterotrophic organisms and the current ones.

The first heterotrophic organisms were anaerobic, meaning they didn't use oxygen. However, current heterotrophic organisms use oxygen for cell respiration.

Process in which the atmosphere became rich in oxygen.

• Anaerobic heterotrophic organisms fed on organic matter in the primordial soup.
• As organic matter became scarce, they became autotrophic, becoming dominant.
• Development of photosynthesis, releasing oxygen.

First autoreplicative genetic molecule. Justify.

Ribozymes, RNA molecules that regulate their own synthesis and store genetic information.