Essential Idea:
Biotechnology can be used in the
diagnosis and treatment of disease
Understandings:
- Infections by a pathogen can be detected by the presence of its genetic material or by its antigens
- Predisposition to a genetic disease can be detected through the presence of markers
- DNA microarrays can be used to test for genetic predisposition or to diagnose the disease
- Metabolites that indicate disease can be detected in blood and urine
- Tracking experiments are used to gain information about the localization and interaction of a desired protein
- Biopharming uses genetically modified animals and plants to produce proteins for therapeutic use
- Viral vectors can be used in gene therapy
Applications:
- Use of PCR to detect different strains of influenza virus
- Tracking tumour cells using transferrin linked to luminescent probes
- Biopharming of antithrombin
- Use of viral vectors in the treatment of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Skills:
- Analysis of a simple microarray
- Interpretation of the results of an ELISA diagnostic test