Biotechnology: Molecular Cloning, CRISPR Gene Editing, and Genetica...

In this video, I explore different types of modern biotechnology, including techniques that modify an organism's genome or create entirely new genes and life forms. One such technique, molecular or gene cloning, involves inserting recombinant DNA molecules into organisms and directing their replication within the host. Another method, CRISPR gene editing, utilizes a streamlined version of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, originally an anti-bacteriophage defense mechanism in bacteria. Notably, the first medicine produced using recombinant DNA technology was human insulin, which was made by combining genetic sequences from different organisms.

Time stamps:

Biotechnology is the use of cells or living organisms to develop products for humans: 0:00
Construction of recombinant DNA by inserting a DNA fragment into a plasmid: 0:44
Molecular cloning assembles recombinant DNA molecules and directs their replication within host organisms: 2:52
Diagram explaining gene cloning of bacteria: 5:25
DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots attached to a solid surface: 16:22
Video of a microarray for genotyping to compare genes between individuals: 14:47
Expression vector introduces a specific gene into a target cell to produce protein encoded by the gene: 21:42
- Current COVID-19 vaccines use mRNA vectors to produce the "coronavirus spike protein": 23:28
Synthetic genomics modifies or creates new DNA or entire lifeforms with artificial non-natural genes: 23:50
Synthetic biology seeks to create new biological parts or devices that are already found in nature: 25:02
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are DNA sequences found in prokaryotic organisms previously infected by bacteriophages: 26:44
Bacteriophage is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria and archaea: 28:35
CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) uses CRISPR sequences as a guide to cut DNA: 31:43
CRISPR gene editing uses a simplified version of the bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 antiviral defense system: 33:27
CRISPR-Cas9 diagram showing Cas9 protein enzyme and guide RNA to cut and replace DNA: 37:26
5' and 3' refer to direction of a strand of nucleic acid: 40:45
Human insulin was first medicine made using recombinant DNA technology: 43:05
Pharming involves inserting genes that code for pharmaceuticals into host animals or plants, thus creating genetically modified organisms (GMO): 43:46