Lecture, chapter 14 - Biotechnology

Today we covered most of chapter 14 in Biotechnology.

We discussed some of the services offered within the context of biotechnology, such as genetic testing and screening, and DNA profiling, mainly using short tandem repeats (STRs) or microsatellites.

On Friday we will discuss genetic testing via DNA microarrays, and we will have a brief discussion on population genetics.

----------------------

Lab 10 - Population genetics II - Evolution

Today on lab 10, we performed a series of computer simulations to understand the effect of natural selection and genetic drift on the evolution of populations.

We used Jon C. Herron's AlleleA1 and EvoDots. AlleleA1 allowed us to simulate changes in allele frequency under specific conditions, since we were able to control variables such as population size, initial allele frequency, and fitness (we didn't change other variables that could be controlled as well). EvoDots allowed us to simulate the effects of predation on a population of dots which vary in certain traits (speed, size, and color). In this case the user is the predator.

The effects of natural selection and genetic drift under various conditions was considered.

Other activities:

• We had the last bioethics discussion panel (privacy of genetic information)
• We had our second lab quiz

----------------------

Lecture, chapter 14 - Biotechnology

Today we started covering chapter 14, on Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of recombinant DNA technology to produce commodities or offer services.

We discussed some of the uses of biotechnology in today's society, such as biopharming (obtaining pharmaceutical products by using bacteria, animals, and plants), and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

----------------------