Intriguingly, it was discovered that only 2.2% of our genome is functional and shared with mice. But according to the researchers, that doesn’t necessarily mean we are that different and it’s difficult to tell what explains our differences as species. “We are not so special. Our fundamental biology is very similar,” said co-author . “Every mammal has approximately the same amount of functional DNA, and approximately the same distribution of functional DNA that is highly important and less important." [Via and ] Check Out These GLOWING Fish! May 22, 2014 | by Lisa Winter photo credit: Ruby Jylin via YouTube Many organisms have been genetically engineered to glow: , , , monkeys,, and even . When a new glowing organism is announced, many people don’t seem to understand or appreciate why it has been done. While there is the inherent “cool” factor with a glowing organism, the technique wasn’t developed just for fun. Biologists utilize genetic engineering for a variety of purposes. They can learn more about the function of a gene if they suppress or amplify its expression. Some genes are pleiotropic, in that they influence many phenotypes, even if they seem unrelated. For this reason, it is incredibly important to understand where a gene is being expressed, but that is slightly more difficult. For that reason, reporter genes for green fluorescent protein (GFP; which gives certain jellyfish their natural bioluminescence) can be inserted into the genome and produce a visible signal when the desired gene is expressed. This allows the researchers to get visual confirmation that the genetic engineering was successfully completed in the desired location. But ? The gene that encodes GFP is replicated through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which essentially works like a Xerox machine for DNA. The environmental conditions coax the DNA into replicating until there is an adequate supply. The DNA is then altered to over express the GFP, which will make it easier to see in the animal model. The GFP gene is combined with promotor and enhancer
Intriguingly, it was discovered that only 2.2% of our genome is functional and shared with mice. But according to the researchers, that doesn’t necessarily mean we are that different and it’s difficult to tell what explains our differences as species. “We are not so special. Our fundamental biology is very similar,” said co-author . “Every mammal has approximately the same amount of functional DNA, and approximately the same distribution of functional DNA that is highly important and less important." [Via and ] Check Out These GLOWING Fish! May 22, 2014 | by Lisa Winter photo credit: Ruby Jylin via YouTube Many organisms have been genetically engineered to glow: , , , monkeys,, and even . When a new glowing organism is announced, many people don’t seem to understand or appreciate why it has been done. While there is the inherent “cool” factor with a glowing organism, the technique wasn’t developed just for fun. Biologists utilize genetic engineering for a variety of purposes. They can learn more about the function of a gene if they suppress or amplify its expression. Some genes are pleiotropic, in that they influence many phenotypes, even if they seem unrelated. For this reason, it is incredibly important to understand where a gene is being expressed, but that is slightly more difficult. For that reason, reporter genes for green fluorescent protein (GFP; which gives certain jellyfish their natural bioluminescence) can be inserted into the genome and produce a visible signal when the desired gene is expressed. This allows the researchers to get visual confirmation that the genetic engineering was successfully completed in the desired location. But ? The gene that encodes GFP is replicated through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which essentially works like a Xerox machine for DNA. The environmental conditions coax the DNA into replicating until there is an adequate supply. The DNA is then altered to over express the GFP, which will make it easier to see in the animal model. The GFP gene is combined with promotor and enhancer