Topic: Cross-topic Connections for BT-02 Concepts

Connection 1: Biotechnology Principles (BT-01) → BT-02

• Restriction enzymes (BT-01): Used to insert cry genes into plant vectors
• Plasmid vectors (BT-01): Carry insulin A/B chain genes in E. coli
• Retroviral vectors (BT-01): Used in ADA gene therapy
• PCR (BT-01): Diagnostic application in BT-02; technique learned in BT-01

Connection 2: Genetics (CH-04) → BT-02

• Mutations explain ADA deficiency (point mutation in ADA gene)
• Sickle cell anemia (genetics chapter) is diagnosed using PCR-RFLP (BT-02 diagnostic)
• Chromosomal inheritance — gene therapy targets somatic cells (autosomal traits)
• Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium — disrupted by Bt crop resistance selection pressure

Connection 3: Molecular Biology (CH-06) → BT-02

• Transcription/translation: mRNA → protein is what RNAi BLOCKS
• Codons: Codon optimization necessary for E. coli insulin expression
• Promoters: Required for transgene expression in E. coli and transgenic animals
• Post-translational modification: Why E. coli cannot process proinsulin (lack of C-peptide cleavage enzymes)

Connection 4: Ecology (CH-13) → BT-02

• Food web: Bt toxin killing monarch butterflies (non-target lepidopteran) → ecological impact
• Gene flow: Bt genes escaping to wild relatives → impacts natural plant communities
• Biodiversity: Biopiracy threatens incentive to conserve biodiversity; CBD/Nagoya incentivizes conservation
• Population genetics: Refuge strategy in Bt crops uses population genetics principles

Connection 5: Evolution (CH-07) → BT-02

• Natural selection: Bt crop continuous exposure selects for Bt-resistant pest variants
• Resistance evolution: Same principle as antibiotic resistance; high-dose + refuge strategy counters it
• Coevolution: Host-pathogen (plant-nematode) coevolution exploited in RNAi strategy