Anthropology

Biology
Biology is the science of
the 21 Century.
st
ANTHROPOLOGY OF
BIOLOGY
ANTHROPOLOGY OF BIOLOGY

 Ever wonder why

BIOLOGY is recognized
as the “Science of the
21st century”?
 What is your idea
about “Anthropology
of Biology”
ANTHROPOLOGY OF BIOLOGY

 HUMAN
INTERVENTION
AND
MANIPULATION
OF LIFE at the
molecular level.
 DNA
Biological technologies that could shape
society
 Genomics & proteomics
 Biotechnology including cloning, genetic
engineering, CRISPR
 Synthetic Biology

But before you proceed, let us review the central

dogma of biology and the genetic code table.
Central Dogma of Biology

What is DNA, RNA, and a protein molecule?

What is DNA replication? What is the purpose of this process?
What is transcription? What is the significance of this process?
What is Translation? What is the significance of this process?
Please review these basic biological concepts.
DNA = ATCG A=T &C=G A = Adenine
RNA = AUCG A=U&C=G T = Thymine
C = Cytosine
G = Guanine
U = Uracil Genetic code Table of Amino Acids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyhyLh-zCQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmgIClg0Y1k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXamRS85hXU
Review Questions for Genomics &
Proteomics
 The word genomics was derived from the word “gene”,
and proteomics from protein.
 What are genes and their relationship with the protein
molecule? If you cannot figure out the answer to this
question, go back to the basic concept.
 What are the techniques done in genomics? How is it
connected with the human genome project?
 How would this technology improve human lives? Are we
using this technology in the Philippines to improve our
lives?
 How would this technology address problems in human
health and the environment?
 Biotechnology
 Theuse of living organisms in any form for the
convenience of life.
Biotechnology via gene cloning
Gene Cloning simplified
BIOTECHNOLOGY – (Chapter 9- STS
book- McNamara,SJ et al.)
 The Biodiversity International has released a module titled
”Law and PoIicy of relevance to the management of plant
genetic resources” (Bragdon et al., 2005) which aims to
help professionals in:
 Managing,
 Conserving, and
 Using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
The module provides the following
definitions:
 1. Biotechnology uses biological systems, living
organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or
modify products or processes for a specific use.

 2. Genetic engineering is a technique that allows

genes and DNA to be transferred from one source
to another.
 It leads to the production of living modified organisms
(LMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or
obtaining a better understanding of the structure and
function of genes in living organisms.

 3. Modern biotechnology gives scientists molecular

tools for obtaining a better understanding of the
structure and function of genes in living organisms.
AIMS OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY:

 Develop new precision tools and diagnostics;

 Speed up breeding gains and efficiency;

 Develop pest- and disease-resistant crops;

 Combat salinity, drought, and problems of

agriculture;
 Enhance the nutritional quality of food;

 Increase crop varieties and choice;

 Reduce inputs and production costs; and

 Increase profits (Bragdon et al., 2005)

Biotech: C.R.I.S.P.R. technology
 Means Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
 You have to explain how does this technology works. The link below will assist you in
this task.
http://theconversation.com/what-is-crispr-gene-editing-and-how-does-it-work-84591
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhjPd4uNFY

This is one of the latest biotech procedures. What are your insights pertaining to this
technology? Regarding “designer babies”, are we changing the course of human
evolution toward perfection and immortality, or would this be the start of our
extinction? What do you think?
Designer babies

 In the next two slides, these are the other

technologies that will make the “designer babies”
futuristic goal a realization.
 Is this kind of technology ethical?
Synthetic Biology

Any idea what synthetic biology

is all about?
The next slide will give you a
clue.
Synthetic Biology

Watch this short video about the social implications of synthetic biology.
“Synthetic biology - what should we be vibrating about?: Drew Endy at
TEDxStanford”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf5tTe_i7aA

If you are still interested to watch what is the future of synthetic biology, you
can access this link:
“It's Alive, But Is It Life: Synthetic Biology and the Future of Creation”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU_pfCtSWF4
CONCLUSION

 Indeed, Biology is the science of the 21st century.

 Considering human intervention on the advanced
biological technologies discussed, what will be its
implication to society in terms of the citizens’
clashing beliefs on Darwinian evolution,
creationism, and intelligent design?