5c+d: Genetic Modification and Cloning

Question 1

Vectors

Answer 1

Plasmids and viruses
Used to join insulin gene and plasmid DNA
Take up pieces of DNA and insert this recombinant DNA into other cells
(Used to transfer the insulin gene into bacteria)

Question 2

Fermenter

Answer 2

Large amounts of insulin can be produced from GM bacteria grown in fermenter

Question 3

Transgenic

Answer 3

Transfer of genetic material from one species to a different species

Question 4

Enzymes used in genetic engineering

Answer 4

Restriction enzyme: to cut DNA at specific sites

Ligase enzyme: join pieces of DNA together

Question 5

Cloning by micropropagation

Answer 5

Taking tiny amounts of tissue from a plant - ex plants

Grow in special nutrient media (vitro) supplied with hormones and minerals needed to produce huge numbers of new shoots
Transferred to different medium with hormones that cause growth of new roots
Tiny plants transferred to compost in greenhouse until established plants

Question 6

Cloning by cuttings

Answer 6

Cuttings get damp by using plastic films or special propagators
Limit to how many plants can be made

Question 7

Advantages of micropropagation

Answer 7

Large numbers of genetically identical plants produced rapidly
Species hard to grow in other ways can be propagated
GM can be made to a small number of plants that can then be propagated (desirable characteristics)
Tiny plants can be stored until needed
Produced any time of year

But vulnerable to new disease or a change in condition

Question 8

Animal reproductive cloning

Answer 8

Diploid nucleus from udder cell of mature sheep placed into egg cell of another sheep (nucleus removed) 
Tiny electric shock- fuses
Mitosis produce embryo 
Implanted into foster mother 
Clone of mature sheep

Question 9

Advantages of reproductive cloning

Answer 9

Conserve endangered animals
Clone animals that have been genetically engineered (antibodies)
Medical trials
Therapeutic cloning- organs developed that won’t be rejected by human immune system

Question 10

Disadvantages of reproductive cloning

Answer 10

Risks, expensive 
Genetic diseases passed on 
Not reliable technique- produce abnormal animals 
Cloning of humans 
Morally wrong