Chapter 18: Genetic engineering Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is genetic engineering?
the artificial manipulation of Dna
What is a genetically modified organism?
Organisms that have genes inserted/deleted
What is Recombinant DNA?
formed from the combination of DNA from 2 different species
What are clones?
Population of genetically identical organisms
What is DNA ligase?
Genetic glue, an enzyme that forms recombinant dna
What is a restriction enzyme?
Genetic scissors that cuts dna
How is genetic engineering used in plants?
- A herbicide-resistant gene is inserted into a crop.
- The crop is then resistant to herbicides so when the herbicide is sprayed, the weed dies but not the crop.
- The crop can now be more productive
How is genetic engineering used in animals?
1.The human gene for producing the blood clotting factor can be inserted into a sheep’s dna
2. The sheep then produces factor vii in their milk
3. The sheep’s milk can then be given to haemophiliacs
How is genetic engineering used in micro-organisms?
- The human gene for insulin can be inserted into bacteria plasmids
- Insulin is produced by the bacteria inside bioreactors
- Insulin can be given to diabetics
What are the six stages of genetic engineering?
- Isolation
- Cutting
- Ligation/Insertion
- Transformation
- Cloning
- Expression
Explain Step 1
1.Isolation - Plasmid removed from bacterial cell and human target gene is removed from the cell
Explain Step 2
- Cutting - Restriction enzymes cut out the target gene and cut open the plasmid
Explain Step 3
- Ligation/Insertion - Dna ligase joins the complimentary sticky ends
Explain Step 4
- Transformation: Uptake of recombinant dna back into bacterial host cell and human
Explain Step 5
- Expression: Target gene is made into a protein, isolated and purified
Name 2 ethical concerns regarding genetic engineering
- Effect of GMO’s on food chains
- Transformed microorganisms may become pathogenic
