Genetic Engineering

Question 1

what enzymes are used in genetic engineering?

Answer 1

RESTRICTION ENZYMES- recognise specific sequences of DNA and cut the DNA at these points
LIGASE ENZYMES- used to join 2 pieces of DNA together

Question 2

what is recombinant DNA?

Answer 2

two different bits of DNA stuck together.

Question 3

how does genetic engineering work?

Answer 3

1. the DNA wanted is cut out with a restriction enzyme. the vector DNA is then cut open using the same restriction enzyme.
2. the vector DNA and the DNA you’re inserting are mixed together with ligase enzymes.
3. the ligases join the 2 pieces of DNA together to produce
4. the recombinant DNA is inserted into other cells (eg bacteria)
5. these cells now use the gene you inserted to make the protein you want.

Question 4

what is a vector?

Answer 4

something that’s use to transfer DNA into a cell:

1. plasmids are small circular molecules of DNA that can be transferred between bacteria.
2. Viruses insert DNA into the organisms they infect.

Question 5

how can large amounts of human insulin be manufactured?

Answer 5

bacteria containing the gene for human insulin can be grown in huge numbers in a FERMENTER to produce insulin for people with diabetes

Question 6

what does the term TRANSGENIC mean?

Answer 6

the transfer of genetic material from one species to a different species.

Question 7

how can genetically modified plants improve food production?

Answer 7

eg. insect resistant or herbicide resistant.
- insect resistant mean farmers dont need as many pesticides
- herbicide resistant means farmers can spray herbicides without the crop being affected.