GENETIC MODIFICATION Flashcards
What is genetic modification?
Splitting part of the DNA sequence, putting them back together and into an organism, producing the protein the added gene codes for and creating many effects
What is the components in genetic modification?
Vector - what’s used to transfer DNA into a cell; either a plasmid or a virus
Plasmid - small molecules of DNA that are transferred between bacteria
Virus - inserts DNA into the infected organism
Restriction enzyme - used to cut open the gene to take out the DNA, that cuts the DNA at specific points based on the restriction enzyme used
Ligase enzyme - used to join together the 2 types of cut DNA
Recombinant DNA - the name for the 2 types of DNA joined together
What is the process of genetic modification? (human insulin)
Using restriction enzymes, the gene for human insulin is cut out of the DNA
Also, the vector DNA (plasmid) is cut open
The vector DNA and inserted DNA are joined together using ligase enzymes
A recombinant DNA is produced, that can be inserted into other cells, like bacteria
The bacteria can be grown in a fermenter, producing lots of insulin for diabetics, as the bacteria reproduces and the insulin gene is passed on
What are the benefits and issues with GM organisms?
The characteristic added can be beneficial in many ways - when sprayed, weeds are killed, but herbicide-resistant plants survive, increasing crop yield
Insect-resistant plants means less pesticides are used, so wildlife isn’t harmed and less money is spent
An issue is that the added gene can be picked up by other organisms - herbicide-resistance gene taken in by weeds
Also, these GM crops could affect food chains and health
What does transgenic mean?
Where the organism contains genes from another species
How is an industrial fermenter cleaned?
Sterilised using steam
Kills pathogens
Aseptic conditions
Reduces contamination and competition in the vessel
How are conditions managed in a fermenter?
pH monitored; kept at optimum level - efficient enzyme use, high rate of reaction
temperature also managed; kept at optimum - heat managed so enzymes don’t denature
How are resources provided in a fermenter?
A liquid culture medium provides nutrients for growth
Sterile air is pumped in for oxygen for respiration
