1.5- genetic engineering Flashcards
What is natural transfer and how does it happen?
When viruses infect cells they inject DNA to the cell they are infecting. Somer bacteria can also transfer DNA into other cells, they transfer plasmids.
Definition of Genetic engineering
Transfer of DNA from one type of organism to another artificially.
What are GMOs?
The new organisms are called genetically modified organisms.
Genetic information is related how?
It can be transferred from one cell to another by genetic engineering.
What does genetic engineering usually involve?
Removing a gene from one organism and placing it in another. The GMO can now make this protein.
Why are bacterial cells used as hosts for new genetic material?
They contain plasmids which are portable. They can transfer DNA into other cells.
What are the uses of enzymes in this process?
To cut out the gene from the source chromosome, cut open the plasmid and insert the gene into the bacterial plasmid.
What are the stages of genetic engineering?
Identifying section of DNA on chromosome which contains required gene. Cutting required gene from chromosome using special enzymes. Extracting plasmid from bacterial cell. Cut open the plasmid using the same special enzyme. Inserting the required gene into the plasmid using special enzyme that joins them. Inserting the altered plasmid Into the host cell. Growing the GMOs.
What proteins are there with use of genetic engineering?
Insulin, Human growth hormone, Factor VIII.
Where in the industry is GE used.
Cheese making- rennet can be produced by genetically modified bacteria. Biological detergents- contain protein digesting enzymes produced by GE bacteria.
What is Gene therapy, GM crops and Pharming?
Replacement of a defective gene which caused a genetic disorder. Crops containing genes from other organisms. New DNA is inserted into the chromosomes of an animal.
Pros and cons of GE
Wide variety of useful products, fast process, product is pure.
Expensive. Some complex proteins only made by animal or plant cells, not bacteria. GE bacteria may be released to environment causing disease which might not respond to available medicine.
Plasmid
Bacteria naturally pass this form of genetic material to other bacteria. Vector used to carry desired gene in GE.
Restriction enzymes
Special enzymes that cut DNA
Host
Cell that has another organisms genetic material.
Useful product of GE
Insulin
Gene
Piece of DNA that codes for particular protein.
Virus
Not a living cell but can still transfer genetic material from one organism to another.
