3.1.4 Genetic Engineering Flashcards
What is genetic engineering?
When a gene from one organism is inserted into another organism.
Why do scientists do genetic engineering?
To insert the desired characteristics from one organism into another.
Why is genetic engineering better than selective breeding?
It is quicker
It is more precise
What do we mean when we say that genetic engineering is very precise?
You can choose specific genes to insert into an organism
Give 3 examples of genetically engineered organisms.
Cotton plants with high yields
Corn that produces spider toxins to kill insects
Bacteria that produces human insulin.
Tomatoes that produce flounder fish antifreeze proteins
Bacteria can be genetically engineered to produce…
vaccines
antibiotics
Why are bacteria useful for producing very large amounts of useful substances.
They reproduce rapidly so produce substances very quickly.
Describe how bacteria can be genetically modified to produce human insulin.
- Human insulin gene inserted into bacteria.
- Bacteria now produce human insulin.
- Bacteria multiply rapidly and produce large quantities of human insulin.
- Bacteria are them removed and leave behind human insulin.
The gene that is inserted into a new organism is sometimes referred to as a…
foreign gene
People who do not produce insulin have…
diabetes
What is insulin needed for?
To control blood sugar levels.
