5. Genetic Engineering Flashcards
What is genetic engineering ?
The process of removing genetic information from one organism and inserting it into another. The genes then function in the new organism to produce a substance useful to man.
e.g. Bacteria can be altered so that they make PROTEINS from humans suc
Give an example of genetic engineering used in humans?
The human gene which produces the protein insulin, can be inserted into a host bacterial cell which multiplies and therefore can produce a large quantity of insulin in a short time.
Patients with DIabetes need insulin injections to regulate blood sugar.
Why are bacteria often used in genetic engineering?
Their genetic material is easier to alter and they reproduce (multiply) very rapidly.
Bacteria can double in numbers every 20 minutes
Define required gene
The new gene that is being inserted into the organism.
Define Source Chromosome
The chromosome that contains the required gene.
Define Plasmid
A small circle of DNA found in bacterial cells. These
can be easily removed and inserted into other bacterial cells.
Define Host Bacterial Cell
The new cell that the required gene is being inserted into.
What is the first stage of genetic engineering?
Identify the section of DNA that contains the required GENE from the source chromosome.
What is stage 2 of genetic engineering?
Extract the required gene from the donor DNA using ENZYMES. e.g. human Insulin.
Remember enzymes are needed for this!
What is stage 3 of genetic engineering?
Extract the PLASMID from the host bacterial cell, and cut open to make space for the new gene.
AGAIN ENZMES ARE NEEDED TO CUT OPEN THE BACTERIAL PLASMID
What is stage 4 of genetic engineering?
Insertion of the required gene into bacterial plasmid and seal using enzymes.
What is stage 5 of genetic engineering?
Insert modified plasmid into host bacterial cell to produce a genetically modified organism.
What is stage 6 of genetic engineering?
Genetically modified bacteria are cultured (allowed to multiply) and large quantities of protein (e.g. INSULIN ) are produced and extracted.
What is a G.M.O.
Genetically Modified Organism…
Any living thing (organism) that has had its genetic material altered by genetic engineering.
What are the advantages of genetic engineering?(2)
Produce large quantities of desired product
Wide range of substances of medicinal and commercial value produced.
What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering?(2)
Cost of development is expensive
Reprogrammed bacteria could get into the ecosystem with harmful effects.
What are enzymes used for in genetic engineering
Enzymes are needed to cut out the desired genes from DNA and to cut open the bacterial plasmid. They are alao used to seal/glue the desired gene into the plasmid.
Name structure x
The diagram below represents part of the process of genetic engineering.
X is the Plasmid
If a bacteria has an initial concentration of 1000cells/cm3. Each cell divides once every 30
minutes. Calculate how long it will take for the concentration to become greater than 15000 cells/cm3
120 min
0 min = 1000
30 min = 2000
60 min = 4000
90 min = 8000
120 min = 1600cells
A - Extraction of required gene → Insertion of plasmid into bacterial cells → Growth of transformed bacterial cells
B - Growth of transformed bacterial cells → Insertion of plasmid into bacterial cells → Extraction of required gene
C- Insertion of plasmid into bacterial cells → Growth of transformed bacterial cells → Extraction of required gene
Which sequence is correct in the process of making a GMO?
A - Extraction of required gene → Insertion of plasmid into bacterial cells → Growth of transformed bacterial cells
Choose the correct order from the table.
A
What does a bacterial cell that has received genetic information from another organism use its coded instructions to produce?
A. DNA
B. A gene
C. A new type of protein
C. A new type of protein
