5. Genetic Engineering

Question 1

What is genetic engineering

Answer 1

Manipulating and altering genetic material/make up
Insertion of genes
Alteration of human genes

Question 2

Why are micro-organisms easy for genetic engineers to use

Answer 2

They are:
Easily obtained
Easily grown
Easy to manipulate
Genetically simple
Asexual reproducers - rapid reproduction of clones

Question 3

Give an example of genetic engineering

Answer 3

Insulin can be genetically engineered for this who cannot produce it themselves - diabetics

Question 4

What does insulin do

Answer 4

Regulates blood sugar levels

Question 5

How do you genetically engineer insulin

Answer 5

• Human insulin chromosome identified
• Catabolic enzymes break it out and cut it up leaving only a insulin gene
• Bacterial cell is broken down to free plasmids
• These are mixed with human insulin and an anabolic enzyme inserts the human gene in the plasmid
  = GE plasmid - insulin
• These plasmids are then absorbed back into the bacteria cells = recombinant bacteria

Question 6

What is culturing

Answer 6

Culturing is when cells are put in a container with optimum conditions and allowed to reproduce freely

Question 7

Bacterial cells contain a useful piece of genetic material, what is this called

Answer 7

A bacterial chromosome, it controls the manufacture of bacteria proteins
Also sometimes contain plasmids, which are also used

Question 8

What are transgenics

Answer 8

When the genes of one species are inserted into the genes of another

Question 9

Transgenics can also be done on multicellular organisms, give examples

Answer 9

Golden rice - extra vitamin A, helps prevent blindness

GM tomatoes - have longer self life, reduces food waste

Oncomouse - develops tumours, body parts can be grown from it

“Human” pigs - organs have human qualities, can be used in transplants, reduces likelihood of rejection