7.3 Gene Technology Flashcards
Producing recombinant DNA
1) Use reverse transcriptase enzymes to make DNA from mRNA
2) use reverse endonuclease enzymes to cut a specific point in the DNA sequence + leave ‘sticky ends’
3) Cut plasmid with the same restriction endonuclease enzymes to leave complementary sticky ends
4) Join plasmid + gene with DNA ligase
5) Put plasmid back into host nucleus
Vectors
Gene guns
Viruses
Liposome Wrapping
Microinjections
Gene guns
High speed metal pellets with DNA
Liposome Wrapping
DNA wrapped in liposomes that fuse with the cell membrane
Gene Markers
Used to show where a foreign gene has been inserted
Fluorescence markers, antibiotic resistance + replica plating
Antibiotic Resistance Gene Marking
1) Bacteria are transferred onto a plate with antibiotics
2) If they don’t grow, the gene has been inserted
Knockout Mice
1 or more genes are silenced
its used to investigate gene function or used during research for clinical trials
Transgenic Plants
Plants which contain genetic material from an unrelated organism
Genetic Modification using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
1) Ti plasmid extracted
2) Bacterial genes are inserted into plasmid
3) Plasmid returns to bacterium
4) Plant is injected with bacterium
5) Plant grows a crown gall which contains the inserted gene
Uses of GM plants
Flood Resistance
Herbicide Resistance
Changing the nutrient value
Changing the nutrient value
Linoleic acid is replaced by oleic acid in soya beans
makes it healthier
Advantages of GM crops
Crops produce higher yields
Less use of pesticides- less environmental damage
Vaccines can be produced
Disadvantages of GM crops
Transmission of genetic material between GMO’s and non GMO’s
Creates a monoculture - bad for biodiversity
Moral objections - modifying animals for human use
