Genetic Engineering Flashcards
Genetic engineering
uses gene editing or gene transfer (using DNA cloning) to alter the genome of an organism for medical, industrial, or agricultural purposes. Genetic engineering results in a genetically modified organism (GMO). GMOs are made by the editing or addition of a desired gene.
Transgenic organisms
GMOs with DNA from more than one species.
Genetic manipulation:
transfer of a specific gene from one organism to another to obtain a desired characteristic
CLONING
Process of creating a genetically identical replica of a molecule, cells, or entire organism
DNA cloning
the creation of a transgenic organism by transferring a portion of DNA from an organism to a bacterium or virus
Reproductive cloning
the process whereby genetically identical organisms are made from a single parent
Therapeutic cloning
using stem cells for research purposes and replacing damaged or diseased tissues (gene therapy)
DNA Cloning
Recombinant DNA technology involves transferring a portion of DNA or gene from an organism to another organism, often using a bacterium or virus as a vector.
Isolation - the desired allele is extracted, cut, and isolated from the DNA of a cell
Engineering - the gene is inserted into the target cell or vector (e.g. a virus or bacteria).
Insertion - the gene becomes integrated into the target organism’s genome.
Synthesis - the correct protein is synthesized and the desired trait is expressed in the GMO.
REPRODUCTIVE CLONING in plants
Plants are easier to modify as they readily reproduce asexually from tissue cultures forming clones. These can then be planted out forming a large number of genetically identical plants relatively quickly.
REPRODUCTIVE CLONING in animals
Reproductive cloning in animals involves nuclear transfer where a nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred to an ovum that had its nucleus removed. The resultant cell formed is an embryonic stem cell (zygote) that is allowed to grow into a clone of the original somatic cell donor.
THERAPEUTIC CLONING
Therapeutic cloning uses stem cells for research purposes and replacing damaged or diseased tissues. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can be used to produce identical organisms/organs. They are small, unspecialised somatic cells that are capable of dividing repeatedly by mitosis and can specialise to form many different types of somatic cells.
Uses of stem cells
Used to replace diseased tissue e.g. bone cancer
Used to replace damaged tissue e.g. spinal injuries and skin burns
Used as a food source e.g. lab grown meat
