genetic engineering. Flashcards
define gene.
a section of DNA that codes for a particular protein.
what do these abbreviations mean: GE & GM(O)?
GE- genetic engineering.
GM(O)- genetically modified (organisms.)
have been genetically engineered.
what’s the process?
enzymes are used to isolate the required gene. (eg: hormone like insulin.)
the gene is cut out by the enzyme and inserted into a vector (bacterial plasmid or virus.)
the vector is inserted into the required cell (eg: bacterial or human cell.)
genes are transferred to the cell of animals, plant or microorganisms at an early stage of development.
they develop with the desired characteristics.
why is insulin important?
controls and maintains blood glucose levels.
what organisms can insulin be got from?
pancreas of pigs and cattle’s.
what are the problems of using animal insulin in humans and how can it be solved?
its not quite the same as human insulin and supply is variable.
solved by GM insulin.
why are crops genetically modified?
produce bigger and better fruit and to be disease resistant.
what can we do to bacteria, what’s it’s use for and what’s the process?
genetically modified to produce insulin. hormone is cut out from human chromosomes and can be used to treat diabetes.
